Japan in Autumn: Fall Colors of Mount Fuji & Kyoto
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Japan in Autumn: Fall Colors of Mount Fuji & Kyoto

Lodge-Based Photo Tour
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Japan in Autumn: Fall Colors of Mount Fuji & Kyoto

Lodge-Based Photo Tour

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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$1,895.00
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   Deposit: $3,000.00
Start/End

Tokyo, Japan (HND or NRT) / Osaka Train Station

Length

10 Days/9 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 10 Guests

Highlights
  • Mount Fuji Reflections: Capture Japan’s most iconic peak mirrored in the still waters of Lake Kawaguchiko, surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage in shades of red and gold.

  • Mountain Landscapes of the Kiso Valley: Photograph forested ridgelines, winding rivers, and atmospheric light filtering through ancient cedar forests in one of Japan’s most scenic alpine regions.

  • Kyoto’s Natural Harmony: Explore tranquil gardens, reflective ponds, and the ethereal Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama—each offering stunning compositions of symmetry, color, and texture.

  • Misty Forests of Koyasan: Experience Japan’s spiritual mountain landscapes with moody forest light, moss-covered stones, and soft fog that creates an otherworldly atmosphere.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Team is available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

 Japan in autumn is a dream destination for landscape photographers—a place where vibrant color, iconic peaks, and tranquil symmetry converge in every frame. This journey takes us from the foothills of Mount Fuji to the misty forests of Koyasan, revealing a side of Japan defined not by its cities or culture, but by the artistry of its natural world. From sweeping mountain vistas to perfectly still reflections, every stop on this trip has been chosen for its photographic potential and its ability to showcase the quiet, contemplative beauty of Japan’s landscapes.

We begin at Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes and arguably the most photogenic. In November, this area transforms into a painter’s palette of crimson and gold as Japanese maples ignite the shoreline. Mount Fuji rises behind it all—often mirrored in the calm water at sunrise or wreathed in clouds that drift across its symmetrical peak. It’s one of the most recognized scenes in all of Asia, yet no two moments ever look the same. Photographers will have time to work the light, explore different vantage points, and watch as Fuji’s mood changes throughout the day.

From there, the scenery shifts to the forested ridges of the Kiso Valley, where Japan’s mountainous heart unfolds in deep greens and earthy browns. Here, cedar forests cloak the slopes, rivers wind through narrow valleys, and light filters through in soft, golden beams. The region is part of the historic Nakasendo route, an old mountain trail connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, but for us it’s the rugged terrain, textures, and atmosphere that steal the show. It’s a quieter landscape, one that rewards patient composition and a love for natural detail.

Kyoto may be known as Japan’s cultural capital, but for photographers, it’s also a masterclass in balance and natural design. The city’s gardens and temple grounds offer scenes that feel more like living landscapes than man-made creations. Mirror-like ponds reflect fiery maples, moss carpets the ground beneath centuries-old trees, and mist rises from water features in the morning light. The surrounding hills and bamboo forests of Arashiyama add yet another layer of visual wonder—vertical lines, repeating patterns, and that soft diffusion of light that makes early morning in Japan so magical.

Our journey continues south to Nara and Koyasan, two destinations that bring mood and atmosphere into focus. In Nara, we’ll find broad open spaces, ancient trees, and peaceful parkland—ideal for minimalistic compositions and playing with scale and light. Then, in the mountain stronghold of Koyasan, nature takes on a more mystical character. Towering cedar forests, moss-covered stones, and drifting mountain fog create an ethereal environment that feels timeless. The Okunoin Cemetery, though human-made, blends so seamlessly with the forest that it becomes a natural landscape in its own right—an interplay of light, texture, and shadow unlike anywhere else.
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This workshop is designed for photographers who are drawn to nature’s elegance, symmetry, and subtle drama. It’s about chasing morning mist instead of crowds, finding balance between vibrant color and quiet tones, and capturing that perfect intersection of light and landscape. Japan’s natural beauty in autumn isn’t loud—it’s deliberate, refined, and endlessly photogenic. By the time we finish our journey, you’ll leave with a diverse portfolio of scenes that range from iconic to intimate, all connected by Japan’s unmistakable sense of calm and precision in nature.
 

What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits, park, and admission fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • An exceptional local, Japanese guide

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from Japan

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

Details
  • Final Balance Due 180 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​ 
  • Trip Insurance ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​​​​​​​Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (D)
After everyone arrives in Tokyo, we’ll gather for a relaxed group dinner to meet our fellow photographers and get ready for the adventure ahead. Tomorrow we leave the city lights behind and dive into Japan’s wild autumn landscapes—mountains, forests, lakes, and iconic views that define this time of year.

Day 2: Lake Kawaguchiko & Mount Fuji (B,L,D)
We’ll travel from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko, where Mount Fuji dominates the horizon. This is one of Japan’s most striking landscapes—especially in November, when crimson and gold maples frame the lake. We’ll spend the day exploring shoreline compositions and reflections, chasing the best light from morning through sunset before settling in nearby for the night.

Day 3: Lake Kawaguchiko & Mount Fuji (B,L,D)
Today we’ll focus entirely on Fuji—capturing its many moods as the light and weather shift. Mist rolling across the water, calm reflections, or cloud-wrapped drama—this is the kind of place where every hour looks different through the lens. With a relaxed pace, we’ll make the most of golden light and color before another peaceful evening near the lake.

Day 4: Kiso Valley (B,L,D)
We’ll start the morning with one last Fuji shoot, then head toward the Kiso Valley—an area defined by forested mountains, rivers, and quiet scenic trails. The mountain light here is incredible, filtering through cedar forests and highlighting the deep textures of the valley. It’s a quieter, more natural side of Japan, and a refreshing change from the iconic Fuji scenes.

Day 5: Kyoto (B,L,D)
We’ll journey south to Kyoto to explore the stunning natural beauty woven into the city’s surroundings. In the evening, we’ll photograph soft reflections, colorful leaves, and the interplay of water, stone, and light that makes autumn here so photogenic.

Day 6: Kyoto Landscapes & Gardens (B,L,D)
Today we’ll explore Kyoto’s most scenic natural areas, where maple-filled gardens and tranquil ponds create near-perfect compositions. Every turn reveals texture, color, and symmetry that feel made for the camera—autumn reflections, layers of foliage, and peaceful natural framing that highlight Japan’s precision in design and balance.

Day 7: Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove (B,L,D)
We’ll rise early for soft morning light in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where tall green stalks form a surreal, geometric landscape that glows as sunlight filters through. Later, we’ll explore nearby gardens and riverside scenery, shooting the patterns and tones that make this one of Japan’s most photographed nature spots.

Day 8: Nara (B,L,D)
Today’s day trip takes us to Nara, a wide-open parkland filled with ancient trees and expansive spaces that feel far removed from city life. We’ll focus on the natural elements here—soft meadows, forest light, and subtle seasonal colors that make for peaceful, minimalist landscape shots.

Day 9: Koyasan (B,L,D)
We’ll travel deep into the mountains to Mount Kōya, where mist and ancient cedars create one of Japan’s most atmospheric landscapes. Photographing the forest paths and moss-covered stones here feels like stepping into another world—quiet, moody, and full of natural texture. We’ll stay overnight at a temple surrounded by the forest, where nightfall brings a truly serene stillness.

Day 10: Departure (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Osaka, closing out our journey through Japan’s most photogenic autumn landscapes. From the symmetry of Mount Fuji to the soft light of Kyoto and the forest stillness of Koyasan, this trip delivers a full range of natural beauty—and plenty of inspiration for any landscape photographer!

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025

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Monday-Friday
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928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
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