Mt. Fuji Hakone Japan Spring Photo Tour

Exploring Hakone's Hidden Cherry Blossom Photography Gems
Join me on my annual cross-country cherry blossom photography workshop, where we uncover Japan's most breathtaking and lesser-known Sakura spots. This year, our journey took us from Okinawa to Aomori, deep into authentic Japan, culminating in stunning landscapes. I just completed leading a several-day private Hakone Mt. Fuji Private Cherry Blossom Photography Tour. Hakone is a historic onsen retreat cherished before the Edo period.

A Cherry Blossom Tree in the former imperial gardens in Hakone.

For nearly three decades, I have ventured along Japan's ancient pilgrimage routes, capturing the essence of its culture, aesthetics, and untouched beauty. These routes, largely undiscovered by Western tourists, offer an authentic experience far from the usual crowds. This exclusivity makes them a key highlight of my Essence of Autumn Leaves and Spring Cherry Blossom photo tours.

Symbol of ZEN 🧘

Hakone is home to various cherry blossom species, including the delicate mamezakura (Prunus incisa), also known as the Fuji cherry blossom. Unlike the more common Somei Yoshino (Prunus yedoensis), these blossoms are slightly smaller and have fragile leaves that enhance their ephemeral beauty.

The perfect cherry blossoms 🌸

During our workshop, we had hoped to capture breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji framed by Lake Ashinoko from the highlands, but it was foggy and overcast, which is unusual for this time of year. So, instead, we visited a hidden Zen meditation forest. Here, an ancient Buddhist sanctuary houses masterfully carved stone sculptures of monks, each expressing unique emotions and gestures. Over the past twenty years of photographing this site, I have continued to discover new angles and play with changing light conditions.

Ancient Zen Buddhist Sanctuary

Golden Hour steps to Nirvana...

Tori Gate and Lanterns light up.

Japanese Lantern on ancient walkway.

Temizuya or chozuya is to cleanse oneself before entering a Japanese sacred sanctuary.

Prayers

While Hakone sees heavy tourist traffic, as a professional photography workshop leader, instructor and local, I know how to navigate the area strategically to avoid crowds. By carefully timing our visits and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, we ensure an immersive and tranquil photography experience. One such location is a natural hot spring's lukewarm waterfall, where I have camped several times.

Natural Onsen Waterfalls

Ferns and rich moss natural Onsen waterfalls.

On our last days trip, we journeyed on, in, and around Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes; we visited Mt. Fuji's most sacred cave in the Sea of Trees. It is said to be where dragons reside, known as the dragon's breath cave. When going into the cave, the temperature is 10℃ cooler as this is no ordinary cave but an ice cave. We also visited the region's active volcanic fumarole field and the most sacred Shinto and Buddhist sanctuaries. At sunset, we had a chance to view Mt. Fuji, but only one spot appeared promising after I read the weather charts, so we departed for that location. We could view and photograph the Peak of Mt. Fuji with stunning clouds at its base, and the mountains next to it gave us a great show; clouds and fog flowed down the mountains like rapids and waterfalls; it was a fantastic sunset with a wonderful group of participants.

Mt. Fuji's Peak and clouds at the base.

Mountains next to Mt. Fuji

Clouds at golden hour by the mountins next to Mt. Fuji.

Volcanic fumarole field in Kanagawa next prefecture to Mt. Fuji.

Cherry Blossom Trees on Mt. Fuji

Cherry Blossom road leading to station 5 on Mt. Fuji

Dragons Breath Cave, Sea of Trees Mt. Fuji Japan.

Whether you're an avid photographer or a traveller seeking Japan's untouched beauty, my group and private workshops offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience spring in Mt. Fuji and Hakone like never before.

Cherry Blossom Tour 2027 has spots open, 2026 Waitlist Only!