Day 1 Osaka full day meeting
All day
The first day is the gathering day for the activity, and tourists from all over the world will go to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan to gather.
If your flight arrives between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, our staff will greet you at the airport and guide you to the hotel meeting point via public transportation (transportation is at your own expense). For later flights, we will provide detailed directions to your hotel, eliminating transportation worries. If you encounter any inconveniences, please feel free to contact the local tour guide for assistance.
Tourists arriving early can explore the Rinku Premium Outlets on their own. Kansai Airport Premium Outlets is western Japan's largest shopping center for designer goods. The warm hospitality of the Japanese people will be a welcome start to this photography trip.
Please be careful and keep your phone connected during your own activities. We recommend returning to your hotel early in the evening to rest and recharge for your next trip.
How to get to your destination
Arrival Airport: Kansai International Airport (Airport Code KIX)
Currently, there are direct flights to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Day 2 Osaka→ Daiweitokuji Temple→ Nara Park→ Kasuga Taisha Shrine→ Mt. Wakakusa→ Nara
·morning
After breakfast, we set off for the Mahakala Temple for some photography. In late autumn, the maple leaves of Mahakala Temple turn fiery red, and the ginkgo leaves turn brilliant golden yellow, which contrast with the vermilion buildings of the ancient temple, forming a colorful autumn picture that makes people feel like traveling back to ancient times.
·afternoon
Meet up in time and drive to Nara for lunch (at your own expense). After lunch, we'll first visit Nara Park, where the charming deer complement the vibrant autumn colors of the park.
Strolling and photographing, we arrived at the World Heritage Site of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Built over 1,300 years ago, it's one of Japan's oldest shrines. The shrine itself is shrouded in dense, towering trees, and the roadside is dotted with distinctive stone lanterns. From time to time, deer pop out. Here, we can capture the rich history and cultural atmosphere of the shrine.
Afterwards, we headed to Mount Wakakusa to photograph the sunset. The vast grassy slopes here offer rolling hills in the distance, Nara Castle below, and nearby, leisurely strolling deer. The scenery is dreamlike and beautiful under the twilight.
After taking photos of the sunset, we enjoyed dinner and stayed in the ancient capital of Nara that night.
Day 3 Nara → Hoshida Garden → Kyoto → Arashiyama
·morning
After breakfast, depart for Hoshida Garden. From the Hoshi no Swing, Japan's largest wooden suspension bridge, at 280 meters long and 50 meters above the ground, you'll gaze down at the forest beneath you, adorned with red and yellow leaves. The striking contrast of colors creates a fairytale-like experience. You can also visit the Observation Deck, where you can capture both the Hoshi no Swing and the autumn leaves.
Then we will go to Kyoto to enjoy Kyoto’s special tofu dishes.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll head to Arashiyama, where tourists can enjoy a stroll amidst the vibrant colors of maple leaves, bamboo forests, and ancient temples. Togetsukyo Bridge, a landmark of Arashiyama, spans the Katsura River. In autumn, the bridge, enveloped in crimson foliage, complemented by its rustic wooden structure, creates a breathtaking Japanese painting. We'll then visit Jojakko-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most sought-after spots for fall foliage viewing. The maple leaves here are larger, with a pinkish-red hue, a unique variety found at other Kyoto temples. The temple's Taho Pagoda complements the crimson foliage, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 4 Kyoto Full Day (Nanzen-ji Temple Kimono Portrait - Japanese Matcha Tea Experience - Ninmenezaka - Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
·morning
After breakfast, we'll visit Nanzenji Temple for a photoshoot. This relatively uncommon Zen temple in Kyoto boasts impressive arches and columns reminiscent of the Song and Yuan dynasties. China-TravelNote will arrange for models in kimonos to pose for photos, collaborating with the instructors to create uniquely Japanese environmental portraits.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll enjoy a special Japanese tea ceremony experience. Rooted in Zen philosophy, tea ceremony is a hallmark of Japanese culture. Today, we'll experience it in an atmosphere of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, offering an immersive and hands-on experience.
In the afternoon, we'll head to Ninne-zaka. Ninne-zaka and Ninne-zaka are two famous, ancient slopes in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, connecting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Both slopes are lined with ancient wooden buildings, imbued with traditional Japanese charm.
After crossing the Ni-Sannenzaka slope, we arrived at Kiyomizu-dera Temple just before sunset. This is a must-see autumn foliage viewing spot in Kyoto. Under the setting sun, Kiyomizu-dera Temple was dyed golden by the afterglow of the setting sun. The crimson maples and the Kiyomizu stage formed a picturesque landscape, and we captured a plethora of photos.
Continue to stay in Kyoto that night.
Day 5: Daigo-ji Temple → Lake Yamanaka (Mount Fuji)
·morning
After breakfast, we will go to Daigo-ji Temple for sightseeing and photography. Autumn is the most charming time of the year in Daigo-ji Temple. The gorgeous red leaves, the delightful red leaf corridor, and the Sanbao-in Temple that blends in with the red leaves are enough to make photographers linger.
After the filming, we drove to say goodbye to Kyoto. Today's drive was a bit longer, about 5 hours. We had a simple lunch at the highway service area (self-service).
·afternoon
Arriving at Lake Yamanaka in the evening, we set up our camera to capture the breathtaking sunset over Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is serene and tranquil under the twilight, and its reflection in the lake offers a perfect vantage point.
·night
After the photoshoot, we headed to the Yamanakako Hot Spring Resort Hotel, where we slept on Japanese tatami mats, enjoyed hot spring kaiseki cuisine, and soaked in authentic hot springs to wash away the fatigue of the whole day!
Day 6: Lake Yamanaka → Tokyo (Showa Kinen Park - Roppongi Hills Tokyo Tower sunset)
·morning
Rise early and follow your guide on a short hike to the edge of Lake Yamanaka to photograph the sunrise over Mount Fuji. As the sun gradually rises, Mount Fuji changes colors under the rosy clouds and the shadows of cherry blossoms, creating a majestic and breathtaking scene. After the photo session, return to the hotel for breakfast.
·morning
After a rest at the hotel, we'll depart at the perfect time and drive to Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenery Park, a popular spot for photographers. In autumn, the maple leaves along the lakeside turn a fiery crimson, and if you find the right angle, you can capture Mount Fuji with the leaves in the foreground.
·afternoon
After lunch, we went to Tokyo and visited Showa Kinen Park for some sightseeing and photography. This is the largest park in Tokyo. The "Ginkgo Avenue" consisting of 98 ginkgo trees and the "Ginkgo River" consisting of 106 ginkgo trees are the highlights here. In late autumn, the yellow of the ginkgo trees and the surrounding red leaves complement each other, making the photos particularly good.
·night
Before sunset, climb the Roppongi Observation Deck to capture the blues of Tokyo's night scene and Tokyo's famous landmark, the Tokyo Tower.
After the shooting, we went to the hotel to check in.
Day 7 Tokyo All Day Disbandment
All day
Today is a free dismissal day, and everyone can go to the airport on their own according to their flight time (hotel check-out time is 10:00 noon, and there is an airport bus directly at the door).
Tourists who haven't had enough can stay in Japan for a few more days to experience Tokyo's charm. Please check your belongings before leaving your hotel and at the airport to ensure they are not left behind. This concludes our autumn photography trip in Japan. We look forward to seeing you again!
丨Departure transportation:
1. Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda and Narita. Haneda Airport is closer to the city center, about 30-40 minutes away, while Narita Airport is farther away, about 1.5 hours away. Please arrange your return flight according to your needs.
2. The hotel is located in downtown Tokyo, with well-developed trams and buses nearby. The tour guide will inform the group of transportation methods to the airport one day in advance.
