Goshikinuma Ponds & Sado Island Photo Tour

The Goshiki-numa ponds of Urabandai are a cluster of volcanic lakes at the foot of Mt. Bandai. When Mt. Bandai erupted in 1888 many lakes with ponds were formed. The various minerals found in each lake give them a unique colour and create a mystical aura.

While Sado Island is arguably Japan’s largest island, is an oasis of isolated culture and nature off the grid. Explore some cultural events, temples and seaside fishing villages locked in a time warp that makes Sado extremely unique.

The itinerary offers a mix of marshland ponds, waterfalls, mountain views, lakes, castle, shrines, temples, & seascapes all with the aim of capturing autumn or spring colours at their best from the mountains to the sea.

Spring: Apr 9th - 18th, 2025 (10 Days)

Autumn: Nov 3rd - 12th 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:

• 9 nights Accommodation (3 Star) very small but comfortable rooms with shower & toilet (travel light)

• Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Tokyo- Fukushima Station and back to Tokyo from Niigata

• Hydrofoil Niigata Port - Sado Island (Return Trip)

• Mini van (medium sized luggage 1/person + 1 hand carry)

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

• Post Trip Editing Sessions (online)

NOT included:

• International Flights

• All Meals

• Entrance Fees

• Travel Insurance (Health, Accident & Equipment)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Starts at our hotel in Tokyo (Check in from 3pm) 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  - We depart early morning from Ueno Station to catch our bullet train (Shinkansen) to Fukushima Station where we will pick up our hire car.. From here we self drive for the rest of our journey. First stop will be Go-Shiki Numa in the Bandai-Asahi National Park.

We will stay 3 nights.

Highlights: Waterfalls, Lakes, Ponds, Autumn (Nov) or Blossoms (April)

Day 3 - 5 - Go- Shiki Numa (Mt. Bandai National Park) - Marshland Ponds, Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Mountains & Autumn Leaves.

Day 5 Aizu Wakamatsu - One night stay to explore some significant cultural sights such as temples, shrines, castles and Japanese Gardens.

Day 6 - 10 On Sado Island for 4 nights we will spend most of our early mornings (Pre Breakfast) exploring the many Temples and Shrines dotted around close proximity to our hotel. Some day trips will take us to discover the northern or southern tips of the island. Gourmet delights await at all our lunch and dinner locations carefully picked to show the variety of local cuisine. Some cultural events will also coincide for some portrait opportunities. Of course every day if the weather permits we shall shoot at some seaside locations for a sunset.

Day 6 - 10 - Sado Island (Seascapes, Toki Bird, Ancient Temples, Shrines and Sea-sideVillages)

Sado Island is a beautiful island with beautiful beaches, rich nature, and old temples and shrines. While you explore the island it's easy to feel as if you stepped into another world. Many of the architectural design were copied from Kyoto.

Sado has a population of only 55,000 and the size of Singapore. Nestled between Ryotsu Port and Sado City are various very picturesque temples and shrines we will explore in the early mornings.

Sado was already one of the independent provinces that comprised Japan in the Nara Period (late 6th Century to early 7th Century), and was designated an island of exile. Until medieval times, many court nobles and intellectuals who lost in politics were exiled to Sado.

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!

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

• Average temp 5-15 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

• 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.