Northern Autumn Tohoku Japan Photo Tour

Northern Honshu is also known as the Tohoku region. We will focus on 4 prefectures of Aomori, Akita, Iwate & Fukushima. The itinerary offers a mix of waterfalls, mountain views, lakes, hot springs, rivers, gorges & seascapes all with the aim of capturing autumn colours at their best from north to south.

Autumn: Oct 21 - Nov 5, 2026 & 2027 (16 Days)

4 - 6  people maximum, led by Alfonso Calero - fluent in Japanese, pro photographer, tutor and guide. 

Fitness Level: Moderate 

Pricing:

AUD$ 12,500 twin share
AUD$ 14,000 single room

Payment by Bank Transfer

Price includes:

• Included in Tour:

• 15 nights Accommodation (3 Star) very small but comfortable rooms with shower

• Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Tokyo- Tohoku Region - Tokyo

• 10 seater mini van (medium sized luggage 1/person + 1 hand carry)

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

• Post Trip Editing Sessions 1 on 1 (2-3 hours)

NOT included:

• International Flights

• All Meals

• Entrance Fees

• Travel Insurance (Health, Accident & Equipment)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Starts at our hotel in Tokyo 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 - 4  - We depart early morning from Ueno Station to catch our bullet train (Shinkansen) to Hachinohe Station way up north in Aomori prefecture. Running at a top speed of 320 km/hour, the award for the fastest train in Japan belongs to the Hayabusa. From here we self drive for the rest of our journey. First stop will be Oirase area for three nights in Towada, Aomori Prefecture. We will visit the World Famous Towada Arts Centre.

Highlights: Oirase area, Aomori - Lakes, Ponds, Marshlands & River Gorge

Day 5 & 6- Hachimantai - Hot springs, Waterfalls & River

Day 7 & 8- Kakunodate, Akita - River Gorge, Hot Springs, Samurai Village & Mountains

Day 9, 10 & 11 - Jodogahama Seascapes & Kitayamazaki Seascapes, staying nearby in Miyako

Day 12 - Last sunrise shoot followed by breakfast and drive to Hachinohe City where we will catch our train to Fukushima City and grab another hire car to explore Mt. Bandai National Parl for four days.

Day 11-14 Fukushima Region which has Mt. Bandai National park which will be our base for the next three nights. The gorgeous marshlands and lakes in the area with cypress, maple and birch trees will be showing their autumn colours.

Day 15 & 16 Shinjuku, Tokyo - Drive back to Fukushima city drop off the hire car and then catch a shinkansen to Tokyo for our final night exploring neon Nippon.

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!

Small Groups (Max 6) allow us to have a more authentic experience. I usually set up a whatsapp group before the trip so we can break the ice with fellow participants and get to know each other before the trip. My Japanese wife Ritsuko always joins us to help facilitate a smooth, fun and safe journey.

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

• Mirrorless digital camera (Smartphone Photographers Welcome)

• Lens 24-70mm range

• Tripod

• Dependable Portable External Drive

• Ipad/Tablet or Mobile (Optional Laptop)

• Adobe Lightroom Classic or Photoshop or equivalent

• ND Variable Filter  3-6-10 stops & CPL

• Moderate Level of Fitness is required with around 10,000-15,000 steps a day (2-4hrs)

• Up to 20 kg luggage (M Size) and appropriate warm clothing & waterproof (Gloves, Binnie, Down jacket, Hiking Boots). Average temp 2-15 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 $AUD 1500 per person is required to secure booking

• Via Bank Transfer or Credit Card (1.9 % fees)

• Cancellation More than 6 months before a trip: 100% refund of deposit.

• Cancellation Between 6 months and 30 days: 50% refund

• Cancellation Less than 30 days: 0% refund

• Final payment is due 6 months before the workshop/trip starts.