Japan 2027 – Spring Photo Trip
Tokyo & Nagano | 9 Days | 8 Photographers
Wander through wisteria-draped pathways and hillsides ablaze with azaleas. From neon-lit nights in Tokyo to quiet mornings in a mountain ryokan, this unforgettable 9-day premium journey is designed for photographers who crave both vibrant color and cultural depth. Join a small group of creatives for a deep dive into the soul of Japan at its most luminous.
- Dates: May 7-15, 2027
- Duration: 9 Days
- Group Size: Max 8
- Activity Level: 3 out of 5
- Photo Themes: Cityscape, Street, Landscape, Wildlife, Cultural Storytelling
- Leaders: Pete DeMarco & Junko Yokota
- Price: $8,995 (double occupancy)
Trip Overview
This 9-day trip begins and ends in Tokyo, designed around two distinct bases: urban energy and mountain stillness.
Days 1–5: Tokyo & Mt. Fuji
We start in Tokyo and settle in. Five days gives us room to explore with depth — neighborhoods, temples, markets, skyline views, and the contrast between traditional and modern Japan.
During this stretch, we’ll make a dedicated day trip to the Mt. Fuji region, timed for the best conditions. You’ll experience Japan’s most iconic landscape while keeping Tokyo as our home base.
There’s space built in. Not just movement. You’ll have time to observe, refine, and revisit.
Days 6–8: Mountains Near Nagano
Midway through the trip, we shift to the mountains (3 hours by train from Tokyo) near Nagano. We’ll stay in a traditional ryokan for 2 nights with tatami rooms, kaiseki meals, and onsen baths. The pace slows. The air changes. We’ll also visit the monkeys, set in a quiet forested valley, not far from where we will stay.
On Day 8, we return to Tokyo for one final night together. The trip concludes in Tokyo on the morning of Day 9, with the option to extend your stay independently.
A detailed day-by-day itinerary will be shared with confirmed participants well in advance of departure.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Trip
1. Photograph Iconic Japan – From Mt. Fuji to Monkeys
Frame the majesty of Mt. Fuji from powerful vantage points. Travel into the mountains of Nagano to photograph wild macaques soaking in steaming hot springs, one of Japan’s most unforgettable wildlife scenes.
2. Experience Tokyo After Dark
Chase neon light through electric nights where reflections shimmer on wet pavement and narrow alleyways pulse with color and energy. This is layered, cinematic street photography at its best.
3. Stay in a Traditional Ryokan
Trade hotel rooms for tatami mats, futon beds, and a soothing onsen bath. Slow down in a timeless Japanese inn where hospitality is ritual and atmosphere matters.
4. Wander Through Japan’s Spring Beauty
Explore temple grounds and mountain villages where wisteria drapes in purple curtains and moss gardens glow impossibly green. Spring brings texture, softness, and depth to every frame.
5. Go Beyond The Tourist Experience
Discover Tokyo’s food culture like an insider — cramped ramen shops and backstreet restaurants. Witness the intensity of a sumo match, where tradition, ritual, and raw power unfold in real time.
A Typical Day
While each day is unique, the flow is intentional.
Morning
Some days begin earlier to take advantage of soft light or quieter streets. Other mornings are slower. Japan has a natural calm early in the day. We use that rhythm thoughtfully.
Midday
A slower stretch. Time for rest, one-to-one photo editing or Q&A with Pete, travel between locations, or an immersive cultural experience. We don’t rush the middle of the day.
Late Afternoon & Evening
We head back out as the light changes. Golden hour, blue hour, or simply wandering into neighborhoods as lanterns glow and the city shifts tone.
Dinner
Some evenings are group dinners. Other nights, you’ll have space to explore on your own or in small clusters.
What’s Included
- 8 Nights of Accommodation
Handpicked, centrally located 4-star hotel in Tokyo, including a relaxing 2-night stay at a traditional ryokan near Nagano. - Expert Photo Guidance From Pete
Personalized instruction, photo critiques, and on-the-go coaching. - Expert Cultural Guidance From Junko
Gain a deeper connection to Japan’s traditions and everyday life. - Select Meals
Enjoy daily breakfast, a festive welcome dinner, and a special farewell dinner. - All Ground Transportation & Airport Transfers
Trains, buses, and transfers during the tour dates are fully covered. - Entry Fees & Permits
All location and activity fees included, so you can focus on the shot, not the logistics. - Pre-Tour Orientation Call
A month before the trip, we’ll meet to review the itinerary, answer your questions, and make sure you feel fully prepared for the journey ahead. - Post-Tour Online Slideshow Event
One month later, reconnect with your group and showcase your favorite images at our live online gathering.
What’s Not Included
- International airfare to and from Japan
- Travel insurance (required)
- Lunches, most dinners, alcohol, and personal snacks
Who This Trip Is For
This trip is ideal for enthusiast to advanced photographers who:
- Prefer depth over speed
- Appreciate good food and conversation as much as images
- Want thoughtful guidance in the field, not classroom lectures
- Value a balance of curated experiences and independent exploration
- Are drawn to culture, craft, and tradition
Who This Trip Is Not For
This trip may not be a good fit if you:
- Expect a checklist-style travel experience
- Want comfort and convenience to outweigh immersion
- Need a fully scheduled itinerary with no downtime
- Prefer a coach-style sightseeing experience with minimal walking
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet. A good level of fitness is required for this trip.
About Your Leaders: Pete & Junko
Pete DeMarco (back row, center) is a photographer and educator from Connecticut. Having lived abroad for over 2 decades – mostly in Asia – and exploring more than 50 countries, he brings a wealth of international experience to every tour. Known for his warm energy, patient coaching, and respect for local cultures, Pete’s trips aren’t just about the getting the shot, they’re also about the experience behind it.
Junko Yokota (front row, center) was born in Tokyo and raised in Okinawa. Now based in Chicago, she’s led countless trips across Japan. A former professor and lifelong educator, and passionate photographer herself, Junko has taught around the world and brings a unique lens to every experience. Fluent in English and Japanese, she offers local insight, thoughtful context, and genuine connection. She helps you experience Japan in a way that feels personal, welcoming, and real.
Trip Price
- Trip Price: $8,995 per person (double occupancy)
- Single Room Supplement: $1,295
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $3,000 due upon confirmation.
- Second Payment: $3,000 due 180 days prior to departure.
- Final Balance: $2,995 due 120 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
All payments are non-refundable, as accommodations and services are secured in advance. If a replacement participant fills your spot, any refund issued will be less processing fees, a $300 administrative fee, and any non-recoverable supplier costs. Comprehensive trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
FAQs
What airport do I need to fly into?
We recommend flying into Haneda Airport (HND) if possible. It’s much closer to central Tokyo and will make your arrival smoother.
That said, Narita Airport (NRT) is also a valid option and serves many international flights. If you choose Narita, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours of transit into the city.
Full arrival instructions will be shared after booking.
When should I plan to arrive in Tokyo?
We highly recommend arriving at least one day before the trip begins to adjust to the time difference and recover from travel.
Arriving early allows you to settle in, sleep, and start the trip feeling rested rather than rushing from the airport.
The trip officially begins in Tokyo on Day 1. If you choose to arrive early, you’re welcome to book an additional night at the same hotel where the group will be staying, subject to availability.
Hotel booking details will be shared after registration so you can coordinate directly and plan your arrival with confidence.
How does photography work on this trip?
This is a photography-focused trip, not a traditional workshop. There are
no assignments or formal critiques. Guidance is offered when it adds
value—through observations about light, composition, and timing—while
logistics are handled for you so attention stays on image-making.
Support happens naturally: over coffee, while walking, or in response to a
question. Some moments are clearly photographic, while others are meant
simply to be experienced. Both matter.
The emphasis is on depth rather than coverage: photographs that grow
from spending real time in a place, not from moving quickly through it.
What gear should I bring?
You don’t need a huge kit. Just the essentials that help you capture what you love.
- A mirrorless or DSLR camera
- A wide-angle lens for landscapes and city scenes
- A zoom or telephoto lens for distant subjects and tighter compositions
- Extra batteries and memory cards
Optional but helpful:
- A lightweight tripod (especially for low light and night photography)
- A small laptop or tablet for editing and backup
- Filters (ND or polarizer) if you like experimenting
- A phone with a good camera (we’ll also cover some mobile photo tips!)
We’ll send a detailed packing guide as the trip gets closer.
Can I bring a non-photographer spouse or partner?
Yes, non-photographer partners are welcome, provided they’re comfortable with the structure and pacing of the trip.
While the experience is designed around photography and cultural exploration, much of what we do — neighborhoods, landscapes, food, and shared meals — can be enjoyed whether you’re actively shooting or not.
It’s important that anyone joining understands that some portions of the day will be photography-focused. If you’re considering bringing a partner, feel free to reach out so we can discuss whether the trip will be a good fit for them.
Finally, some of our most avid participants are non-photographers. Here’s what Jeff had to say about our Monument Valley trip in Utah:
“I came to tag along with my photographer spouse, but left completely engrossed.” The photography was amazing, but what really stood out was the cultural depth, thoughtful planning, and connection to place. Heartily recommend this tour.”
Are solo travelers welcome?
Absolutely! Many participants join on their own.
The group is intentionally small (maximum of 8), which makes it easy to connect, share meals, and explore together. Solo travelers often find the experience especially rewarding — you have the freedom of traveling independently with the support and camaraderie of a small group.
If you prefer your own room, a limited number of single supplements are available.
Will I be able to keep up with the group?
Japan is a safe and walkable country. We take plenty of breaks. But a moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy the experience.
If you have any mobility concerns, are recovering from an injury or surgery, or have specific questions about accessibility, please reach out to us before booking. We want to ensure everyone in the group is safe, supported, and able to keep up with the itinerary comfortably.
Tokyo Trip Testimonials
JoAnn Cancro: “The trip was all encompassing…My best work has been photographed with Pete.”
Kathy Mazza: “A monkey hopped on the fence. I was so excited. He splashed me. I couldn’t even shoot. I had to stop, talk to him, and just look at him.”
Michael Sacks: “I learned to see things differently. One thing after another was more impressive than the last.”
Ready to Join?
If you’re interested in joining us, let me know here.
Then I’ll get back to you shortly with more info.