Early-Autumn - Japan Dreamscapes Photography Tour October 15-18
This tour is offered annually in September for 2019, 2020, and 2021. Contact JDS to prebook
your spot.
Tour Highlights:
- Snow Monkeys minus freezing temperatures and snow
- Nature's Valley Niigata Japan
- Bathe In The Ultimate secluded Outdoor Mineral-rich Onsen Waters Mt. Myoko, Tsubame
- Apallusion - The Largest Outdoor Light Display In The World
- Naena no Taki Waterfall
- Takada Castle, Joetsu
- Super Express Bullet Train or Shinkansen
Day 1 - October 15, 2018, Monday
Meet and greet at Tokyo Station at 9 am (place inside the station to be announced). After meeting, we immediately depart on the shinkansen, taking us to Joetsu where we will enjoy our sushi lunch experience which is said to be the freshest in Japan. Then we will sidle over to Takada Castle and its huge grounds. This day will focus on architectural and street photography around Takada Samurai Castle. Afterwards, a drive full of conversation regarding the days photos as we return to our lodgings at the Shibu Onsen. Once checking in is completed, you will be treated to a sumptuous and photo-worthy Japanese meal. Before turning in for the evening, your JDS Photography Workshop Guide will discuss the next day's shooting options in preparation for the snow monkeys.
Day 2 - October 16, Tuesday
Rise early and have a nourishing breakfast and then prepare to photograph Japan’s Snow Monkeys. They are a glamorous species for visiting photographers, and your JDS Photography Workshop Leader has over 20 years experience visiting the monkeys and knows dozens of individual monkeys by name, rank in each of the three troops and how mating relationships evolve over time. After working with your JDS Photography Workshop Leader, you will understand why they are considered unique. Your photos will capture the natural beauty of Japan’s premier primate.
Day 3 - October 17, Wednesday
After breakfast and checking out of our lodgings at Shibu Onsen, our next photo opportunities will be in Myoko Kogen, it is the best time to see the spectacular view of autumn colors in the mountains at 1300-1600m above sea level in central Japan, especially spell-binding is Naena no Taki. Autumn in Japan means the leaves of the maple trees slowly transform from a beautiful yellow-orange to red creating a symphony of images leaving you awestruck, and your photos will represent this. In the evening, Apallusion 2018 awaits us, this is the worlds largest outdoor Illumination spectacles on our planet using a staggering 1.6 million LED lights and the JDS team will guide you a capturing this light illuminations laser show. Upon returning to our lodgings, you may enjoy the milky white hot springs. After recharging your body and spirit, The night sky will unfurl its myriad astrological treasures. You will turn your camera to the celestial bodies and enjoy astrophotography before laying down to rest.
Day 4 - October 18, Thursday
Before breakfast at our lodgings in the Tsubame Myoko Onsen, you can stroll the alpine area and benefit from the crisp and refreshing air. Through the years, there have been several eyewitness reports of yetis in the area. As schedule permits, your JDS Guide will help you snap a few more memorable photos of the snow monkeys in their local habitat before completing your JDS adventure driving you to Joetsu and saying farewell as your shinkansen speeds you toward Tokyo.
Why Choose This Photography Tour/Workshop?
- All levels of photographers are welcome.
- Any type of camera is welcome: digital, pocket camera, scoping with an iPhone, large format, and others.
- Professional Photo Instruction available when requested (included in tour cost).
- Opportunity to photograph cultural and architectural masterpieces.
- Activity level varying from leisurely to moderate.
- Provided transportation: Sports Utility Vehicle with Business Class Seating.
- Small group size (minimum two people; maximum eight) means quality, in-depth time with your workshop leader.
- All questions are welcome and encouraged throughout your JDS adventure!
- During each morning and evening meal, your JDS photo workshop leader will discuss with you and the group the best shooting options with weather conditions in mind so each tour member will be well prepared to take spectacular photos.
- No precious moments are wasted in needless seminars
- 2018 is the 21st year that your workshop photography instructor has lead workshops & tours throughout Japan.
Tour Cost:$2500 per person (based on double occupancy) in 3 - 5 star accommodations with western style toiletries, and all breakfasts and dinners included. All group ground transportation will be in sports utility vehicles with business class seating. All entrance fees and all donations at temples and shrines are included in tour cost. Also included is professional photography instruction as well as a detailed itinerary with clothing and gear recommendations.
Single Supplement: Add $500