Autumn Leaves Photography Tour at Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes

Taking an autumn leaves photography tour at Mt. Fuji means Fuji-san is the main star of the show, but the Fuji Five Lakes play an equally important supporting role in your Japan photo journey. Did you know that over 95% of Japanese nationals have never visited all five lakes? Even more astonishing—99.5% of international visitors haven’t either! That makes walking along and photographing the shores of each sacred lake a truly rare experience. When you join us, you’ll be part of the very few who can say they’ve captured all five.

One of the highlights of our tour is Lake Shojiko—the smallest and often the most overlooked of the Fuji Five Lakes. Unlike its more developed siblings, Shojiko remains quiet and serene, with fewer tourist spots and very little human interference. That untouched beauty is exactly why our Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photo Workshop Leaders love it. Standing on its northern edge, with only a handful of hotels in sight, you’ll find some of the purest and most unspoiled perspectives of Mt. Fuji anywhere in Japan. At JDS, leaving the well-worn path is our specialty, and Shojiko gives us the chance to show you angles and frames you might never have imagined.

Shojiko also shares a border with the legendary Sea of Trees—Aokigahara Forest. While it’s often wrapped in myth and mystery, what makes it truly special is its role as a natural therapy forest, a place for Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Here, towering trees grow from volcanic soil and moss-covered lava rock, creating an almost otherworldly scene. For photographers, the twisted roots, rich textures, and shifting light form a canvas of mythological beauty. With your camera in hand, every step through this forest feels like stepping into a story waiting to be told.

An autumn photo tour here isn’t just about images—it’s about immersion. The fiery colors of the leaves, the tranquil waters of the lakes, and the quiet power of Fuji-san combine to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or a passionate traveler eager to learn, you’ll leave with images (and memories) that capture more than just scenery—they’ll capture the spirit of Japan in autumn.