At 9:00 a.m., gather at JR Tokyo station and meet your guide. We will travel to Nagano by Bullet train, enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride as the scenery shifts from bustling cities to the tranquil mountains of central Japan. Upon arrival in Nagano, we will head to Yudanaka Onsen by private vehicle. Along the way, you will visit Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important and beloved Buddhist temples with a history of nearly 1,400 years. Its grand main hall, atmospheric temple grounds, and lively shopping street create a perfect setting for photography and a deeper appreciation of Japan’s spiritual heritage. You will also stop in Obuse, a charming town known for its traditional storehouses, elegant streetscape, and long-standing connection to the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The town’s refined atmosphere, local sweets—especially chestnut delicacies—and beautifully preserved architecture offer countless opportunities for memorable photos. This journey through Nagano’s cultural highlights will enrich your travel experience before you arrive at the relaxing hot spring town of Yudanaka.

Please enjoy a full day of photographing the famous “Snow Monkeys” at Jigokudani Yaen‑Koen, where wild Japanese macaques are known for soaking in the natural hot springs in a cold winter days.

Departing from Yudanaka Onsen in the morning, you will begin a full‑day photography tour through some of Nagano’s most scenic and culturally significant locations. Your first destination is the Togakushi Highlands, a beautiful mountain area known for its serene forests, dramatic peaks, and ever‑changing light—an ideal setting for landscape photography. You will then visit Togakushi Shrine, a sacred site nestled deep within ancient cedar forests. The long approach lined with towering trees, the tranquil atmosphere, and the historic shrine buildings offer countless opportunities for capturing Japan’s spiritual and natural beauty.

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic original castles. Its striking black‑and‑white exterior, elegant wooden interiors, and the surrounding moat create a powerful contrast against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps—perfect for both wide shots and detailed compositions.

Departing from Matsumoto, you will travel by private vehicle to the Kirigamine Highlands. In January and February, the landscape is blanketed in pristine snow, offering crisp winter light and sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake range, and the Southern Alps—an ideal setting for landscape photography. You will also have the opportunity to capture the dramatic colors of the winter sunset as it illuminates the snow‑covered mountains if weather permits.

Early in the morning, you will return to the Kirigamine Highlands to try to capture diamond dust and sun pillars—rare winter phenomena that appear only under the right conditions. If the weather is favorable, you may also witness beautiful frost-covered trees shimmering in the cold air.
Afterward, you will take the Kita‑Yatsugatake Ropeway up to the mountaintop and explore Tsuboniwa, a high‑altitude plateau blanketed in snow. From this area, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Yatsugatake Mountains as well as the Southern and Northern Alps.
In the late afternoon, you will once again photograph Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake range, and the Southern Alps during the golden hour, capturing the warm colors of sunset over the winter landscape.

Departing from Tateshina in the morning, you will travel to Narai‑juku, one of the best‑preserved post towns on the historic Nakasendo Trail. The traditional wooden buildings, narrow streets, and atmospheric townscape offer excellent opportunities for capturing the charm of old Japan. After enjoying your photography session in Narai‑juku, we will take a rapid express train from Shiojiri Station to Shinjuku station in Tokyo. The tour will conclude upon arrival at Shinjuku Station at approximately 18:15.