Cherry Blossom Photo workshop February 10 - 20, 2023.  May you require more precise mapping of certain regions, please contact Blain.  We traveled over 2000KM, and the entire route is large and complicated. 

Day 1:  Pick up Haneda Airport International Terminal 10am and a few hours later arrived at the base of Mt. Fuji and visited Lake Yamanakako.  Moved to Lake Shoji as the Cherry Blossoms were not open yet at Lake yamanakako.  Lake Shoji was in full bloom and we enjoyed photographing the blossoms of the peach and cherry trees, with Mt. Fuji in the background.  Some members of the group felt a reminesance that they were once again standing at the grassland foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. A short time later we arrived at Lake Tanukiko and checked into Kyukamura FUJI. As a customary in Japan, during dinner we toasted to the success, and safe travels of our Cherry Blossom Photography Workshop Expedition.     

Day 2:  After breakfast we checkout of our lodgings at lake Tanakiko/Mt. Fuji region.  We drove from the Pacific Ocean side of Japan to the Sea of Japan side, almost nonstop so we could capture the perfect cherry blossom by a country club and golf course.   The scene was perfect, (the large pond and red bridge at one end, and most importantly dozens of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, and the Myoko Mountain range in the background.)  After photographing this breathtaking scene, we looked around the region, then arrived at our lodgings for two nights, , LOTTE ARAI RESORT 

Day 3:  After an early breakfast, with camera in hand we chased the light, in search of the perfect cherry blossoms in the Myoko mountain highlands region, way-way off the beaten path.   This day we photographed an interesting Japanese farmhouse with a Red Roof, the cherry blossom were in full bloom on one side of the building and on the other side in full bloom was a peach tree, “in my opinion this was the shot of the day”, plus we had a light rain,  and the clouds acted as the perfect light defuser, so we had no harsh sun highlights hitting the building or flowers.   The rain continued throughout the day, next we stopped at an ancient Zen temple, and Iiyama Castle Ruins Park, here was an interesting scene where cherry blossom pebbles had landed like snow on a wooden deck.  Next we found several retro bridges, and blue roofs, plus a spectacular singular cherry blossom with moss laden ground by a school that was most likely used from the Edo period to the early Show era, the thickness and type of moss around the school and trees usually takes about 50 to years or more to flourish.  Then we came upon a large park, with a lovely pond with dozens of breathtaking cherry blossoms in full bloom.  Then we returned to our lodgings for onsen and dinner.  

Day 4:  After breakfast we took our leave from LOTTE ARAI Resort in Niigata.  We looked at the pond by the country club, and after the nights rain and winds, the cherry blossom pebbles had completely blown off the trees, our timing could not have been better planned.  Our next stop was in the next mountain range over, in the highlands of the next prefecture Nagano, where the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom.  Our first stop was in a residential area where I stopped and we photographed a modern home, with a spectacular garden, and believe me this town will be talking about us for the next six months.  And next year I will pass by this hamlet again, but will the cherry blossoms be in full bloom?  Next I found an ancient Kofun burial mound, it was in a valley with hills that were not natural they were human made, this is how I knew this was an ancient Kofun site/village.  Across, Japan there are over 160,000 Kofun burial Tombs sites/villages, and the caretaker of these culturally important sites, is the imperial family, who only recognize and care for a handful of them.  Also, Japan in the western world comes in last for funding domestic archaeology, it is common that pieces of Samurai swords, armor, coins and other ancient artifacts are often found at these sites, especially way off the beaten path.  Also, over 90% of all of the Shinto Shrines, and Buddhist Temples we visited house national treasures.  Some of these treasures, are stone statues, scroll papers, paintings, and in many cases carvings in the temples wooden walls, pillars etc, are priceless due to the artists who carved them.  The ancient cherry blossom trees at this spot were planted over 500 years ago. 

We drove to Yudanaka onsen village, Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen.)   Before checking into our lodgings we had some light left the day, so I drove to a local pond where we photographed ducks, and some abstracts, we attempted bird photography with ( the brown-earled bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis, and the (Warbling White-eye in Japanese Mejiro bird ((Zosterops japonicus,) who were feasting on cherry blossom nectar, but we had not luck, as they are shy birds.  Then we found a local park by a river with no tourists milling about, where we found once again the perfect cherry blossoms.  At sunset we we checked into the Japanese Ryokan

 Ryokan BIYUNOYADO for 2 Nights. 

Day 5:  After breakfast at our lodgings we drove about 10 min to the trailhead, of Snow Monkey park and hot springs, then walked 1.6km.  Here we visited with the snow monkeys till about 1:00pm.  This day the baby snow monkeys were playful, swimming and playing right in front of us for over 30min, this is a rare event, in my over 20 years visiting the park I have only witnessed this a few time.  (I sure am happy, I had my Nikon Z7II back up mirrorless camera with me for video, my Nikon Z9 I finally got back from Nikon last week, repair took longer than expected, they told me some parts are hard to get these days.  My back up camera during our workshop was the Nikon D850, this camera takes good video but the only problem is with DSLR’s we have to use the back screen to shoot video, and with mirrorless we can use the viewfinder making it 99% easier to track moving subjects.  But mirrorless viewfinders are almost useless for astro photography, but the back screen works fine.  So, for this reason I will hold onto my D850 and D810 for the nights sky.)    

After walking back to the trailhead we had lunch, the room temperature apple pie with ice cream was delicious VS the heated. 

After lunch we visited a local Buddhist Hall, where we said hello citizens from a seniors home, who were their for lunch and annual cherry blossom viewing day. I received an email from the Mayor of the town, he was leading the group and we happened to exchange b business cards.  He thanked us for our kindness, and the locals will be talking about us for months to come.  Believe me many of the places we visited, and locals we communicated with will remember us for years to come, most of the regions we visited don’t get many international tourists, and in some cases maybe one group a year, and mainly that would be my group.  I do love introducing “Authentic Japan, and telling the Untold Stories of Nippon, dating back to the Kofun Period and Samurai era. We returned to our lodgings for another lovely Japanese meal, and this evening our desert was served in the lounge on the 3rd floor.

Day 6: After breakfast we departed our lodgings in Yudanaka Onsen village/snow monkey region, our next stop was Matsumoto Castle, this original Samurai castle fortress was built in the 16th century, and for nearly 300 years it was held by 23 Samurai lords of Matsumoto who ruled over the city and region.  Locally the castle is known as ‘Karasjo’ or ‘Crow Castle’ as it’s exterior are colored a deep ebon.   While photographing the castle we were lucky it was cloudy and rainy, due to us visiting mid-day.  If it was full sun and the castle would not have been photogenic, it would have been washed out.  Next we moved to “Zensanji Temple in Ueda City, Nagano.”  This Pagoda’s build date is unknown, as the main temple was burned down during a Samurai battle and all records were destroyed.  But we believe the Pagoda was built in the early part of the Muromachi period, Muromachi era (1336-1573.)   I choose this spot, due to its lovely flower garden and ancient cherry blossom tree, and it's solidarity harmony, this location is recognized in Japan in the top 100 power spots. Plus it is ‘way off the beaten path’, Western visitors are very rare at this Buddhist temple sanctuary.

    Overnight UEDA TOKYU REI HOTEL

Day 7: After breakfast we left the city Ueda and continued on our ancient pilgrimage route to  (Matsubarasuwa Shrine Kamisha,) at lake Matsubarako.   The Bell that sits at this temple has not been rung for hundreds of years, it is said to be cursed, as legend goes the last time it was rung it was struck by lightning.   The bell was the spoils of a war, it was taken by “Daimyo Takeda Shingen”, and placed at this temple which he often visited during spring and autumn.  The bell was taken during a battle with another one of Japans best known Samurai Daimyo’s

 Uesugi Kenshin  during the “Battles of Kawanakajima," (1553-1564)  Takeda Shingen & Uesugi Kenshin, is Japans most famous Samauri rivalry, they had deep respect for one another, but were adversaries. 

Next we visited the Sacred Philosophers Tree, that sits in the middle of the road, that is about 300 years old.  N35° 58.140' E138° 29.698’.

Next we drove to Toko-ji Temple Kofu, which was built in the Heian Period (794-1185.)  The Zen gardens are said to be created by Rankei Doryu who is said to be one of the first to  introduced Zen Buddhism to Japan, from the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, Kamakura period (1185-1333.)  Also, this temple is a burial place of Takeda Shingen's eldest son who committed seppuku, at this temple.  Also, some say the Daimyo Takeda Shingen is buried here as well, to date we still do not know the exact burial place of Takeda Shingen and other famous Japanese Daimyo Samauri around Japan.  High ranking Samurai were buried with battle wear, swords, gold and other precious items.  Also, most temples even the modest ones contain treasures, and in some cases prices artifacts.  This is one reason most tourists are encouraged  though tourist brochures, advertisements and run of the mill tour companies to visit temples in large towns and Cities vs the rural regions, in rural regions security is mostly none existent at temples.  

Once leaving the temple we headed for our lodging at Mt. Fuji, and dinner. Super FujiKawaguchiko Hotel.  

Day 8:  We woke before sunrise for the golden hour at Lake Shoji with Mt. Fuji in the background, then we returned to our lodging for breakfast.  After breakfast and a rest we visited Lake Kawaguchiko and a shop that carries Japanese INDENYA.  INENYA deer skin leather goods were introduced to Japan in the 5th century by Goryeo, one of the ancient Three Kingdoms of Korea.  During the rise of the Samurai who used INDENYA to decorate their deer skin armor.  The INDENYA you have, was make in Kofu about a 40 min from Mt. Fuji, and the factory who made our INDENYA, has been  producing these hand crafted deer skin accessories since the days of Takeda Shingen 15th century.  Next we visited the Sea Of Trees and the Dragons Cave Temple, this temple is one of the most sacred at the base of Mt. Fuji, this cave is known as the breath and LAIR of dragons.  Next we visited the Yellow Submarine at Lake Motosu, and I played the song “we all live in a yellow submarine, and as I write this I am listening to it for a second time:):):) FUN.  Next to the yellow submarine was the red wood forest where we played around with the zoom lens effect and other camera effects.  Then we toured around Lake Motosu, and other lakes to find the perfect views of Mt. Fuji.  We concluded our day at Lake Yamanakako where the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom, and Manami purchased bird pellet food, at the lakes wildlife conservation office for the Mute Swans (Cygnus olor,) these huge swans came ashore, and were eating right Manami’s hand, we had an up close encounter with these friendly giant swans, which always amaze me.  Then  swung by our lodgings dropped off our camera gear, then dinned out, at what is said to be in the top 10 best traditional Japan establishments in Yamanashi.  

Day 9:  After breakfast at the base of Mt. Fuji, we drove to Hakone.  Once arrived in Hakone, we dropped our bags at our lodgings, drove to Hatajuku Hakone, where a local craftsman gave us a demonstration on the creation of Hakone wood mosaic（Hakone Yosegi Zaiku) art.  Then we visited one more shop, which is part museum for  has countless items of（Hakone Yosegi Zaiku) art.  For lunch we ate traditional Japanese Soba at Kikoya Soba Shop, his Soba unique, as he uses soba flour from Hokkaido, which has a sweet taste, and some say you can taste fresh flowers in the noodles.  Next we went for tea and at (Amasake Tea House) that has been serving customers for close to 400 years, this tea house is on the tourist track but worth visiting. After we drove by  lake Ashinoko, but the winds were ferociously strong and it was late afternoon, so we retuned to our lodgings, for Onsen and dinner. 

Day 10:  After breakfast, we arrived at Hakone’s main shrine before the mass of tourists arrived, then we visited the dragon museum. Then we went for “Shinrin-yoku/Forest Bathing which is for Health and Relaxation”, and some fun and relaxing photography at Chisuji Falls.  

Our final main location as a group on our photography itinerary, Choan-ji Zen Buddhist temple, which was founded in 1356.  There are close to 300 statues of Zen buddhist monks in the temple grounds, which include a bamboo forest, koi pond, temple, buddhist hall and a  cemetery and much more.  Since the 1980’s artists/master stonemasons, from around Japan have worked on the stone sculptures, each statue has a different human expression.  There are no guidelines or rules of what the artists create, I call this place “The Zen Park of Human Emotions”.  One of my favorite parts of visiting this ancient Zen temple and grounds, is that the cemetery is on the other end of the temple, making it friendly to visit.  Across Japan, there are countless Buddhist temples with ancient and new stone carvings, but the majority of these carving are placed throughout cemeteries. And some of these cemeteries are modern, and I have never felt comfortable photographing in modern cemeteries especial when people are visiting. 

Throughout Japan I have photographed in hundreds of ancient cemeteries on assignment and privately, and they certainly can be interesting spots to visit, especially during festivals, and ancient Buddhist and Shinto ceremonies, which I often attended.  And now that the world and Japan is opening, many of the modern events, and ancient ceremonies that were canceled for three years, are now again being held.  So, on your next visit to Japan, you will most likely be able to enjoy these events, and tea ceremony.  At dusk we returned to our lodgings for Onsen and dinner.

2 Nights Re Cove Hakone

Day 11:  Half of our group had flights that day, and the other half did not, so I spilt up our group.  Half our group drove to Haneda Airport, but stopped in Hakone at “Lucca no Mori”, for German Pastries which are a big hit in Japan. https://www.tabiulala.com/en/odahako/spot209/

Lucy sent me an interesting article link about the history of “Baumkuchen in Japan.”  Actually, my group stopped at “Lucca no Mori”, when we passed through Hakone.  It’s a tradition, to treat our clients, our families and ourselves to their delicious pastries. Actually, my group also, stopped at “Lucca no Mori”, when we passed through Hakone.  It’s tradition to treat our clients, our families and ourselves to their delicious pastries. Before my group visited Taikanzan Observatory, it’s a great spot during golden hour for Mt. Fuji photography, and worthy to view any time of day.  Then we drove though Hakone, and onto Odawara Castle, where we had a picnic, and everyone went strolling around the grounds solo.   Then we dropped one participant off on the way, who lived in Japan at the time, then we continued to Haneda Airport. 

Thank you, all for joining our 2023 Cherry Blossom photo workshops, I hope you will join us on another adventure sometime.  And because you were such a great bunch I will happily discount you 20% off your next adventure with us.🙏

Also, a 5 star google review would be appreciated, as I am now understanding how positive google reviews are.  Thank you, Blain Manami, Endo, plus in office support group team.