Japan Autumn Workshop
17-26 November 2024
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Start/Finish
Tokyo / Osaka
Group Size
Max 6 participants
(Just 1 open spot left!)
Skill
All skill levels
Fitness Difficulty
Easy / Moderate
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Type of Tour – Small Group
Lead Photographers - Andy Yee and Colby Brown / Pedro Kin
Fly In -Tokyo [NRT] or [HND]
Fly Out - Osaka [KIX] or bullet train back to Tokyo
Price - $USD
Highlights
* Tokyo day tour
* Mt Fuji - Five Lakes district
* Kyoto (Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion, Fushimi-Inari, Kiyomizudera, Gion, Byoudin, Night Illuminations)
* Matsumoto Castle
* Narajuku - Kiso Valley
* Mount Koyasan
* Nara Park (Deer!)
* Lake Biwa
* The food!
* The culture!
* The colour!
In late November Japan explodes into a dazzling array of colour as autumn hits its peak. The Japan Autumn Workshop is timed to sees the flora at its fiery peak; the countryside awash in a sea of reds, oranges and yellows. This ten day intensive workshop encapsulates the most exceptional landscapes, temples, shrines, waterfalls and lakes that Japan has to offer, and there will even be some deer too!
Lead by award-winning photographers Andy Yee and Colby Brown / Pedro Kin, this tour will push your photography to the next level. The intimate group size is designed for personal attention to develop your photographic vision.
The megatropolis Tokyo is our starting point for this colourful workshop. From the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, and the impressive skyline of this futuristic city, to the quiet and spiritual lantern covered alleys of the old Asakusa district, Tokyo is a contradictory city full of wonder.
No trip to Japan in Autumn would be complete without a photograph of the iconic Mt Fuji. The Fuji Five-Lakes district is breathtaking at this time of the year as autumn brings a vibrancy that exemplifies the natural beauty of the lakes and vistas in the region. We will take out time to explore a wide array of shooting locations so you will be sure to capture the shy mountain in its best light.
We take a step back into the Edo period with a visit of some of the small villages in the Kiso Valley. This gives us a glimpse into Japan's feudal past, with well-preserved wooden buildings, traditional inns (minshuku), and historic landmarks. The Kiso Valley is known for its natural beauty, with lush mountains, pristine rivers, and verdant forests. The valley is particularly picturesque during the spring cherry blossom season and the autumn foliage season.
Our adventure continues in Kyoto: the cultural heart of Japan. Steeped in history, Kyoto has some of the most colourful temples and shrines found anywhere in the world. Our time will be wisely spent in the right locations at the right time. Early morning in the serene bamboo forest, late afternoon along the path of a thousand Torii Gates as the shadows grow long, evenings at illuminated temples such as Kiyomizu-dera. If we are lucky, we might even hear the shuffling of Geisha as they hurry from tea-house to tea-house in the twilight of Gion.
Heading south, we spend time at Mount Koya (Koyasan), a sacred mountain in Wakayama Prefecture. The mountain is home to a cluster of temples, monasteries, and spiritual sites, making it one of Japan's most significant religious destinations. Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance. The architecture of its temples and monasteries, as well as the artwork and artifacts housed within them, provide insights into Japan's religious and artistic heritage.
Further exploring the Wakayama prefecture, we visit Seiganto temple - Temple of the Blue Waves and Nachi falls. Along the coast of Wakayama prefecture lie some of the most unique rock formations found in all Japan. The Hashigui-iwa Rocks, a striking natural formation along the shore, are particularly captivating. These enigmatic columns of rock jutting from the sea resemble an ancient bridge, creating a dramatic and picturesque seascape that's perfect for photography at sunrise.
Our tour will conclude on Day 10 with the group being dropped off in central Osaka during the day, people can choose to continue their Japan adventure or make their way home when the tour is completed.
We understand getting the photo into the card is only half of the battle. During the workshop, there will be time to go over post-processing to help you create images that pack a punch. Our photographers will sit down with you to assist your selection process, Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and techniques, and develop your best images, so you can showcase the finest Japan has to offer.
The trip is suitable for the photographer with basic knowledge through to expert level.
Group size will be 6-8 people. Cost will cover 9 nights accommodation, ground transport and all breakfast meals.
Japan is a gastronomic destination in and of itself. With such a wide and varied selection to choose from, you will learn that Japanese food is more than just Sushi. From succulent seafood to giant bowls of Raman, crispy tempura, or Kansai Okonomiyaki, you will come to appreciate all of what Japan has to offer your palate. When we aren't leaving in the dark to shoot sunrise, breakfasts will be provided. All dinners will be offered, but lunch and drinks will be up to you. We will be staying in three-star or greater hotels during our trip. We will spend one night in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn, which will be quite the experience. Each hotel has been selected for their value and offers a comfortable stay in petite but modern and well-equipped rooms. All rooms on the workshop will be provided as dual occupancy, single occupancy supplement is limited, but can be available upon request.
Single Occupancy is offered on a limited first come, first reserved basis for $850 USD for this tour. Please nominate Single Occupancy when booking or as early as possible to ensure reservation. If Single Occupancy cannot be reserved, we will communicate this as soon as possible.
For Terms and Conditions click here
Spots are limited and you are advised to book with a deposit as soon as possible to not miss out. Please email for further details andy@andyyee.com
Included
* Two professional photography guides
* Nine nights accommodation
* Dual room occupancy (single supplement is available on request)
* All breakfasts (some days we depart for sunrise before breakfast)
* Transportation in private cars and ferries
* Post-Processing sessions during the tour
Excluded
* Airfare to/from Japan
* Lunches and dinners
* Any entrance fees to photography locations (Temples, Shrines and Night Illuminations)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Travel insurance
* Equipment and baggage insurance
* Visas (if applicable)
* Gratuities
To reserve your spot for this workshop, a deposit of $1000 (USD) can be made via Stripe Payment Processing.
Remaining workshop tuition amount will be due 60 days before workshop. A reminder invoice will be sent out 90 days before the workshop commencement
Upon deposit you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions click here.
Guides
Tour will be guided by professional photographers Andy Yee and Colby Brown / Pedro Kin.
Andy Yee is a professional photographer who specializes in travel/tourism, architecture and commercial projects. He is a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate and the winner of the Sony Alpha Landscape Award. Andy has travelled extensively in all seasons of the year and worked on projects with several tourism agencies and publications.
Colby Brown is a photographer, photo educator and author based out of Eastern Pennsylvania. Specializing in landscape, travel and humanitarian photography, his photographic portfolio spans the four corners of the globe. Throughout his work, one can see that he combines his love of the natural world with his fascination of the world’s diverse cultures. Each of his photographs tells a story of life on this planet.
As one of the most influential photographers on the internet with an audience reaching millions around the world, Colby creates & helps run various social influencer marketing campaigns for some of the biggest companies and destinations in the world, including Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, Iceland Naturally, Jordan Tourism Board, Australia.com, Travel Alberta, Visit California and many more.
Pedro Kin is a Portuguese landscape photographer based in Slovakia but you’ll often find him chasing the light in the most beautiful mountains, forests and fjords of Europe. Favoring the cold landscapes and the raw nature of northern Europe, the weather does not stop him from going after the perfect shot — be it the northern lights in the Lofoten Islands, a snowy beach in Lithuania or a powerful waterfall in Iceland. When not travelling the world with his camera, Pedro is found back home helping others improve their photography and editing skills through personalized one-to-one online courses.