Photography Courses & Photo Tours by Alfonso

Japan Spring Photo Tour - Mar 27 - April 7

Omi Hachiman in Spring

Snapshot Video Highlighting Tour

4 min & 6 people max, led by Alfonso Calero - fluent in Japanese, photographer, tutor and guide. We focus on lesser known Japan with less crowded areas but equally as culturally rich and aesthetically photogenic. Ritsuko (Alfonso’s Wife) will also be joining the tour to assist with logistics, translating and tour-guiding.

Smartphone Photographer’s Welcome!

Pricing:

AUD $7800 twin share
AUD $9000 single room

Payment by Bank Transfer

Price includes:

• All ground transport (Trains & Car Hire - Mt. Fuji & Ainokura)

• All 3 Star Accommodation for 11 nights

• All Tuition ( Max6 hours per day)Driving, translating, photography, tour-guiding

• Medium Size Luggage Delivery (Optional) Send ahead to Hotels.

NOT included:

• International Flights and International Hotel Transfers

• Local Transport

• All Meals (Budget ~ 7,500 yen/day)

• Entrance Fees

• Travel Insurance

International flights should be booked separately once your Tour booking is confirmed.

Japan Photo Tour Itinerary Mar 27 - April 7

Day 1 - Meet at  Kyoto Station and catch a local train for a short ride to Omi Hachiman Station

Day 1 - 2 Omi Hachiman (2 Nights Stay) known for its nicely preserved old town and canal where visitors can enjoy traditional boat cruises through the historic townscape.

Staying 2 nights in traditional accomodation in our own home in the heart of the Omi Merchant district a stones throw away from the canal area. After the business of Kyoto this will be a welcome relief to relax and experience life in rural Japan.

Day 3 - 4 Kanazawa (2 Nights Stay) - Highlights include The tea district and Kenrokuen gardens are two of the best spots for photography. Another must see destination is the fish market in the heart of the city. Unlike Tokyo fish market it is easier to photograph and the array of seafood from the Japan sea can be sampled for breakfast or lunch. Geisha Experience inTea District for optional extra.

Day 5 Ainokura Village (Traditional Farmhouse) 1 Night Stay

The Unesco heritage village will be our stop for the night staying in a 250 year old farmhouse in traditional accommodation. This will be a truly unique experience.

Day 6 - Drive from Ainokura to Takayama (1 Night Stay) and explore the Japan Alps. Morning waterfall shoot and Lunch in Hida-Furukawa (video above) Afternoon and evening stroll through the historic town of Takayama.

Morning shoot at waterfalls (above) near Hida Furukawa (below)

Day 7 - Drive to Matsumoto (1 Night Stay) via Naraijuku (lunch) followed by a sunset / dusk shoot at Matsumoto Castle

Day 9 & 10 Mt. Fuji (2 nights stay) - 5 lakes surround the elusive Mt. Fuji so weather pending she won’t be shy and make an appearance at sunrise or sunset from a few key spots. We will have a hire car to get around easily and also enjoy some amazing iconic locations.

Day 11 & 12 - Tokyo - Highlights include Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya for some day and night shooting in Neon Tokyo.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy (per person)

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

• Via Bank Transfer

• Cancellation More than 180 days before a trip: 100% refund of deposit.

• Cancellation Between 180 and 30 days: 50% refund

• Cancellation Less than 30 days: 0% refund

• Final payment is due 180 days before the workshop/trip starts.

What to Bring: Photographic & General Gear

• DSLR or hybrid mirrorless digital camera (Smartphone Photographers Welcome)

• Lens 24-70mm range

• Tripod & Cable Release

• Dependable Portable External Drive

• Laptop and power supply

• Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop

• ND Variable Filter

• Up to 20 kg luggage and appropriate clothing

• Moderate Level of Fitness is required with around 10,000 steps a day (2hrs)

Tour highlights:

• Riding a Japanese bullet train

• Visiting the famous Inari Shrine

• Staying in traditional accommodation - a 250 year old farmhouse!

• Going to a bamboo grove

• Sample fresh Japanese seafood and sushi from the fish market

• 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!

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

• Street Portrait Photography

• Architectural Photography