Experience the magic of Japan’s fall season through the masterful eye of Art Wolfe. This exclusive 11-day photographic journey blends Japan’s most exquisite cultural treasures with its breathtaking autumn landscapes, offering rare access to serene temples, remote valleys, and centuries-old traditions, all at the height of the vibrant fall foliage.
As fiery maples and golden ginkgo leaves transform the country into a living canvas, you’ll capture scenes steeped in history and harmony: misty gardens, ancient shrines, serene bamboo forests, and mountain villages seemingly untouched by time. Stay in hand-selected accommodations that blend modern comfort with traditional charm, savor exquisite cuisine, and travel in comfort with a small group of fellow enthusiasts.
Whether you’re photographing monks in meditation, reflections in tranquil ponds, or the ethereal light filtering through Kyoto’s temples, this journey is designed to ignite your creativity and deepen your connection to Japan’s aesthetic spirit.
Journey Highlights
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Kyoto’s Autumn Brilliance – Wander through ancient temples, serene gardens, and the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
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Nara’s Living History – Photograph sacred deer roaming freely beneath crimson maples and the vermilion lanterns of Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
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Mt. Koya Spiritual Immersion – Experience life in a Buddhist temple lodge and capture the mystical atmosphere of Okunoin Cemetery.
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Hidden Japan in Iya Valley – Venture into misty gorges and vine-covered bridges of one of Japan’s most remote and photogenic regions.
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Ritsurin Garden & Shikoku Landscapes – Wander one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, a masterpiece of balance and reflection.
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Expert Guidance – Learn composition, light, and storytelling from one of the world’s most celebrated photographers.
Led by Art Wolfe
Assisted by Gavriel Jecan
Limited to 10 participants
Transportation and Accommodation
Meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Tokyo.
Itinerary
Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.
Day 1 Nov 12, 2026 Arrival in Tokyo (D)
Arrive at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and check in to your conveniently located hotel within the terminal. Meet Art Wolfe and your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome dinner and introduction to the days ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Excel Tokyu Haneda Airport
Day 2 Nov 13, Tokyo -Takamatsu – Iya Valley (B,D)
After breakfast, we will take a flight to Takamatsu, Shikoku Island.
A short flight brings you to Takamatsu on Shikoku Island, where you’ll explore the tranquil Ritsurin Park, one of the best Japanese gardens on Shikoku Island. From there we will continue by private van to the remote Iya Valley, famed for its vine bridges, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Hotel Hikyo no Yu or similar
Day 3 Nov 14, Sandakan – Kinabatangan (B,D)
Spend the day capturing the unspoiled beauty of Iya Valley: the vine-covered Kazurabashi Bridge, cascading Biwa Waterfalls, and the preserved mountain village of Ochiai. This is a photographer’s paradise where autumn hues blend seamlessly with rustic tradition.
Accommodation: Hotel Hikyo no Yu or similar
Day 4 Nov 15, Iya Valley – Tokushima (B,D)
Morning light offers one last chance to photograph the misty valleys before continuing to Tokushima. Evening at leisure with dinner featuring regional cuisine.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel or JR Crement Hotel
Day 5 Nov 16, Tokushima – Wakayama – Mt. Koya (B,D)
Take a scenic ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to Wakayama, then drive into the forested mountains of Mt. Koya — one of Japan’s most sacred Buddhist sites. Visit the elegant Niutsuhime Shrine before settling into a traditional temple lodging, complete with shojin ryori dinner, traditional Japanese Buddhist Cuisine.
Accommodation in Mt. Koya: Temple Lodge
Day 6 Nov 17, Mt. Koya – Nara (B,D)
Join the monks for their serene morning ceremony before photographing the ethereal Okunoin Cemetery, where moss-covered lanterns and towering cedars create a mystical atmosphere. Later, journey to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital.
Accommodation in Nara: Nikko Nara Hotel
Day 7 Nov 18, Exploring Nara’s Temples & Parks (B,D)
Capture dawn light filtering through Kasuga Taisha’s lantern-lined paths and Nara Park’s free-roaming deer. Continue to Hasedera and Muroji Temples, each offering exquisite autumn scenery and peaceful courtyards.
Accommodation in Nara: Nikko Nara Hotel
Day 8 Nov 19, Nara – Kyoto (B,D)
After breakfast, we will drive to Kyoto (approximately 1 hour), the cultural heart of Japan. Begin with photographic explorations in northern Kyoto,visiting and photographing at Ohara Sanzenin Temple as well as Kibune Shrine, both serene havens surrounded by crimson foliage.
Accommodation in Kyoto: Good Nature Hotel Kyoto
Day 9 Nov 20, The Bamboo Forest & Miyama Village (B,D)
This morning we will start early to photograph around Higashiyama district including Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu Temple as they are bathed in early morning light. The afternoon allows for leisurely shooting or rest before returning to capture sunset light over Kyoto’s skyline.
Accommodation in Kyoto: Good Nature Hotel Kyoto
Day 10 Nov 21, The Bamboo Forest & Miyama Village (B,D)
This morning we will wake up very early in the morning and go for our morning shoot at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before the crowds get there. Continuing, the morning will be spent photographing hidden gems near Arashiyama, such as the Gio-ji and Jojakko-ji Temples. Later, we’ll head out to the countryside to capture the traditional thatched-roof village of Miyama Kayabuki no Sato, a glimpse into old Japan.
Accommodation in Kyoto: Good Nature Hotel Kyoto
Day 11 Nov 22, Fushimi Inari & Departure (B)
Again, we kick off the day with an early sunrise shoot at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the site famous for its vermilion torii gates. After breakfast, the tour concludes with transfers available to Kyoto Station or Kansai Airport.
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