Capture the magic of Japan in Full Color
Wander through golden ginkgo-lined streets and crimson maple forests. From neon-lit nights in Tokyo to quiet moments in a mountain ryokan, this unforgettable journey is designed for photographers who crave both vibrant color and cultural depth. Join a small group of creatives this fall for a deep dive into the soul of Japan at its most photogenic.
- Date: November 18-26, 2025
- Duration: 9 Days
- Start & End Point: Tokyo
- Small Group Size: Limited to 8 (Only 1 Spot Left)
- Leaders: Pete DeMarco (Instructor) & Junko Yokota (Cultural Guide)
- Physical Activity Level: Moderate
- Accommodation: Private Room Included
- Price: $8,995
“Thanks for a magical experience off the beaten path!” ~ Linda S.
5 Moments in Japan You’ll Never Forget
✅ Framing your shot of majestic Mt. Fuji
Seek out powerful views of Japan’s most iconic peak, from peaceful lakesides to hidden forest clearings. No two views are the same, but each one reminds you why you fell in love with photography.
✅ Chasing neon light through Tokyo’s electric nights
Step into the glow of the city after dark, where reflections shimmer on wet pavement and narrow alleyways pulse with color and energy. A dream setting for night photography and visual storytelling.
✅ Sleeping in a traditional ryokan
Trade hotel rooms for tatami mats, futon beds, a soothing onsen bath, and the timeless charm of a traditional ryokan. It’s an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s most cherished rituals of rest and hospitality.
✅ Wandering through Japan’s most breathtaking autumn landscapes
Follow temple paths and lakeside trails surrounded by golden ginkgo and blazing maple trees. Fall in Japan is pure visual poetry, and a feast for your lens.
✅ Photographing wild monkeys in the mountains of Nagano
Venture deep into the Japanese Alps by bullet train to capture one of the country’s most iconic wildlife scenes, macaques soaking in steamy hot springs, framed by rising mist and rocky pools. It’s surreal, cinematic, and unforgettable.
What’s Included
- 8 Nights of PRIVATE Accommodation
Handpicked, centrally located hotel including a peaceful 1-night stay at a traditional ryokan. Plus, your own private room. No need to share unless you request it! - Daily Photography Excursions
Sunrise cityscapes, golden hour sessions, cultural shoots, and scenic fall foliage locations. - Expert Photo Guidance
Personalized instruction, photo critiques, and on-the-go coaching from Pete DeMarco. - Select Meals
Enjoy daily breakfast, a festive welcome dinner, and a special farewell dinner. - All Ground Transportation During the Tour
Trains, buses, and private 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. - Cultural Guide Throughout The Trip
Gain a deeper connection to Japan’s traditions and everyday life.
What’s Not Included
- International airfare to and from Japan
- Travel insurance (required)
- Lunches, most dinners, alcohol, and personal snacks
- Transport to/from Tokyo airports to hotel.
- Hotel the night before the tour begins (if arriving early)
- Tips for guides (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Itinerary
Click or tap the days below to reveal the full itinerary.
Day 1 | Arrival: Konichiwa Japan!
Take your time settling in. Wander a bit. Grab a bite. Or simply rest and recharge after your travels. At 6:00 PM, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner to meet the group, get to know one another, and celebrate the start of an incredible journey together. After dinner, you’re invited to join an optional relaxed photo walk through the streets of Tokyo, capturing glowing lights of the Kabukicho district after dark. (Overnight: Tokyo)
Day 2 | Quiet Corners & Electric Nights of Tokyo
We begin at Tokyo’s lively fish market, a sensory playground of color, motion, and morning energy. From there, we explore the city’s quieter urban poetry: shrines beside skyscrapers, hidden gardens, and temples where monks may pass silently through the frame. After a midday break to rest or edit, we head back out after dark. As neon reflections bounce off the pavement, we capture the pulse of the city at night. (Overnight: Tokyo)
Day 3 | Day Trip to Coastal Kamakura & Enoshima
Our first day trip kicks off with a relaxed train ride to Kamakura, where forested shrines and the Great Buddha offer peaceful contrasts to Tokyo’s buzz. After wandering the temple paths and quiet backstreets, we head to Enoshima Island for fresh sea air, alleyway textures, and coastal views. If skies are clear, we may catch surfers riding waves with Mount Fuji in the distance. As golden hour settles over the shoreline, we soak in the light, then return to Tokyo, creatively recharged. (Overnight: Tokyo)
Day 4 | Old Hoods & New Street Styles
We begin the day in Asakusa, where incense drifts through the air at Senso-ji Temple and locals offer quiet prayers beneath bold red gates. From there, we explore the backstreets of Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s last old neighborhoods, where time slows down and textures tell stories. In the afternoon, we shift gears in Harajuku and Omotesando, photographing bold fashion, modern architecture, and street life in full color. (Overnight: Tokyo)
Day 5 | The Surprise Day
Today we take a break from the expected. You’ll pack your camera, your curiosity, and a light day bag. Then we’ll head out on a bespoke trip to somewhere special. The destination stays a surprise until the morning, but trust that it’s been chosen with care: a place rich in visual stories, cultural texture, and beautiful light. This is a day to follow the unexpected, embrace wonder, and photograph with fresh eyes. Let go of the plan, lean into the moment, and enjoy the creative spark that comes from not knowing what’s next. (Overnight: Tokyo)
Day 6 | Tokyo Your Way
Today is our final full day in Tokyo. It’s your chance to follow your own creative rhythm. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods, shooting a personal series, visiting one of Tokyo’s many world-class museums, or simply enjoying a coffee, this is your chance to go deeper. Pete is available for feedback or portfolio help, and Junko can suggest cultural experiences or join you for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Or you can just shop till you drop! (Overnight: Tokyo)
Day 7 | Hello Nagano: Hotspring Monkeys & Mountain Light
We check out of our Tokyo hotel and leave our main luggage behind, traveling light as we take the bullet train to Yudanaka Onsen Town near Nagano. After settling into a traditional ryokan (just 15 minutes from the monkey park trailhead), we walk the forest trail to photograph the famous monkeys bathing in steamy hot springs. It’s a serene, surreal scene — monkeys grooming, soaking, and playing in the mountain air. We return to the ryokan for a relaxed evening and delicious dinner. (Overnight: Ryokan in Yudanaka)
Day 8 | Nagano to Tokyo Encore
After a calm morning in the mountains, we head back to Tokyo for one last day of exploring and photography. Pete offers final 1-on-1 sessions. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey, new friendships, and the stories we’ve captured along the way. (Overnight: Tokyo)
Day 9 | “Mata ne” Japan
After breakfast, it’s time to say またね (Mata ne) or See you again in Japanese. Whether you’re heading home or continuing your travels, we hope you leave feeling inspired, connected, and creatively recharged. Your memories (and memory cards) are full, but the real takeaway is something deeper: a renewed way of seeing the world. (Overnight: Tokyo)
A Plan With Flexibility Built In
This itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance structure with creative freedom. While each day has a clear focus, we’ll stay flexible throughout the journey, adjusting as needed based on weather, light, group energy, or those magic travel moments you just can’t plan for. In other words, our plan is subject to change and open to wonder.
Who this tour is for
- Photographers who crave depth
- Travelers who appreciate culture and connection
- Creatives who value guidance, growth, and community
- Adventurous spirits of all levels
Who this tour isn’t for
- Fast-paced sightseers
- People expecting luxury or full-service pampering
- Anyone looking for a high-pressure, portfolio-building sprint
Physical Activity Level
This tour is moderately active. Expect a mix of walking, standing, and using public transportation (trains, subways, occasional taxis). Most days include several hours of exploring on foot, sometimes over uneven ground, stairs, or through busy city streets. You don’t need to be an athlete. But you should be comfortable walking 2 to 3 miles a day with your camera gear. We’ll take plenty of breaks, move at a relaxed pace, and always prioritize comfort and flexibility. If you can handle a full day of light sightseeing with a camera bag, you’ll be just fine.
About Pete: Your Photo Instructor
Pete DeMarco is a photographer, educator, and creative guide who helps people see the world, and themselves, more clearly through the lens. After living abroad for over 2 decades and exploring more than 50 countries (including several trips to Japan), 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.
About Junko: Your Cultural Guide
Born in Tokyo and raised in Okinawa, Junko Yokota brings deep cultural knowledge and the warmth of a natural host to every journey. Now based in Chicago, she’s led countless trips across Japan for students, photographers, and curious travelers. 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.
Important Notes
What makes this Japan tour different from other photo tour companies?
This is more than a photo tour, it’s a creative journey. From the very beginning, we made a clear choice: less is more.
Instead of hopping between cities every day, we focus on just two main locations, Tokyo and another regional highlight, with handpicked day trips to nearby gems. That means fewer hours in transit, and more time photographing, exploring, and being present.
Along the way, you’ll explore both iconic and lesser-known places, guided by a team that blends local cultural insight with years of photography expertise.
Expect meaningful moments with rich cultural depth, small-group connection, and hands-on coaching designed to help you grow, not just as a photographer, but as an artist and storyteller.
We don’t just help you get the shot. We help you see differently.
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.
What time should my flight arrive?
The tour begins with a welcome dinner at 6 PM on November 18 in central Tokyo. We recommend booking a flight that arrives no later than 2 PM to allow time for immigration, baggage, and travel into the city.
If possible, consider arriving a day early to rest, explore, and ease into the time zone—especially if you’re coming from North America.
What gear should I bring?
You don’t need a huge kit. Just the essentials that help you capture what you love.
We recommend bringing:
– 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
– A lightweight tripod (especially for low light and night photography)
Optional but helpful:
– 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!)
Once you book, we’ll send a detailed packing guide.
What kind of traveler is a good fit for this trip?
This trip is for the traveler who sees the world through a creative lens, someone who craves a deeper, more meaningful way to experience Japan. You’re curious, open-minded, and excited to explore a culture that’s completely different from your own. You find joy in slowing down, noticing details, and being fully present.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer—but you should love photography, enjoy learning, and feel energized by the creative process. This tour is built for travelers who want to engage, not just observe, to savor the food, connect with locals, and wander with purpose.
It’s also a perfect fit for solo travelers who don’t want to go it alone. You’ll be joining a small group of like-hearted creatives who value connection, kindness, and shared adventure.
Couples are warmly welcomed (and non-photographer spouses or friends are invited too). Whether they’re carrying a camera or not, they’ll enjoy the cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and immersive experiences just the same.
While we offer a high level of care and attention, this is still real travel in a dynamic country. Our ideal traveler is flexible, respectful, and comfortable adapting to the occasional twist or surprise.
This kind of trip isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay. Please read through the itinerary and details to make sure it feels like the right fit for you.
What style of travel should I expect?
We’re not luxury. But we’re definitely not budget either. Think of this as thoughtfully curated, boutique-style travel for the creatively curious.
We love a well-crafted cocktail and a cozy local izakaya. We stay in stylish, centrally located hotels with character—not five-star resorts, but places that feel warm, welcoming, and well cared for. We ride the bullet train in coach class, but we do it with snacks in hand and cameras ready. We might splurge on an artfully plated multi-course kaiseki dinner one day, then grab noodles at a street stall the next.
This tour is designed with intention. Every detail, from accommodations to meals to photo locations, has been chosen to offer depth, beauty, and authenticity. Sometimes that means something a little polished. Sometimes it means something a little gritty. We believe both are essential parts of the real story.
While we offer a high level of support throughout the trip, this isn’t luxury travel with constant hand-holding. You’ll have plenty of guidance, but also time and space to explore independently, dive into your own creative process, or simply enjoy Japan at your own pace. We’ll give you curated recommendations and make sure you feel confident navigating your surroundings, camera in hand and eyes wide open.
Our goal is to help you experience Japan meaningfully, not just comfortably.
How does payment work?
A $1,000 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Your deposit is fully refundable for 7 days after payment (unless made within 90 days of the tour departure). After that, it becomes nonrefundable.
The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins. Your booking is only confirmed once the deposit is received.
For full details, including our cancellation policy, please read our booking terms and conditions.
How active is this trip?
This is an active photography tour that involves a good amount of walking and standing each day, often with camera gear in hand. You should be comfortable walking up to 4 miles a day, sometimes on stairs, hills, or uneven pavement, especially in Tokyo’s bustling neighborhoods and during day trips to more natural landscapes.
Japan is a safe and walkable country. We move at a relaxed pace and 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.
By signing up, you acknowledge that this tour requires a reasonable level of fitness to participate.
What Past Participants Say About Traveling With Pete
These testimonials are from past tours. They reflect the kind of experience you can expect in Japan.
- “Pete is a rare combination of photographer, guide, and creative coach.” His years of travel and outdoor experience shine through. Whether it’s a spontaneous camping shoot or a quiet moment under the stars, he helps you feel present, connected, and creatively alive. — Ujjwal D.
- “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. — Jeff S.
- “Pete brings out the best in you as a photographer.” Whether you’re learning the basics or refining your vision, he meets you where you are and helps you grow. His care and attention to detail made all the difference. — Sandra C.
- “Surprises everywhere. What an outstanding tour!” Navajo guides, secret canyons, arches, and stars like you’ve never seen before. Pete created unforgettable moments and even built in time for post-processing and reflection. I may do it again next year! — JoAnn C.
- “This isn’t just a tour, it’s an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field.” You’ll hone your craft for years to come. Don’t let this chance slip away! — Matt B.
🍁 Early Bird Bonus: Ends Aug. 20th
Reserve your spot by August 20th and get a private 1-on-1 coaching session with Pete and a photo book of Japan ($200 value). We’ll define your photo goals for the tour, answer gear or travel questions, and set you up to arrive in Japan clear, confident, and creatively ready.