Name: Japan Photo Adventure
Item: Japan Photo Adventure
Author: Photo Workshop Adventures

The world is becoming homogenized more every day. With modern communication and technology, countries are starting to blend together. But amidst all this world-shrinking, Japan still maintains a very unique identity that is unmatched by any of its neighbors. Even if you visit the country just briefly, you’ll come away with a strong appreciation of all things Japanese. Things are just done differently here. Come and see for yourself.

Our adventure in Japan will give us many experiences that are just not seen anywhere else in the world. We’ll visit Japanese castles, spend time with Geishas and Sumo wrestlers, eat sushi that will numb your tongue, visit calm zen gardens and temples, and ride the rails at breakneck speeds. Japan’s curious blend of tradition and modern is unlike anything you’d experience anywhere else.

Day 1 | Osaka – Dotombori – Shinsekai
We begin our adventure in Osaka, Japan’s third largest city. Osaka is situated in the lower third of the country, and close to many of the most impressive sites in all of Japan. Nearby cities include Kobe and Kyoto. After we are settled into our classic hotel in the city center, we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “The Art of Seeing” photographic technique. During our “Welcome Dinner” in one of Osaka’s best restaurants, we will have informal discussions about what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques. A walking tour of the Dotombori and Shinsekai areas at night will allow us to shoot the city streets and abundant late day activities. (D)

Day 2 | Osaka – Osaka Castle – Japanese Farm Houses
A full day of activities await us in Osaka. We’ll spend time exploring many of the very impressive sites showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and style, including Osaka Castle, the Open Air Museum of old Japanese Farm Houses, towers, other landmarks. (B)

Day 3 | Kyoto – Fushimi Inari-Taishima
We begin the day with a short train journey to Kyoto by bullet train, and check into our hotel. Our afternoon will take us to one of the most incredible temple in the area, the Fushimi Inari-Taishima, which is a large complex of shrines and gates. A true highlight. (B) (L)

Day 4 | Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Kinkaku-ji Temple
We spend the day visiting more beautiful areas, like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji Temple. These two sites are going to bring you some very memorable images, with their striking colors and forms. They are probably among the most iconic images people think of, when they think of Japan. At night, we will have a chance to review and discuss the photographs we’ve taken over the past few days. (B) (L)

Day 5 | Kyoto – Gion District – Geishas
Today will introduce us to the world of Geishas, when we visit the Gion District where the Geishas live and work. We’ll meet a local Madam, and get to know and understand what it is really like to live as a Geisha. We will also organize a special photo session for several Geishas. The Gion District is a historic area of Kyoto, and continues to be the primary entertainment district in the city. (B)

Day 6 | Himeji – Himeji Castle
We will take a 90 minute journey by train from Kyoto to Himeji, and check into our hotel. Himeji is a small city, and known specifically for the Himeji Castle, the most impressive in all of Japan. This castle, built in the 1300’s, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a stunning site to see and photograph. (B) (L)

Day 7 | Tokyo – Shibuya
We take the bullet train from Himeji to Tokyo (about 3.5 hours) arriving in mid/late afternoon. There is a lot to see in this massive, sprawling city, and we will get to as many as we can. Today we will visit Shibuya for a blue-hour shoot of the busiest intersection in the world, and one of the coolest places to shoot in the city. (B) (L)

Day 8 | Tokyo – Tsukiji Fish Market – Shinjuku – Roppongi
Tokyo has one of the largest fish markets in the world – the Tsukiji Fish Market. The market limits how many tourists can enter each day, so we get an early morning start at 5 AM. and follow up with extremely fresh sushi for breakfast. The rest of the day will take us around the city stopping in districts like Shinjuku, Roppongi, Akihabara, and more. (B)

Day 9 | Tokyo – Shimokita – Harajuku
Our final day in Tokyo will include visits to some more quirky districts like Shimokita and Harajuku. We’ll have our “Farewell Dinner” in one of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Tokyo boasts more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city in the world – over 500! Here we will discuss the events of the trip, share our favorite photos and enjoy the fun and laughter. (B) (D)

Day 10 | Tokyo
Our journey comes to an end today, but only after we have one last chance to observe the size of this massive city. We will venture up to the observation deck of one of Tokyo’s tallest towers. A farewell to our guests over lunch and a chance to exchange contact information and share some of the photographs we’ve experience over the past 10 days. (B)

May all who come as guests… leave as friends®

INSPIRE. LEARN. CREATE. All while vacationing, experiencing beautiful locations, enjoying amazing food and having great fun. Learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. Our Photo Adventure Vacations offer a casual structure of discussions and inspiration without any boring classroom lectures.

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