Japan Sakura Photography Workshop 2027
Capture Cherry Blossom at peak bloom
March/ April 2027 - Exact dates TBC due to Cherry blossom Forecast
A 12-day small-group photography experience capturing Japan’s iconic landscapes during peak cherry blossom season. Create portfolio-defining images while staying in traditional ryokan, experiencing authentic Japanese culture, and receiving expert guidance from Scott Howes and Andy Yee.
Designed as more than just a photography tour, every detail from locations to timing is carefully curated to give you the best possible opportunity to create exceptional images.
*Limited to 6 participants - 5 spots available
🌸12-Day Japan Sakura Photography Tour Itinerary🌸
Welcome to Japan! We will start our journey south and take a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
Evening photography around Hiroshima Castle where cherry blossoms surround the historic castle and reflect in the surrounding moat, providing a beautiful introduction to Japan’s sakura season.
DAY 1 – TOKYO→ HIROSHIMA
After an early breakfast we take a boat from Hiroshima over to Miyajima Island renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine and a "floating" torii gate at high tide. Photographing the famous floating tori with cherry blossoms framing the shrine, surrounding coastal landscapes, along with traditional architecture and wild deer that roam the streets.
DAY 2 : MIYAJIMA
DAY 3 : HIROSHIMA → HIMEJI
Optional Sunrise Photography
After Breakfast we start to chase the bloom north and head to the impressive Himeji Castle which during Sakura season makes for one an iconic cherry blossom scene, with blossoms surrounding the castle grounds and reflecting in the moat alongside beautifully landscaped gardens at Koko-en Garden.
Kyoto offers classic cherry blossom scenes around temples, parks and historic streets including the beautiful blossoms of Maruyama Park and the traditional lantern-lit atmosphere of the Gion district in the evening.
Kyoto Temples and Gardens
Today focuses on Kyoto’s historic temple landscapes including blossom-lined paths along the Philosopher's Path and stunning views of traditional architecture surrounded by cherry blossoms at Kiyomizu-dera.
DAY 4 & 5 : KYOTO
We head to the famous Nara Park know for its wild deer that roam beneath blooming cherry trees while historic temple architecture including Todai-ji creates unique cultural and natural photography opportunities.
DAY 6 : NARA
DAY 7 : LAKE BIWA
Japan’s largest lake provides peaceful cherry blossom landscapes with floating tori gates, lakeside trees that reflect in the calm water along with classic castle scenes at Hikone Castle.
DAY 8 & 9 : MOUNT FUJI REGION
The Fuji Five Lakes region offers stunning views of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms, with scenic countryside landscapes and sunset photography around Lake Kawaguchi. Sunrise views from Arakurayama Sengen Park showcase the famous pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background, followed by traditional village scenes and crystal-clear ponds at Oshino Hakkai. We will spend 2 days here visiting an array of locations and after visiting several times now I still find it just as magical as the first.
Last chance for some final sunrise cherry blossom photography is this magical place before heading back to tokyo for our final few days.
DAY 10:FUJIYOSHIDA → TOKYO
Time to visit some of Tokyo’s most beautiful blossom displays from the spacious gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen, the lively blossom tunnels of Ueno Park, and the moat-lined cherry trees of Chidorigafuchi. We’ll spend a full day hitting an array of locations around this incredible city
DAY 11 : TOKYO
DAY 12 : DEPARTURE DAY
A final opportunity for some morning cherry blossom photography in the streets of Tokyo before our magical adventure though Japan unfortunately our time comes to and end.
*Itinerary subject to change based on unforeseen external factors
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11 Nights of single occupancy accommodation, including 1 night stay at traditional Japanese Ryokan
All Breakfast ( some days we depart for sunrise before breakfast)
1 cultural experience
Road transport within Japan - Private car
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Return ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima
Entrance fees to locations
Availability to try the latest camera equipment from Sony
Private Facebook group and Whatsapp group prior to trip
Lightroom & Photoshop editing session with Scott & Andy
Photography lessons in the field from 2 expert photography educators
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Your Flights to and from Japan - if you need help arranging flights, I am happy to assist with recommendations and booking guidance.
Visa for Japan (If applicable)
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses
Lunch & dinner
Items not listed in the itinerary
Gratuities
This Japan Sakura photography workshop is designed for photographers wanting to capture the beauty of cherry blossom season across Japan. From Kyoto temples to Mount Fuji landscapes and Tokyo streets filled with sakura, this Japan photography tour 2027 offers incredible opportunities to create a powerful images with like minded people.
Pricing
Total Price: $8950USD
Payable today: $1000USD non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
Remainder Payable: $7950USD due 60 days before workshop.
*Limited to 6 participants - 5 spots available
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
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★★★★★
I recently attended Scott’s winter photography workshop and had an absolutely fantastic experience. The relaxed pace was spot on, giving plenty of time to shoot, learn, and absorb the surroundings without feeling rushed. Scott knew all the best locations and times to visit, and handled all the details, which made it easy to fully switch off and enjoy the process.
Scott is a friendly and down to earth guy, with lots of cool stories about his photography work and travels around NZ and overseas. His professional guidance was excellent, providing practical tips combined with hands-on support (as well as a really useful editing session!). The accommodations booked were convenient and comfortable, and Scott regularly checked in with the group to see if we wanted to adjust the plan in any way or focus on particular skills.
Overall the trip took me to some amazing places and helped me feel more confident with my camera. It was a brilliantly organised workshop, ideal for anyone, from complete beginners to more experienced photographers, who want a supportive and straightforward learning experience in stunning locations, offering huge rewards for a very manageable level of effort. Thanks so much Scott!stunning locations, offering huge rewards for a very manageable level of effort. Thanks so much Scott!
- James Leverett -
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★★★★★
Scott’s South Island Winter Workshop was perfect in every way. Fabulously organised and thoughtfully planned, Scott was so warm and welcoming to everyone in the group that we all quickly settled into the swing of taking stunning photos in the most breathtaking locations. Scott’s incredibly skilled and yet so humble - his passion for helping others grow was a delight to witness and I saw my own photography improve beyond measure by the end of the five days. Just book it! You won’t regret!
- Sam Perrins
Guides
Scott Howes
A freelance travel & adventure photographer, videographer & visual storyteller from London, England and now based in New Zealand for the last 7 years. NzGeo New Zealand photographer of the year finalist & Sony Digital Imaging Advocate.
After visiting Japan more times than I can remember the country still fascinates me as much as it did when I visited for the first time in 2018. Having traveled all over from east to west and from the south to the most northern point of Japan Cape Soya i’ve come to realise i’ll never get bored of this country.
It’s simply magical from its bustling cities, traditional ancient villages and incredible landscapes, Japan has it all from idyllic streets & landscape photography I cant wait to share this journey with you.
Andy Yee
A professional photographer from Australia now based in Ohio, USA specialises in travel/tourism, architecture and commercial projects. He is a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate and the winner of the Sony Alpha Landscape Award. Andy has travelled extensively in all seasons of the year and worked on projects with several tourism agencies and publications.
