Japan Photo Tours
Ranging from a few days to two weeks, we offer flexible options personalized to all photographers and their desired level of guidance. Our tours (led in both English and French) are built on our experience of Japan and are customized to meet your expectations, schedule, and budget.
Have specific wishes or ideas?
Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’ll create the perfect tour for you.
PROGRAMME 2025 - 2026
Around Lake Biwa
From 3 to 5 days
Located in Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest lake. As a cultural landmark, it captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and deep historical roots.
We explore the minimalist landscapes that have made Lake Biwa legendary among photographers worldwide and other hidden gems. Not to mention one of the country’s oldest temples and the famous castles of the region.
We also take the opportunity to visit the nearby Lake Yogo in winter and capture its snowy beauty, if the weather plays along.
Highlights:
-
Shirahige Shrine Torii
-
Mangestuji Floating Pavilion
-
Trees and natural reserve of The Wetland
-
Temples and Castles ('Shogun' TV series filming location)
-
Lake Yogo (in winter)
Best Periods:
-
April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
-
December to February
The Shores of Ariake Sea
From 4 to 7 days
Japan's largest bay, the Ariake Sea, stuns with an impressive 6-meter tide and timeless landmarks. Its coastal shrines, framed by gardens and sea views, blend history and beauty. A place where nature’s drama meets cultural soul, offering photographers unforgettable scenes.
We photograph several Torii and lanterns in the sea, old fishing huts, sprawling Nori seaweed nets and a unique garden. All these places are ideal subjects for long exposure and minimalist photography.
Highlights:
-
Torii and lanterns waterscapes
-
Nori seaweed farms nets
-
Fishing huts (Tanajibu)
-
Kumamoto garden and castle
Best Periods:
-
March to June
-
December to February (Seaweed cultures)
The San-in Region
From 7 to 10 days
Nestled along Honshu’s northwest coast, facing the Sea of Japan, the San-in region remains unspoiled and mysterious. Shielded by the Chugoku Mountains, it has stayed off the tourist radar, preserving its authentic culture and wild beauty.
San-in is a land of legends and traditions, offering tranquility and untouched scenery for photographers. We mainly focus on the most captivating part of San-in from the Uradome Coast to Matsue.
Though a 10-day Photo Tour can extend as far as Nagato. A place where nature, history, and mystery converge in every frame.
Hightlights:
-
Uradome Coast
-
Yushi-en Garden
-
Adachi Museum of Art
-
Lake Shinji
-
Matsue Castle
-
Tea House
Best Periods:
-
May - June
-
October to December
Hiroshima & Seto Inland Sea
From 3 to 7 days
Nestled between mountains and sea, Hiroshima and the Seto Inland Sea offer a harmony of history, spirituality, and coastal splendor. Iconic bridge, samurai castle, and serene garden invite reflection and discovery.
Just a short journey away, Miyajima Island emerges like a photographer's dream. We capture a floating torii gate, a mystical temple, and the panoramic views from Mount Misen to create a timeless tableau of Japan’s spirit.
Highlights:
-
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
-
Hiroshima City and castle
-
Shukkei-en Garden
-
Miyajima Island
-
Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple
-
Hiking on Mount Misen
Best Periods:
-
April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
-
September to February
The Wonders of Kyushu
From 7 to 10 days
Kyushu is an island of contrasts, wild beauty, ancient traditions, and dramatic landscapes. From rugged coastlines, serene gardens and lush rice terraces, every corner offers a new perspective.
Here, we capture the very soul of Japan, a rich tapestry of history and nature, distilled into its most breathtaking form. Untamed sceneries, wild coastlines, and stunning temples converge, creating a playground for photographers who seek authenticity.
Highlights:
-
Coastlines of Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, and Kumamoto
-
Omura Bay
-
Sasebo 99 islands
-
Ariake Sea (main spots)
-
Kumamoto castle and garden
-
Nanzo-in Temple
-
Waterfalls and terraced rice fields
Best Periods:
-
April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
-
October to February (Seaweed cultures)
The Castles of the Sengoku Era
From 7 to 15 days
Step back in time! We explore the castles of Sengoku, built during one of the most fascinating periods in Japanese history. These marvels showcase cutting-edge architecture and provide stunning photographic opportunities.
We capture their elegance and their surroundings from the best viewpoints and at the ideal times. We also take night strolls through the historic districts to soak up their timeless charm. A tour designed for photographers passionate about Japanese history and architecture.
Highlights:
-
Nagoya Castle
-
Osaka Castle
-
Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple ('Last Samurai' filming location)
-
Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa
-
Matsumoto Castle
-
Inuyama Castle
-
Matsue Castle (Immersion in the San-in region)
-
Kumamoto and Ariake Sea
Best Periods:
-
January to June
-
October to December
Koyasan, Temples & Okuno-in
From 2 to 4 days
Koyasan is a spiritual and artistic jewel, founded in the 9th century as the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism. This sacred village, steeped in history and mysticism, captivates pilgrims, historians, and photographers alike.
We draw inspiration in ancient temples, misty landscapes, and a forest cemetery, where light and texture collide at every turn. Immerse yourself in a visual journey, where the energy of Japanese Buddhist heritage blends beautifully with nature.
Highlights:
-
Kongobuji Temple
-
Danjo Garan (Daytime and at night)
-
Small charming temples and gardens
-
Okuno-in forest cemetery
-
Hiking to the top of the mountain
-
Nights in a temple (Shukubo) and ceremony with monks
Best Periods:
-
April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
-
November - December (Autumn colors)
-
January - February (Snow)
The Shikoku Pilgrimage Temples
From 7 to 15 days
The Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage, links 88 Buddhist temples across mountains, forests, and serene landscapes, ideal for reflective, meditative photography.
We’ve curated the most visually striking temples, chosen for their historical depth, cultural significance, and unique settings. Traveling by car, we invite you to uncover Shikoku’s spiritual beauty and untouched landscapes. From coastal shores to hidden temples, we explore rarely captured scenes and unique perspectives.
Highlights:
-
A selection of more than 20 temples in Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa Prefectures
-
Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu
-
Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama
Best Periods:
-
April to June (sakura to rainy season)
-
October to December
Kyoto - Uji - Osaka
From 4 to 7 days
This tour is crafted for photographers seeking a deep dive into the history and culture of Japan’s most evocative destinations. From the ancient capitals to the pulsing energy of a one-of-a-kind megacity, capture the striking contrasts that define Japanese life.
We wander, day and night, through temples, old streets, and ancestral gardens. Then, we shift to bold urban photography, uncovering hidden gems and unexpected scenes. A journey that weaves tradition and modernity into every photograph.
Highlights:
-
Kyoto - Uji, temples and shrines
-
Kyoto - Uji, traditional gardens
-
Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha and Shitennoji
-
Osaka Castle and gardens
-
Osaka panoramic views on the city from unique spots
-
Night walks in the cities
Best Period:
-
March to May (Including Sakura period)
-
October to December (Autumn colors)
Pick Your Inspiration...
Choose your scene, we’ll craft the journey!
Browse through the portfolios or blog articles and select the spots that speak to you. Whether it’s a serene waterscape, a lone tree, a secluded temple, or a hidden cultural gem...
We’ll design a Photo Tour around your selections, incorporating other seasonal or weather-perfect wonders of the region for a truly personalized experience.
Let's bring it to life...
Has one of our tours caught your eye? Would you like to check availability or discuss a budget tailored to your needs?
Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll be delighted to help bring your journey in Japan to life.
Looking forward to photographing together!