Japan Spring Photo Tour Kyushu

Itinerary Overview: 4 locations over 9 nights. Fukuoka City (1) | Mt. Aso (3) | Kumamoto City (2) | Kagoshima City (2)

Spring Dates: Mar 14 - 23, 2025

Okoshiki Coast, Kumamoto Outskirts Sunset (Tide Dependant)

Tour led by Alfonso Calero & Ritsuko Calero - fluent in Japanese, photographer, tutor and guide.

Driving Route

Pricing:

AUD $6900/person twin share

AUD $7900/per single

Fire Swinging Festival - Aso Shrine, Kumamoto

Aso Shrine - Taiko Drums

Payment by Bank Transfer

Price includes:

  • All ground transport (Car Hire)

  • All 3 Star Accommodation for 9 nights

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

NOT included:

  • International Flights and International Hotel Transfers

  • All Meals

  • Entrance Fees

  • Travel Insurance

International flights should be booked separately once your Tour booking is confirmed.

Japan Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 1 -Fukuoka City is Kysuhu’s Largest City and the most liveable city in Japan. Famous for its Tonkotsu (Pork Broth) Ramen and Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe). We will spend the night exploring all the culinary delights of this vibrant city.

Hotel Fukuoka (1 Night)

Hotel Fukuoka (1 night)

Mt. Aso Moon

Takachiho, Miyazaki

Day 2 & 3 - Depart Fukuoka late morning drive to Aso via Nabegatake Falls. Then will be spending the next 2 nights in the town of Aso surrounded by various picturesque landscapes around Mt. Aso. We will coincide with the fire festival date.

Aso Hotel (2 nights)

Hotel in Aso (2 nights)

Mt. Aso Sun

Takachiho, Miyazaki

Day 4 & 5 - Highlights will be to experience the Fire Turning Ritual at Aso Shrine and a day trip to Takachiho Gorge.

Kikuchi Valley, Kumamoto

Takachiho Boat Ride

Takachiho Gorge, Kumamoto

Braised Kurobuta Pork Bowl

Seasonal Lunch

Day 6 & 7 Kumamoto City is the second largest city in Kyushu island with a population of around 730,000 people. Kumamoto prefecture is situated in the centre of the island of Kyushu on its western coast. For the next two nights we will do days trips along the coast and in land farm areas.

Kumamoto Hotel (2 nights)

Street Portrait

Spring Flowers

Nagabeta, Kumamoto

Nagabeta, Kumamoto

Traditional Cuisine

Sea Bream Shabu Gozen

Traditional Cuisine

Day 8 - 10 Kagoshima City - For the last three days we will be using the city as our base to do day trips around the surrounding peninsula to experience a volcanic sand bath and other exciting activities.

Hotel Kagoshima (2 nights)

Hotel Kagoshima (2 nights)

Sakurajima Active Volcano

Takachiho, Miyazaki

Takachiho, Miyazaki

Samurai at Kumamoto Castle

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 (6 months) 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 (6 months) days before the workshop/trip starts.

Nagabeta, Kumamoto

What to Bring: Photographic & General Gear

  • DSLR or hybrid mirrorless digital camera (Smartphone Photographers Welcome)

  • Lens 24-70mm range

  • Tripod & Cable Release

  • Dependable Portable External Drive

  • Laptop and power supply

  • Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop

  • ND Variable Filter

  • Up to 20 kg luggage and appropriate clothing

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

Takachiho, Miyazaki

Mt. Aso

Tour highlights:

  • Fire Turning Ritual

  • Staying in traditional accommodation

  • Ancient Forest and Trees

  • Sea of Clouds

Mikorai Beach, Kumamoto

Herons Mating

  • Gorgeous Gorges

  • Culinary Delights

  • Hand-picked BEST locations

  • Led by an experienced photographer/guide/tutor fluent in Japanese

  • Truly authentic travel experience - a trip of lifetime!

Niagara of Kagoshima

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

  • Street Portrait Photography

  • Architectural Photography

Mt. Aso

Mt. Aso