JAPAN IN FALL
November 22 – December 2 2025
Very excited to restart the unique photography expedition in my dear country, Japan ! Japan is a country with serenity and tradition, multifaceted and complex culture, non-stop flux of technology development. You will visit the 2 iconic cities, Tokyo and Kyoto. I would like to show you the deepest traditions as well as the extreme modernity. The photo opportunity is countless and abundant. The focus on this program is to hone your skill of story telling by capturing this unique culture and people. November is the most beautiful time of the year with the transient beauty of the fall foliage. It would surely add the flavor to your images. The culinary experience is also the highlight of this trip, tasting variety of Japanese cuisine. Don’t forget “Wagashi”, the Japanese delicate sweets !
Tokyo: Capital of the country, a vibrant hub of everything. We stroll into every corner of this gigantic city, experience the tranquil tradition of Kabuki, the high-speed daily life of Tokyoites and immerse into “Otaku” culture.
Kyoto: Everything tradition, it’s in Kyoto. Striking temples, Zen rock gardens, mysterious Geisha, elegant Kaiseki dinner… You will be drawn back to ancient time of Japan. With the full color of the fall foliage, this exquisite city looks even more magical.
PROGRAM DATES:
November 22(Sat) – December 2(Tue). 2025
-
Tokyo…. 4 nights (Nov. 22 – 25, Dec. 1 - 2.)
-
Kyoto…. 5 nights (Nov. 25 – 30.)
-
Mt. Koya…. 1 night (Nov. 30 – Dec. 1. )
RATES:
Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Koya - 10 nights /11 days
-
double occupancy TBA (around $8,000)
-
single occupancy TBA (around $9,000)
Rates are per person, U.S. Dollars. Program rates include all accommodations, all ground transportation, some meals (see the itinerary), entrance fee for temples and gardens.
NOT INCLUDED:
International Airfare to/from Tokyo
Airport transfer to/from hotel in Tokyo
Insurance
Tokyo
DAY 1
Arrive in Tokyo Narita Airport ( or Haneda Airport ) at your convenient time.
Transfer from the airport to hotel in Tokyo and check in.
We will meet at the hotel in the evening for welcome dinner and first presentation.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tokyo, (Dinner)
DAY 2
Asakusa:
Start the program by visiting Asakusa, the oldest districts in Tokyo. Sensouji, a Buddhist temple, and Kaminari-mon, a gate with giant lantern, are breathtaking. Neighborhood used to be an entertainment district during Edo period (400 years ago !) and still maintains the atmosphere.
Akihabara:
World-famous electronics town is now the mecca of Japan’s “otaku-culture” such as anime and manga. It is a birth place of J-pop girls phenomenon and “maid-café”. We venture into Japan’s modern insanity !
Harajuku:
Visit the center of youth culture & fashion. “Takeshita Street ”, the main street, will be packed with thousands of teenagers. Their style varies from lolita, punk, gothic, hip hop… you name it !　
Shibuya:
The town with youth fashion and culture is now world-famous for its largest intersection, “Shibuya Scramble Crossing”. Let’s capture this “organized chaos” !
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tokyo, (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 3
TeamLab:
Visit TeamLab, the digital art exhibit space in Azabudai-Hills, a newly developed modern urban complex. This cutting-edge, super modern art space houses multisensory, full-body immersive art displays, creating an unimaginable experience to you.
Sushi lunch at Tsukiji:
Tsukiji is a former wholesale fish market, still popular district with street food and numerous shops and restaurant.
Ginza:
Japan’s biggest luxury and entertainment district with world-famous fashion brands and department stores. Great place to photograph the architectural beauty as well as high-fashion street scenes.
“Yokocho” alley in Shinjuku:
Stepping into the narrow street with lanterns and neon signs, you will find exotic and retro Japan with many small bars and restaurant. Capture the locals pleasurably enjoying the nightlife.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tokyo, (Breakfast)
Kyoto
DAY 4
Depart Tokyo to Kyoto by “Shinkansen” (Bullet Train - 2.5h ride).
Transfer from the station and check in the hotel.
Sanjusangendo Temple:
Start the journey in Kyoto by visiting the temple with incredible 1000 statues of Kannon (Buddhist goddess). Temple was built in 1164 and the main hall containing the statures is 120 meter (393 feet) long, the longest wooden structure in the world.
Eikando Temple:
One of the most stunning fall foliage can be captured at this old temple. Garden will be lit in the evening and the bright red and yellow leaves make magical reflection on the pond.
Hotel: Hotel Intergate Kyoto (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 5
Arashiyama:
The district with historic sites and the scenic beauty of mountain and river. Early morning, we stroll along the majestic “Bamboo Path”, the most photogenic sight in Kyoto. “Tenryuji Temple” and “Togetsukyo Bridge”, both are famous for its splendid landscape of the fall foliage.
Ryoanji:
Famous for its “Rock Garden”, this Zen Buddhist temple will give you absolute spiritual
and meditative experience.
Kinkakuji:
Famous for its golden pavilion, this temple is the signature of Kyoto…you can’t miss it !
Tea ceremony:
Visiting “Machiya”, traditional wooden townhouse or “Ochaya”, the tea house where Geisha entertain the guests, you will taste the cultural heritage of Kyoto. Geisha, called “Geiko” or “Maiko” in Kyoto, will make tea ceremony and performance.
Gion:
Gion, Kyoto’s traditional Geisha district, has not changed much in the past 300 years. Geisha establishment, tea houses and restaurants dot the streets. “Geiko” or “Maiko” might be seen on their way to work on the street.
Hotel: Hotel Intergate Kyoto (Breakfast,)
DAY 6
Ohara/Kibune:
We visit the rural towns nestled in the mountains of northern Kyoto. In this area, the fall foliage occurs earlier than central Kyoto.
Nishiki Market:
Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, the long and narrow street is packed with hundreds shops of Japanese sweets, seasonal foods, pickles and seafood. Best place to practice the interactive photos with the local people.
Nishijin Textiles Studio:
Visit the traditional craft studio where you can photograph the country’s finest and most skillful silk textile weaving, perfected over 1200 years.
Kaiseki Dinner:
Welcome dinner at “Kaiseki” restaurant, Japanese multi-course haute cuisine.
Hotel: Hotel Intergate Kyoto (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7
One day trip to Nara:
Escaping from the crowded city of Kyoto, you will drive 1 hour to visit another ancient town, Nara. Japan’s first permanent capital established in 710, it has always been one of the most important locations both historically and culturally. Todaiji temple is the signature of the town with its awe-inspiring 15 meter gigantic
Buddha. Surrounding of the temple is Nara Park, filled with over 1200 freely roaming sacred deer. In Shinto mythology, deer are considered to be messengers of the gods.
Hotel: Hotel Intergate Kyoto (Breakfast)
DAY 8
Fushimi Inari Shrine:
Famous for its pathway lined with thousands of red-colored “Torii” gates (it is believed to divide our world and the sprit world), one of the most photogenic sites in Kyoto.
Tofukuji:
Another mecca for the fall foliage. This stunning temple was founded in 1236. The best view is from the old wooden bridge which spans over a valley of lush maple trees.
Fire Ramen:
You can’t miss ramen when you are in Japan but what about a ramen on fire!? This crazy ramen shop prepares a literal fiery bowl of noodles!
Night shoot at Toji Temple:
Toji, one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, is famous for 5-story pagoda and stunning night view.
Hotel: Hotel Intergate Kyoto (Breakfast)
Mt. Koya
DAY 9
Depart Kyoto to Mt. Koya by vehicle (2.5h ).
Mt. Koya:
It is a headquarter of “Shingon Buddhism”, most sacred sect originated early 9th century. The original monastery has grown into the town of “Koya”, now consisting of 120 temples. “Kongobuji”, the head temple, and “Okunoin”, mausoleum surround by graveyard, are serene and stunning.
“Shukubo” stay:
Many of the temples offer lodging to pilgrims (called “Shukubo”). We will stay one of them, tasting monk’s simple but profound lifestyle, eating vegetarian cuisine, attending religious activities, sleeping on “tatami” floor…deep cultural experience.
Hotel: Henjokoin Temple, (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10
Morning pray:
Start the day by morning prayer, followed by breakfast.
Noon, depart Mt. Koya to Osaka by vehicle (2h drive) and take “Shinkansen” (Bullet Train) back to Tokyo.
Hotel: Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner)
​
DAY 11
Transfer from Hotel from Tokyo Narita Airport (or Haneda Airport) by limousine bus for flight home.
(Breakfast)
“The itineraries are subject to modified and changed. We will try all our effort to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur based on the weather and other conditions.”
TESTIMONIALS:
“Japan has always been on my wish list, but who knew that I would be so, so lucky to have had it be the most amazing trip of my lifetime. I saw the wonders and beauty of Japan while learning how to capture what I saw with my own eyes and turn them into lasting memories. The wonders of nature in Fall made for spectacular sights to behold, admire and capture. I never felt that I had to create something out of nothing; we were constantly surrounded by the wonders and beauty of the unfolding Fall colors. The days are in the hands of a master; an amazingly talented photographer who imparts and shares his knowledge with unending patience and professionalism; a master with people, funny, kind and caring; and a master of organizing spectacular photographic, cultural and culinary experiences. I went to bed each day in awe of what we had seen and done during the day, only to wake up and have continuous days of awesome sights, experiences and surprises.”
(Fran Keller, Connecticut, USA)
“ Amazed at Japan’s ability to be so advanced and innovative, and yet remains so close to its oldest traditions and cultural roots. Extremely satisfied experience ! “
(Beatriz Lombardi, Australia)
“ Absolutely peerless in experience the traditional and modern Japan from a local’s perspective. A day with Katsu is equal to 3+ days with anyone else!! Simply fantastic program and so impressed with the precision of all the logistics as well. I also felt that each meals introduced us to a different aspect of Japanese cuisine! They were fabulous and always surprise.”
(Leslie Falk, New York, USA)