Photography Courses & Photo Tours by Alfonso

Northern Autumn Japan Photo Tour

Northern Honshu is also known as the Tohoku region. We will focus on 3 prefectures of Aomori, Akita and Iwate. The itinerary offers a mix of waterfalls, mountain views, lakes, hot springs, rivers, gorges & seascapes all with the aim of capturing autumn colours at their best from north to south.

Autumn: Oct 22 - Oct 31st, 2025 (10 Days)

4 - 6  people maximum, led by Alfonso Calero - fluent in Japanese, pro photographer, tutor and guide. 

Fitness Level: Moderate 

Pricing:

AUD$ 6900 twin share
AUD$ 7900 single room

Payment by Bank Transfer

Price includes:

• Included in Tour:

• 9 nights Accommodation (3 Star) very small but comfortable rooms with shower

• Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Tokyo- Tohoku Region

• 10 seater mini van (medium sized luggage 1/person + 1 hand carry)

• All Tuition (6 hours per day), translating, photography, tour-guiding

• Post Trip Editing Sessions 1 on 1

NOT included:

• International Flights

• All Meals

• Train Hachinohe - Tokyo

• Entrance Fees

• Travel Insurance (Health, Accident & Equipment)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Starts at our hotel in Tokyo where we will meet to have dinner together and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. Check in is from 3pm but you can leave your luggage at reception if your flights gets in early. Lets do a night shoot around the area we are staying called Ueno which is in the old downtown area called Shitamachi.

Day 2 - 4  - We depart early morning from Ueno Station to catch our bullet train (Shinkansen) to Hachinohe Station way up north in Aomori prefecture. Running at a top speed of 320 km/hour, the award for the fastest train in Japan belongs to the Hayabusa. From here we self drive for the rest of our journey. First stop will be Oirase area for three nights in Towada, Aomori Prefecture. We will visit the World Famous Towada Arts Centre.

Highlights: Oirase area, Aomori - Lakes, Ponds, Marshlands & River Gorge

Day 5 - Hachimantai - Hot springs, Waterfalls & River

Day 6 & 7 - Kakunodate, Akita - River Gorge, Hot Springs, Samurai Village & Mountains

Day 8 & 9 - Jodogahama Seascapes & Kitayamazaki Seascapes, staying nearby in Miyako

Day 10 - Last sunrise shoot followed by breakfast and drive to Hachinohe City where we will catch our train back to Tokyo.

Points of Difference

• Very small group

• Learn at your own pace one on one

• Hand-picked BEST locations

• Led by an experienced photographer/guide/tutor fluent in Japanese

• Truly authentic travel experience - a trip of lifetime!

Small Groups (Max 6) allow us to have a more authentic experience. I usually set up a whatsapp group before the trip so we can break the ice with fellow participants and get to know each other before the trip. My Japanese wife Ritsuko always joins us to help facilitate a smooth, fun and safe journey.

We will learn:

• Master Composition & Manual Settings

• Advanced Editing Techniques (i.e. Focus Stacking, Bracketing, Composite, Luminosity Masking, H.D.R. & Panorama Stitch)

• Landscape Photography

• Seascape Photography

• Waterfall Photography

Tour highlights:

• Rivers

• Abstract Landscapes & Nature

• Lakes

• Autumn Leaves

• Waterfalls

• Seascapes

What to Bring: Photographic & General Gear

• DSLR or hybrid mirrorless digital camera

• Lens 24-70mm range & 70-400mm range

• Tripod lightweight

• Dependable Portable External Drive & Tablet

• ND Variable Filter (up to 10 stops)

• Up to 20 kg luggage and appropriate warm clothing (Gloves, Binnie, Snow Boots, Down jacket). Average temp 2-15 degrees celsius.

Ever wanted to venture further with your photography and new cultural experiences? Our Japan Photography Tour gives you the chance to capture the colour and movement of a unique country while experiencing the sights with an experienced, Japanese speaker, guide and instructor with professional photographer Alfonso Calero.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy (per person)

• A deposit of 25% per person is required to secure booking

• Via Bank Transfer or Credit Card (1.9 % fees)

• Cancellation More than 6 months before a trip: 100% refund of deposit.

• Cancellation Between 6 months and 30 days: 50% refund

• Cancellation Less than 30 days: 0% refund

• Final payment is due 6 months before the workshop/trip starts.