Tour Itinerary

For the 2024 Cherry Blossom Tour, our itinerary includes Tokyo, Miyajima, Himeji, Kyoto, Shizuoka, and Fuji Five Lakes before returning to Tokyo. Each location will offer photography opportunities during sunrise and sunset. However, as with any photography trip, the specific plan may vary slightly depending on factors such as lighting, weather conditions, and, most importantly for this trip, the blooming status of the cherry blossoms. I have carefully selected locations that not only benefit from the presence of cherry blossoms but also offer other attractions and scenic spots to appreciate, enjoy, and photograph, even if the cherry blossom timing deviates significantly from an average year.

Tokyo | 3 nights

We will spend three nights in Tokyo to allow you some time to settle in and explore Japan's vibrant capital. If New York is known as the city that never sleeps, Tokyo takes that to another level with its constant energy and dazzling lights. It offers an abundance of food experiences that you couldn't even hope to try in one trip. Considering its immense size (greater Tokyo area is around 35 million people), Tokyo impressively maintains cleanliness and safety while providing efficient and punctual public transportation.

Although we could spend the entire trip in Tokyo and still have plenty to do, see, experience, shop, and eat, we will allocate two days for now. We will return to Tokyo at the end of the trip, allowing you to enjoy some shopping on the last day without having to carry your purchases throughout the journey. Depending on the cherry blossoms' blooming schedule, we will make adjustments to our specific visiting locations. Additionally, based on the group's interests, I highly recommend a cooking lesson with a Japanese chef in her home, as it is a fantastic cultural experience. There are also other options available, such as tea ceremonies and learning to play traditional Japanese instruments, which I can recommend depending on your preferences.

Miyajima | 2 nights

We will travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima via bullet train, and from there, we will embark on a short ferry ride to the picturesque island of Miyajima. Miyajima is widely regarded as one of the three most scenic places in Japan, thanks to its iconic torii gate that appears to float in the sea during high tide and becomes accessible to walk up to during low tide. Additionally, Miyajima is home to a population of wild deer that roam freely across the island. While the island can get crowded with tourists during the day, it transforms into a tranquil haven in the early morning and late evening, once most visitors have left.

During our stay, we will spend two nights on Miyajima, allowing us to explore the island as well as visit Hiroshima. It is important to note that the Great Torii gate in Miyajima is currently undergoing renovation. If it appears unlikely that the renovation will be completed during our visit, we will adjust our plans accordingly and include alternative locations for those two dates.

Himeji | 1 night

 
Miyajima is the southernmost destination on our itinerary for this trip. We will make our way back north to Himeji, once again using the bullet train. Himeji is not only home to one of the most spectacular castles in Japan, but it also boasts exceptional cherry blossoms. Himeji Castle underwent a massive restoration project in 2015 and now looks better than ever! We will explore various locations in Himeji that offer breathtaking views with or without cherry blossoms, and if we're lucky, we might capture stunning sunrise or sunset shots. Additionally, there are some serene cherry blossom spots near Himeji Castle where we can go early in the morning for isolated cherry blossom photos and pictures of pathways and streams adorned with cherry blossoms.

Kyoto | 4 nights

 

We will spend 4 nights in Kyoto, which holds a special place in my heart as my favorite city in Japan, and perhaps even the world. Kyoto offers a delightful blend of modernity and traditional Japanese culture, accompanied by a culinary scene as rich as the city's history. It is truly a unique destination!

Some of the highlights in Kyoto include breathtaking temples and shrines such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji, Nanzenji, Kokedera, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. We will also explore the historic districts of Kyoto, including the enchanting Geiko District (known as Gion), the beautiful Higashiyama neighborhood, and the serene Path of Philosophy.

Depending on availability and the group's preference, we can arrange a portrait session featuring a Maiko (an apprentice Geiko) or have Japanese models dressed in traditional Japanese attire. Additionally, another cultural experience we can explore is visiting a genuine swordsmith for a brief demonstration.

Kyoto offers an abundance of captivating experiences, and we will ensure to make the most of our time there, immersing ourselves in its rich culture and capturing its beauty through photography.

Shizuoka and Fuji Five Lakes Mt Fuji |  4 nights

 We spend 2 nights in Shizuoka prefecture in search of breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Our primary objective is to capture stunning vistas of Mount Fuji adorned with cherry blossoms. Therefore, our schedule will be adjusted accordingly based on the blooming status of the cherry blossoms and the weather conditions. In the event that the cherry blossoms are not in optimal condition, Shizuoka offers the opportunity to capture fantastic cityscapes featuring Mount Fuji as a majestic backdrop.