- April 1st, 2024
Western Japan Spring photography tour
with Paul Whitton - Kyoto, Amanohashidate, Ine, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kintaikyo
- Price
- JPY 550,000
- Duration
- 6nights 7days
- Date
- April 1st, 2024 Fully booked
Highlights
Early April is one of the the beautiful seasons in Japan, famous for its unforgettable blooming cherry blossom trees, which begin from the end of March. Cherry blossom season is making Japan an increasingly popular destination not only for tourists but also Photographers. This 7-day photography tour will focus on the Kansai region, including Kyoto and Hiroshima. Your photography guide, Paul Whitton, lives in Kansai region and is well versed in many of the region's most fantastic photographic opportunities there.
Paul Whitton
Profile
Paul Whitton was born in Australia and has lived in Japan for the past 20 years. Along with having worked professionally in many photographic genres, he has over 35 years of experience in wildlife and travel photography, humbly boasting achievements that include being published by National Geographic on several occasions. Apart from the Kansai region, in recent times Paul has spent years studying and gathering knowledge mainly on the wildlife rich Eastern side of Hokkaido. His priceless expertise and knowledge are a great plus for customers who travel with Saiyu Travel. Instagram page @kumakafe
Western Japan Spring photography
The first half of the tour will be spent in Kyoto, where we will be heading to Amanohashidate on the Tango Peninsula, also known as "Kyoto by the Sea". Amanohashidate is one of the “Three Scenic Views of Japan” known as the “Nihon Sankei”. Here there is a 3.6km long sandbar covered by 5,000 pine trees, and when Viewed from above, is compared to a divine bridge, it has been a poetic motif since ancient times. Stone slabs inscribed with haiku or tanka poems written by great poets and even the Emperor, dot the sandbar, visitors can then hear the words of their ancestors. Another highlight is the picturesque village of Ine, home to distinctive, traditional, and very rustic boathouses called “Funaya“lining the picturesque Ine bay. The boathouses have boat parking garages on their first floor, with direct access to the bay and residential space on the upper floors. We will not only walk around this quaint fishing village but also ride a small boat to enjoy photographing this traditional Japanese village scenery from the calm bay waters.
We will then spend three consecutive nights in Kyoto City, allowing you to take your time and enjoy photographing Kyoto in the spring. We will visit the popular Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Shrine in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds. Paul will also take you to many other places in Kyoto including the Ohara and Kifune area, also a wonderful hidden gem for photography. In Kyoto, we will stay in a hotel in Gion, just a few minutes' walk from Yasaka Shrine. Although it is a simple hotel but the location is excellent. You may even enjoy walking and photographing the Gion district by yourself.
The last portion of the tour, we will take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Hiroshima and Miyajima island where the famous Itsukushima shrine is located, also ranked as one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan. Where we will stroll the boardwalks or the shrine itself. The name Itsukushima literally means 'island of worship' from ancient times the island itself was worshipped as a god.
A truly exceptional place listed as a World Heritage site, a highlight rising out of the sea is the shrines famous torii gate a wonderful symbol of Miyajima. We will also visit Kintaikyo Bridge in Yamaguchi prefecture. This dragon back bridge is one of the three most famous bridges in all of Japan and is well known for its beautiful five-arched wooden construction, with an impressive total length of 200 meters.
Itinerary
| City | Summary | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyoto Amanohashidate |
You will meet our guide Paul Whitton at JR Kyoto station at 09:45 am. And take the express train to Amanohashidate (approximately 2hours) on the Tango peninsula, Northern Kyoto, often referred as “Kyoto by the Sea“. On arrival, we will leave luggage at our hotel and start our first photography on foot. Amanohashidate is a pine covered sandbar that spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay. This afternoon photography session will include a view point of the Amanohashidate sandbar, Chionji-temple as well as the famous Rotating bridge which turns 90 degrees when ship pass. Accom: Amanohashidate Hotel | Meals Included: Dinner |
| 2 | Amanohashidate and Ine |
After breakfast, we will head to “Ine village” by private vehicle, (around 30min.) Traditional rustic boathouses called “Funaya“ remain along the picturesque Ine bay. Cleverly designed, the 2 level boathouses have garages on the first floor with direct boat access to the sea, while entry to the living space is via internal stairs from the garage. We will stroll this fairytale fishing village to photograph its wonderful rustic charm, before boarding a small boat to also photograph it from the peaceful bay. Paul will also be escorting you to more beautiful spots along the Tango peninsula by private vehicle. Accom: Amanohashidate Hotel | Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner |
| 3 | Amanohashidate |
We will take the morning express train to Kyoto station. After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we will enjoy walking photography session around Higashiyama District from Philosopher’s Path to Yasaka Shrine in the afternoon. The Higashiyama District along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains is one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto. Accom: Apa Hotel Kyoto Gion | Meals Included: Breakfast |
| 4 | Kyoto | In the early morning, we will take public transportation to Arashiyama. This area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. We will photograph Togetsukyo Bridge a symbol of Arashiyama , as well as Bamboo Groves. After early morning photography in Arashiyama, we will meet our private vehicle and visit photography spots of western Kyoto. Our photography guide will choose the best place. Accom: Apa Hotel Kyoto Gion | Meals Included: Breakfast |
| 5 | Kyoto | In the early morning, we will take public transportation to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and photograph the thousands of vermilion torii gates there. After breakfast, we will head to Ohara by private vehicle. Ohara is a rural town nestled in the mountains of northern Kyoto, best known for Sanzenin Temple that has beautiful gardens covered by moss. Then to Kifune, a small town in a forested valley developed around Kifune Shrine. Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and rain and believed to be the protector of those at sea. Another photography spot is Ninnaji, a sprawling temple complex. This temples grounds include fascinating architecture, beautiful gardens, and is also home to a special breed of cherry blossom tree called “Omuro Sakura”. Accom: Apa Hotel Kyoto Gion | Meals Included: Breakfast |
| 6 | Kyoto Hiroshima |
We will ride the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Hiroshima. First to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and park, before heading to Miyajima island. In the afternoon, we will take a ferry to Miyajima where the Itsukushima shrine is located. While the name Itsukushima means “island of worship”, the site is more famously known as “the floating shrine”, as the buildings appear to be floating on the water when the tide rolls in. A red torii gate also proudly sits off the shore. We will be photographing Miyajima and its sights till the sun sets behind the famous
floating Torii gate. Accom: Miyajima Coral Hotel | Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner |
| 7 | Hiroshima Iwakukni Shin-Osaka |
After breakfast, We will now head to Iwakukni, Yamaguchi prefecture by private vehicle. Iwakuni's most distinguished landmark is the Kintaikyo Bridge, which is one of the three most famous bridges in all of Japan, well known for its beautiful five-arched wooden construction, with a total length of 200 meters. We will photograph the entire morning here in the picturesque Iwakuni area before heading back to Hiroshima station. Then where we will take the Shinkansen back to Shin-Osaka station. Tour ends in Shin-Osaka station around 16:30.
Meals Included: Breakfast |
Price
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| From April 1st till April 7th, 2024 6nights 7days Fully booked |
JPY 550,000 |
| Single room supplement | JPY 98,000 |
Important Notes
** Tour price listed is per person, based on sharing twin rooms. Single room can be arranged with single room supplement.** This tour requires a minimum number of 3 participants (maximum 5 participants). Please do NOT purchase your airline tickets until you receive confirmation that the minimum number of tour participants has been reached.
** All the lunch during the tour is not included. You will have a chance to eat at local restaurant or buy food from the local convenience stores. Each person should prepare to pay for these individually. Also dinners are not included in Kyoto. There are lots of restaurants around your hotel.
** The purpose of this tour is photography. According to weather reports and local information, tour schedule may be adjusted by our photography guide on spot.
** Cherry blossom blooming season is normally between the end of March and early April depending on the climate of the year. As blooming peak lasts only for about a week, the timing of our visit may not coincide with its blooming.
** The detailed itinerary will be sent to all participants at the same time three weeks before the tour starts.
Inclusions :
English speaking photography guide (Paul Whitton)| Accommodation as per above | Private vehicle mentioned in the itinerary | Train fee mentioned in the itinerary (Return express train fee between Kyoto and Amanohashidate, Shinkansen fee from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka) | Public transportation fee in Kyoto | Meals as per above | All activities participation fees as per aboveExclusive of :
Transportation to/from Japan | Travel & Medical Insurance | Daily lunches & dinners not included in the itinerary, additional Snacks | Personal expenses (Souvenirs and Beverages, etc.)About Accommodation
All the Hotel we use has western style beds and private bathroom. Common hot spring bath facility is available at the hotel in Amanohashidate.Luggage
When we take express train and Shinkansen (Bullet train), luggage need to be stored overhead luggage space. If you have large suitcase with you, Luggage delivery services are also available with extra costs. Your luggage will be delivered to your hotel usually on the next day, if you deposit it in the morning.Private Vehicle
We use 10 seater private van in each area.Dietary Restriction
If you have any dietary restrictions, please advise at the time of application.
Contact us about this tour
3rd floor, Kyodo Bldg. jimbocho, 2-2, Kanda, jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan ｜Travel Agency Registration No. 607
