Tour Itinerary – subject to change

March 23 - Depart USA

March 24 - Arrive in Tokyo and check-in to hotel.  Once we are all settled-in at the hotel head out for dinner.  We have many options.  (D)

March 25 - Today after breakfast we’ll travel to Kamakura via train (app. 1 hr.) where we’ll explore this former feudal capital of Japan.  We plan to visit and photograph the following – Engaku-ji, Tokei-ji, Jochi-ji, Kencho-ji, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Jufuku-ji, Kotoku-in (Great Buddha), Hase-dera and we’ll wander the two most famous streets in Kamakura – Wakamiya Oji & Komachi Dori.  Of course, something will catch your eye as we wander – feel free to shoot all you want.  We’ll break for lunch and will also shoot Blue Hour in Tokyo where we have our choice of Ginza, Kabukicho, or even Shibuya. (B, L, D)

March 26 - This morning after breakfast we’ll head to Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, The Imperial Palace area, and in the early evening right before the height of rush hour we’ll hit Shibuya Crossing at Blue Hour and when done there have dinner and then head to the Shinjuku area where we’ll shoot the Golden Gai (AKA Piss Alley) – a spot of many small bars and eating places that are full of colorful people, spots and intimate scenes. (B, L, D)

March 27 - Head to Nikko via train (app. 2hrs.) after an early breakfast.  Arrive and check-in at our hotel (right across street from station).  Head out to begin the day of shooting – Kanmangafuchi Gorge, Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu Shrine & Complex, Taiyuibyo, Rinnoji, Futarasan Shrine, and more as time permits.  We’ll time our day to be in a good location for Blue Hour.  (B, L, D)

March 28 - Spend the day shooting in and around Nikko.  Today we'll look for images around Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji and more.  We'll find a place to photograph Blue Hour.  (B, L, D)

March 29 - This morning we'll leave Nikko for Kyoto.  We'll take trains back to Tokyo and catch the bullet train to Kyoto.  We'll do a photo walk around the hotel and find a Blue Hour spot for some evening photography.  (B, L, D) 

March 30 - Today we have a private bus for 8 hours while we wander the following Temples/Shrines to shoot them and the beautiful (hopefully) Cherry Blossoms.  The bus will pick us up at 8AM (we can go out and shoot before this as well as long as we are back in-time to catch the bus).  We will visit & shoot the following in order – Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji (the most famous Zen Rock Garden in Japan), Ninna-ji, and then Tenryu-ji.  We’ll have 90 minutes at each location.  I have personally selected these locations for their beauty, abundance of Cherry Trees and other beautiful landscapes.  We’ll have a Japanese Bento box lunch on the bus while traveling between temples to save time and maximize our time today.  After Blue Hour the evening will be spent at the Gion District and/or Ponto Cho again looking for images of Maiko & Geisha and of course, whatever catches your eye – street food-stalls, small eateries/drinking spots, and more.  (B, L, D)

March 31 - Today we have a free day to explore Kyoto/Nara/Himeji/Osaka on your own OR you can stay with me (Mike Gulbraa) and we'll explore what the groups wants to do together.  It is very easy to use our rail pass and visit Nara and Himeji and still catch late afternoon and evening images in Kyoto.  Those that want to wander Kyoto on their own I recommend visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Nanzen-ji, Zenrin-ji, Eikando, Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion), and more if time permits.  Good walking shoes are a MUST today.  This evening we’ll end with a shoot and dinner at Ponto Cho - a kilometer long, narrow pedestrian street lined with restaurants and bars.  It is a former red-light district and has the Old Kyoto feel.  It is great for taking photos in the early evening, and we might get a glimpse of Maiko walking past.  We’ll select a Blue Hour location – like Ponto Cho and see what develops.  (B, L, D)
 
April 1 - This morning we'll depart Kyoto for Mt. Fuji (app. 5 hrs. depending on train connections).  We’ll experience a Japanese Bento box lunch on the train as well as other typical Japanese travel foods.  Check-in to lodging and depending on time prepare for our Blue Hour and evening shoot of Mt. Fuji.  (B, L, D)

April 2 - Today we'll have a bus for 8 hours to visit various shooting locations around Mt. Fuji.  We'll try for a sunrise of Mt. Fuji and then go out to explore the area for more images of Mt. Fuji and surrounding lake(s) and landscapes.  Shoot Blue Hour again from a different location.  (B, L, D)

April 3 - This morning, we leave Mt. Fuji and head back to Tokyo to catch flights home.  (B, L)