As the summer heat fades and the air turns crisp, Japan undergoes one of the most magical transformations in the natural world. Forests ignite in shades of scarlet and gold, mountains glow beneath soft mist, and serene temples sit framed by fiery maples reflected perfectly in still ponds. For photographers, autumn in Japan is a season of color, calm, and incredible compositional beauty.

We’re thrilled to announce our newest photography workshop: Japan in Autumn — a 10-day all-inclusive adventure that captures the spirit of Japan’s landscapes at their most photogenic. From the symmetry of Mount Fuji to the mystical forests of Koyasan, this trip is a masterclass in balance, light, and natural artistry.

A Canvas of Color at Mount Fuji

Our journey begins at Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the famous Fuji Five Lakes and arguably the most iconic place to photograph Japan’s highest peak. In November, this region comes alive with the colors of autumn — crimson maples, golden ginkgo, and fiery reflections rippling across the lake’s surface.
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Each sunrise brings a new mood as clouds drift across Fuji’s perfect cone, the mountain mirrored in still water or softly veiled by morning mist. We’ll take our time exploring multiple vantage points, chasing the best light, and waiting for those moments when everything aligns — symmetry, reflection, and color in perfect harmony.

Into the Forested Heart of Japan

Leaving Fuji behind, we’ll travel into the Kiso Valley, a quieter, wilder side of Japan. This region, rich with cedar forests and mountain rivers, feels timeless — a landscape shaped by natural textures and subtle tones. Light filters through the canopy, highlighting moss-covered stones and winding paths that follow the contours of the mountains.

It’s a place that rewards patience and attention to detail — ideal for photographers who love atmosphere, layers, and the meditative rhythm of working with forest light.

Kyoto: Where Nature Meets Design

No season captures Kyoto’s elegance quite like autumn. Here, nature and artistry intertwine — reflective ponds mirror scarlet leaves, moss carpets the temple grounds, and morning mist drifts through meticulously designed gardens.

We’ll explore Kyoto’s most beautiful landscapes, including the serene gardens and golden maples of Arashiyama, the tranquil waters surrounding traditional temples, and the famous Bamboo Grove, where vertical lines and soft light create surreal, dreamlike compositions.
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A private photo session with a geisha adds an unforgettable cultural and visual dimension — an opportunity to capture timeless grace and color against Kyoto’s rich seasonal backdrop.

Mystical Forests and Mountain Light

Our adventure concludes in Nara and Koyasan, two regions that reveal Japan’s spiritual and atmospheric side. In Nara, soft light filters through ancient trees and wide-open parkland, ideal for minimalist compositions and studies in scale.
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Then, in the misty mountain forests of Koyasan, the tone shifts to something deeper — quiet, mysterious, and profoundly beautiful. Towering cedars, moss-covered stones, and drifting fog create an ethereal environment that feels like a dreamscape. It’s a place where time slows, light softens, and every frame tells a story of serenity and reverence.

A Journey of Balance, Color, and Calm

This all-inclusive, small-group workshop is crafted for photographers who find inspiration in nature’s elegance and subtlety. You’ll travel with expert guidance, enjoy handpicked accommodations, and have time each day to truly immerse yourself in your surroundings — capturing both the iconic and the unseen.

From the reflections of Mount Fuji to the mist of Koyasan, Japan in Autumn celebrates the country’s perfect harmony between land, light, and season. Each day unfolds like a painting — calm, balanced, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Join us for this extraordinary new adventure and experience Japan’s landscapes at their most vibrant and serene!