Trip Report: Japan in Autumn - November 2025

Hey BCJ readers! Maddie here with an Autumn in Japan and Mount Fuji Trip Report! I absolutely love Japan, and it holds a very dear place in my heart because it is where my husband and I went for our honeymoon last November! When I was asked to lead this trip, I was so stoked because I had fallen in love with Japanese culture, architecture, and food on my last visit and couldn’t wait to get back! Our journey as a group began the moment our group gathered in Tokyo, buzzing with anticipation and ready for the colorful days ahead. Japan in the fall has a magic all its own, and we could feel it immediately, the crisp air, the glow of maples beginning to turn, the hum of a country shifting into peak season. Spirits were high, cameras were charged, and we were off!

From the very beginning, we knew we were in for something special. Mount Fuji, even shrouded in mystery on most days, was astonishingly clear for us again and again throughout the trip. Locals reminded us often that such visibility is rare, and each time Fuji appeared, our entire bus lit up with excitement. It felt like the mountain was traveling with us, revealing itself boldly at sunrise, drifting behind clouds mid-morning, then emerging again as if to pose for our lenses. For photographers, that kind of luck doesn’t just make a trip better, it makes it unforgettable.

Our first few days took us to Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region, where reflections shimmered on calm water and the first reds and golds of autumn framed the mountain perfectly. Shu, our endlessly charismatic local guide, actor and part time stand-up comedian when he’s not leading tours, kept everyone laughing, translating with ease, and jumping in to help whenever we needed it. He quickly became the heart of our little traveling family. Whether we were navigating a crowded shrine or debating the best convenience-store snack, Shu had the perfect joke ready. His presence elevated the trip in ways none of us expected. He even created an awesome little recap video at the end of his time with us which was so sweet!
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As we moved between lakes, pagodas, shrines, and charming villages, our guests eagerly stocked up on every interesting sweet and treat we could find along the way. Japanese convenience stores are treasure chests of quirky snacks, and soon our bus had a rotating supply of matcha KitKats, apple cookies, and beautifully wrapped pastries. Those goodies made the longer drives feel like their own mini adventures, nothing like sharing new flavors and comparing favorites as the scenery rolled by. Ice cream was another favorite treat we indulged in whenever we could!

Our hotel stays became part of the story too. Several of them included traditional onsens, steaming hot baths surrounded by natural stone or set just beside a quiet garden. After long days of shooting, exploring, and walking thousands of steps, those onsens were pure bliss. Guests slipped into the warm water each evening and emerged recharged, relaxed, and ready for the next sunrise. It was a beautiful rhythm: shoot, soak, sleep, repeat! Oh, and don’t forget eat! Every meal was an adventure, some meals we cooked ourselves over small grills in the center of our tables (these were my personal favorite because that meant beef!), and others were presented to us on no less than 20 small plates, most of the time we had no idea what was in front of us but luckily the locals were extremely patient and kind while answering our questions about the various dishes.  

One of the standout experiences from early in the trip was our visit to the iconic Chureito Pagoda. We arrived while the sky was still a deep pre-dawn blue, climbing the steps in the cool morning air. Then, as light crept across the landscape, Fuji revealed herself once more, crisp, clear, and glowing with the first colors of day. The pagoda, the mountain, the fall foliage… it was a scene so perfect it didn’t feel real. Our shutters clicked nonstop, and the feeling on that overlook was one of quiet awe. From Fuji we traveled on to Kyoto, diving into the ancient heart of Japan. The city welcomed us with a mix of serene temples, bustling streets, and the soft rustle of autumn leaves drifting across old stone paths. We wandered through gardens blazing with color, photographed reflections dancing across koi ponds, and enjoyed the timeless beauty that Kyoto seems to exude from every corner. 

One evening in particular became a group favorite: our dinner with a geisha, or so we initially thought. Shu explained that she was actually a maiko, a geisha in training, which made the experience even more fascinating. She was graceful, soft-spoken, and wonderfully open to our questions. We learned about the history, the traditions, the elaborate preparation that goes into her craft, and the meaning behind her striking attire. Watching her perform was enchanting but hearing her speak candidly about her training gave the night a layer of depth none of us expected. It was cultural immersion at its finest, and our group left glowing from the uniqueness of it. At the end of the night, we all had the chance to play games with her as well, I wasn’t very good but some of the guests had better luck and Shu even beat her in one round which was not an easy task!
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Not long after, we tackled the famous climb up Mount Inari, weaving our way beneath thousands of bright orange torii gates. It’s a beautiful route, but also a bit of a workout, and by the time we made it back down, everyone was ready for something hearty. A few guests had gently hinted that they were craving a break from traditional Japanese cuisine, and I knew exactly where to take them. So off we went to Dragon Burger, a spot I’d loved on a previous trip with my husband. Juicy, flavorful, massively satisfying; it was a hit! Watching everyone devour burgers after our big climb was absolutely priceless. We needed the fuel because our workout for the day wasn’t quite over… one last stop at the monkey park left everyone exhausted from yet another vertical hike but also smiling ear to ear watching the cheeky monkeys run and play all the while getting the best view of Kyoto yet.

It wouldn’t be right if I excluded our stay at Sekisho-in Temple. It was such a memorable and peaceful part of our trip. As a traditional shukubo, the temple offered a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Buddhist monastic life, and guests immediately felt that calm, sacred atmosphere the moment we arrived. That evening we were served shojin ryori, a beautifully prepared vegetarian meal based on the Buddhist “rule of five.” With fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits, and simple, thoughtful flavors, it was meaningful experience in itself. The next morning, we had the incredible honor of observing the monks during their prayers. The echo of their chants filled the hall, and the experience felt deeply grounding. We were even invited to take part in a small ritual of our own, burning wooden sticks on which we had written wishes. It was a quiet, moving moment that everyone seemed to carry with them for the rest of the day.

Our journey eventually brought us to Osaka, a lively and colorful finale to the adventure. Between neon lights and bustling markets, we found great shooting opportunities around every corner. The food, the energy, the architecture, Osaka delivered a perfect blend of modern Japan to balance the historical treasures we’d seen earlier. By the time we wrapped up our final morning and gathered for our last meal together, the feeling in the group was a warm, contented mix of accomplishment and gratitude. We had explored quiet temples, bamboo forests, vibrant cities, peaceful lakes, and winding mountain trails. We’d shared snacks, stories, onsens, laughter, and a truly rare number of Mount Fuji sightings. More importantly, we’d traveled as a cohesive, joyful team, supporting each other, inspiring one another’s creativity, and savoring every moment.

As we said our goodbyes, there was a shared sense that this journey had been something exceptional. Autumn in Japan is always beautiful, but this trip felt especially charmed, from the weather to the company to the incredible experiences woven throughout. It was a privilege to lead such a wonderful group through one of the world’s most photogenic destinations, and as everyone headed home, memory cards full and spirits high, we all carried a bit of Japan’s autumn magic with us.