Japan Photo Tours - Programme 2026
Ranging from a few days to 2 weeks, we offer flexible options for 1 to 3 participants, personalized to all photographers and their preferred 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.
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 timeless minimalist landscapes of Lake Biwa and other hidden gems. We photograph over 50 subjects spread across 30 carefully selected sites.
Not to mention one of the country’s oldest temples and the famous castles of the region.
Highlights:
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Shirahige Shrine Torii
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Mangestuji Floating Pavilion
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Trees and natural reserve of The Wetland
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Poles, piers, and fishing structures around the lake
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Temples and castles ('Shogun' TV series filming location)
Best Periods:
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April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
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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:
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Torii and lanterns waterscapes
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Nori seaweed farms nets
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Fishing huts (Tanajibu)
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Kumamoto garden and castle
Best Periods:
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March to June
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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, 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 Hagi and Nagato.
Hightlights:
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Uradome Coast
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Yushi-en Garden
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Adachi Museum of Art
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Lake Shinji
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Izumo taisha and coastline
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Matsue Castle
Best Periods:
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May - June
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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:
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Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
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Hiroshima City and castle
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Shukkei-en Garden
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Miyajima Island
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Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple
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Hiking on Mount Misen
Best Periods:
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April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
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September to February
The Wonders of Kyushu
From 7 to 10 days
Kyushu is an island of 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:
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Coastlines of Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, and Kumamoto
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Omura Bay
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Sasebo 99 islands
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Ariake Sea (main spots)
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Kumamoto Castle and Suizen-ji Joju-en Garden
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Nanzo-in Temple
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Waterfalls and terraced rice fields
Best Periods:
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April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
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October to February (Seaweed cultures)
The Castles of the Sengoku Period
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.
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:
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Nagoya, Osaka, Matsumoto, and Inuyama Castles
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Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple ('Last Samurai' filming location)
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Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa
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Matsue Castle (Immersion in the San-in region)
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Kumamoto and Ariake Sea
Best Periods:
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January to June
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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 and a unique 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:
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Kongobuji Temple and Danjo Garan (Daytime and at night)
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Small charming temples and gardens
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Okuno-in, largest forest cemetery in Japan
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Hiking to the top of Mount Koya
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Nights in a temple (Shukubo) and ceremony with monks
Best Periods:
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April to June (Sakura to rainy season)
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November - December (Autumn colors)
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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:
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A selection of more than 20 temples in Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime, and Kagawa Prefectures
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Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu
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Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama
Best Periods:
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April to June (sakura to rainy season)
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October to December
Kyoto - Nara - 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:
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Kyoto - Nara - Uji, temples and shrines
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Kyoto - Nara - Uji, traditional gardens
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Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha and Shitennoji
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Osaka Castle and gardens
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Osaka panoramic views on the city from unique spots
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Night walks in the cities
Best Period:
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March to May (Including Sakura period)
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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.
We’ll design a Photo Tour around your selections, incorporating other seasonal or weather-perfect wonders of the region for a personalized experience.
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Please note that no Photo Tours are scheduled during July and August. The summer season in Japan is particularly challenging due to both the heat and lighting conditions. As a result, we dedicate these two months to non-photographic tours for those who wish to explore Japan off the beaten path.
Let's bring it to life...
Has one of our tours caught your eye?
Would you like to check availability or discuss a budget?
The contact form below is all yours!
We receive a high volume of inquiries and make every effort to reply as promptly and thoroughly as possible. To help us assist you best, please provide as much detail as you can about your upcoming trip, such as:
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Your preferred dates or travel period
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Number of participants (1 to 3)
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Your specific photographic interests
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Your experience with Japan (if any)
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Your plans in Japan before/after the tour (if applicable)
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Your website or social media profiles
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Any other details you think might be helpful
Thank you for your understanding.
Feel free to contact us in English or in French.
Looking forward to photographing together!