Japan Sakura Workshop

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Type of Tour – Small Group 

Lead Photographers - Andy Yee and Scott Howes

 

Fly In -Tokyo [NRT] or [HND] 

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Price - $8950

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Cherry blossom season in Japan is incredibly beautiful, but it is also very short. In most locations the blossoms only remain at their peak for around one week, which makes timing the trip extremely important.

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Our itinerary is planned to follow the cherry blossom season as it moves through Japan. We will begin in the south where the sakura typically appear first and then travel north toward Tokyo, increasing our chances of photographing the blossoms at their peak throughout the journey.

 

Because the exact bloom period changes slightly each year depending on winter temperatures and spring weather, we will closely monitor the official sakura forecasts released across Japan leading up to the season. These forecasts provide a reliable indication of when the cherry blossoms are expected to reach their peak in different regions of the country.

 

To give us the best chance of experiencing the blossoms at their peak, the exact dates for this tour will be confirmed once the forecasts become clearer. Final tour dates are expected to be announced around January to February 2027. Once the final dates are confirmed, participants will be notified immediately and encouraged to book their flights to Tokyo most likely in the late March - early April window.

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Scott Howes will be joining me to co-lead this workshop, bringing an additional depth of experience and perspective to the trip. As a fellow Sony Advocate, Scott is a highly talented street photographer known for his ability to capture the energy and atmosphere of everyday life through his images. His passion for photography and deep understanding of his craft make him a fantastic addition to the tour.

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Highlights

• Experience Japan during the magical sakura (cherry blossom) season, the most beautiful time of the year.

• Photograph iconic landscapes including Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms.

• Capture stunning compositions at historic castles including Himeji Castle and Hikone Castle.

• Explore the ancient cultural capital of Kyoto, photographing temples, lantern-lit streets, and blossom-lined canals.

• Visit Nara Park, where wild deer wander beneath blooming cherry trees.

• Discover the tranquil shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, with peaceful sakura-lined landscapes.

• Photograph traditional villages and historic architecture in locations rarely visited by tourists.

• Travel to Miyajima Island to capture the famous floating torii gate surrounded by spring colours.

• Enjoy both sunrise and sunset photography opportunities in carefully chosen locations.

• Experience Japan’s famous night cherry blossom illuminations in historic parks and temples.

• Learn techniques for photographing blossoms, landscapes, and cultural scenes with guidance throughout the tour.

• Travel comfortably in a small group allowing flexibility to chase the best bloom conditions.

 

Day 1 – Hiroshima
The tour begins with evening photography around Hiroshima Castle where cherry blossoms surround the historic castle and reflect in the surrounding moat, providing a beautiful introduction to Japan’s sakura season.

 

Day 2 – Miyajima
We photograph the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine with cherry blossoms framing the shrine and surrounding coastal landscapes, along with traditional architecture and scenic shoreline views.

 

Day 3 – Himeji
The iconic white walls of Himeji Castle create one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom scenes, with blossoms surrounding the castle grounds and reflecting in the moat alongside beautifully landscaped gardens at Koko-en Garden.

 

Day 4 – Kyoto
Kyoto offers classic cherry blossom scenes around temples, parks and historic streets including the beautiful blossoms of Maruyama Park and the traditional lantern-lit atmosphere of the Gion district in the evening.

 

Day 5 – Kyoto Temples and Gardens
Today focuses on Kyoto’s historic temple landscapes including blossom-lined paths along the Philosopher's Path and stunning views of traditional architecture surrounded by cherry blossoms at Kiyomizu-dera.

 

Day 6 – Nara
In Nara Park wild deer wander beneath blooming cherry trees while historic temple architecture including Todai-ji creates unique cultural and natural photography opportunities.

 

Day 7 – Lake Biwa
Japan’s largest lake provides peaceful cherry blossom landscapes with lakeside trees reflecting in calm water along with classic castle scenes at Hikone Castle.

 

Day 8 – Mount Fuji Region
The Fuji Five Lakes region offers stunning views of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms, with scenic countryside landscapes and sunset photography around Lake Kawaguchi.

 

Day 9 – Fuji Five Lakes
Sunrise views from Arakurayama Sengen Park showcase the famous pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background, followed by traditional village scenes and crystal-clear ponds at Oshino Hakkai.

 

Day 10 – Tokyo
Tokyo’s famous cherry blossom scenes include the blossom-lined canals of Meguro River and vibrant urban photography where sakura contrasts with the city skyline.

 

Day 11 – Tokyo Parks and Gardens
Some of Tokyo’s most beautiful blossom displays can be found in the spacious gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen, the lively blossom tunnels of Ueno Park, and the moat-lined cherry trees of Chidorigafuchi.

 

Day 12 – Tokyo
The tour concludes with a final opportunity for morning cherry blossom photography and street scenes in Tokyo during the peak of the sakura season before departures.​​​

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