2028 Essence of Autumn Kanto. Autumn Photography Tour October Nov 7 - 18, 2028. A Blain Harasymiw Photography Workshop.

Day 1-2: Your autumn adventure begins as soon as our Meet and Greet at Haneda International Terminal #3 at 8 am (location details to follow). We’ll set off for Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture—a region famed for its brilliant maple leaves and enchanting fall landscapes. Kofu is also the storied home of legendary Samurai Daimyo Takeda Shingen, a leader so revered that he walked among his people without guards, earning the title "Tiger of Kai." His legacy still lingers in the crisp autumn air, and our journey will weave through the golden and crimson tapestry of the season.

Over two days, we’ll wander through Kofu’s lesser-known paths, discovering secret maple-lined sanctuaries, Zen gardens, and ancient Shinto shrines blanketed in fiery leaves. Imagine stepping softly across temple grounds carpeted in red and gold, breathing in the incredible, woodsy scent of fall. Our adventure will be punctuated by moments of fun—chasing the light and leaf-hunting, local treats, and even a visit to a shop over 400 years old, INDENYA, where artisans transform lacquered deer leather into exquisite wallets and handbags that echo the samurai spirit. Kofu, the capital of Yamanashi, also delights with its celebrated wines, handicrafts, and warm hospitality, making this the perfect gateway to the autumn magic of Japan.

Lodging: To be announced for participants (2 nights). Our accommodations will feature private and communal hot springs, with separate bathing for males and females. Rooms will be either Western or Japanese-style, each equipped with en-suite facilities. Dinner and breakfast will be provided at our hotel, while lunch will be at a local restaurant.

Day 3-5: Mt. Fuji, a special journey—a true pilgrimage—we will explore authentic Mt. Fuji. Over three days, we’ll visit the Fuji Five Lakes: Motosuko, Shojiko, Saiko, Kawaguchiko, and Yamanakako. Few people, even in Japan, see them all. Each lake is a unique stop, offering a new, quiet view of Mt. Fuji away from the crowds. Expect more than a photo workshop. We’ll walk along peaceful lakeshores, down forest trails full of autumn color, and pause at hidden shrines. We’ll share tea with local families and listen to the stories that make this region special. Our goal is to find the real Mt. Fuji, framed by bright red maple leaves and golden ginkgos—from places few tourists visit. 

From sunrise to sunset, we’ll take photos of Mt. Fuji’s snowy peak glowing above the autumn trees. At night, we’ll explore the Momiji Corridor, where lanterns light up the maple trees. Most of our time will be spent off the beaten path, including a visit to the mysterious sea of trees. Expect moments of wonder, discovery, and a real sense of adventure as we chase the light and the perfect autumn leaves, and we will visit the Dragon's Breath Cave, the grasslands, and so much more. 

Lodging: To be announced for participants (3 nights). Our accommodations will feature private and communal hot springs, with separate bathing for males and females. Rooms will be either Western or Japanese-style, each equipped with en-suite facilities. Dinner and breakfast will be provided at our hotel, while lunch will be at a local restaurant.

Day 6-7: Our pilgrimage continues as we journey into Shizuoka, Japan’s revered green tea capital. Here, you’ll feel the spirit of our journey shift into soulful discovery. Shizuoka’s pristine waters—flowing down from Mt. Fuji—nourish not just its legendary tea fields but also the sense of renewal that colours our path. As we wander the undulating hills of tea plantations, we’ll visit local tea plantations, view and learn ancient techniques, and taste brews that reflect centuries of devotion. In the mellow autumn light, our adventure takes on a meditative rhythm: stroll through tranquil gardens, pause for reflection in Zen Buddhist and Shinto sanctuaries, and let the golden leaves guide us along forested paths and hidden shrines. We’ll seek out secret spots with breathtaking views of Fujisan, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the mountain’s silhouette glows above the ocean’s edge. This is a time to savour silence, steep yourself in tradition, and experience the journey as a true pilgrimage—each step a mindful connection to land, spirit, and the ages-old rituals of Japanese autumn.

Lodging: To be announced for participants (2 nights). Our accommodations will feature private and communal hot springs, with separate bathing for males and females. Rooms will be either Western or Japanese-style, each equipped with en-suite facilities. Dinner and breakfast will be provided at our hotel, while lunch will be at a local restaurant.

Days 8-9: Days 8-9: Next, we will take a photographic adventure through Hakone, where every dawn brings new inspiration. We’ll rise early to capture Mt. Fuji’s golden silhouette and the morning mist over Lake Ashi. Our journey follows the historic Tokaido cobblestone path beneath ancient cedars, framing scenes once walked by samurai and artists.

At Amazaske Chaya, the last teahouse of its kind, we’ll photograph the warm rituals of hospitality and the timeless textures of this historic refuge.

Hakone in autumn bursts with colour. We’ll go off the beaten path—discovering hidden shrines, mossy trails, and quiet streams framed by crimson autumn leaves bright in vibrant colours. Together, we’ll explore tranquil temples at sunrise and visit a Zen garden filled with over 260 unique Rakan statues, each telling its own story.

With over three decades exploring Hakone, I’ll introduce you to the region’s most breathtaking—and often overlooked—locations. Along the way, you’ll hone your photographic vision, share creative energy with fellow travellers, and collect memories as vivid as your images. In Hakone, every day is a new adventure, and the stories you capture will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Lodging: To be announced for participants (2 nights). Our accommodations will feature private and communal hot springs, with separate bathing for males and females. Rooms will be either Western or Japanese-style, each equipped with en-suite facilities. Dinner and breakfast will be provided at our hotel, while lunch will be at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Our last full day together, we will spend in a region often overlooked but rich in history and culture, with many local shrines, parks, and gardens founded in the 8th century. Nanasawa, Kanagawa, is a scenic area of Atsugi City known for its natural beauty, tranquil forest scenery, therapeutic hot springs, outdoor activities, and delicious food.  Here we will visit several momiji maple tree gardens, parks, and ancient shrines and power spots, and here you will enjoy yet another fine dining experience at a traditional Japanese Ryokan. 

Lodging: To be announced for participants (2 nights). Our accommodations will feature private and communal hot springs, with separate bathing for males and females. Rooms will be either Western or Japanese-style, each equipped with en-suite facilities. Dinner and breakfast will be provided at our hotel, while lunch will be at a local restaurant.

Day 11: In the morning, we will have breakfast, then you will have free time to pack, check out at 10am from the lodgings, and we will take a scenic, leisurely route making our way to Haneda airport, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. 

Thank you, and we look forward to our next journey together. 

Why Choose this Photography Tour/Workshop?

☞Any level of photographer is welcome

☞All camera formats are welcome

☞ Master Class Professional photography instruction 

☞Photograph Japanese cultural and architectural masterpieces, learn the authentic  history and story behind each image and location, so you can share with friends and loved ones the perfect captions  

☞Activity level leisurely 

☞Provided transportation: Sports Utility Vehicles with Business Class Seating

☞Small group size means quality, in-depth time with your workshop leader 

☞All questions are welcome and encouraged throughout our adventure

☞Each morning and evening, we will discuss our best shooting options with our weather conditions in hand, so that we will be well prepared

☞All Lodgings 3-5 Star, all meals included, drinks and snacks in vehicles provided

Tour Cost: $9,900 USD

Single Supplement: $1400 USD

Not Included: Flights to JPN and from JPN, alcohol beverages, travel health insurance, items of a personal nature.

Workshop/Tour Policies 

General Enrollments Information for Adventure/Workshops
by Instructor/Teacher of Photography Blain Harasymiw.

A deposit of USD$1000 per persons, will reserve a place for you on one of our tours/workshops.
Or you can simply pay in full now.