Autumn Japan Photography Workshop 2026 | All The Ways You Wander

Japan: The Ritual of Light

A 13-Day Adventure Through the Land of The Rising Sun

Japan Autumn Photography Workshop
Returning to the land where I first learned to see the world.
Dates & DurationNov 12 - 24, 2026 (13 Days)
Availability5 Spots Left
Price€6,390 EUR
Start/EndTokyo
Max Group Size5 Photographers
Fitness LevelModerate (Daily Walking)
AccommodationHotels & Ryokans (Shared)

Ready to Wander?

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP

Or secure your place immediately:

PAY €1,200 DEPOSIT

Secure your space on the scouting mission. Only 5 spots available.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW & PHILOSOPHY

Echoes of the Past: A Personal Return

Japan was the first destination I ever truly explored as a traveler in my early 20s. It was the place that first challenged me to slow down and observe the quiet rituals of life. Recently returning to lead a workshop there, I found myself falling in love all over again. Getting to return once more and show you these beautiful, often hidden locations is truly a dream come true—a full-circle journey from a wandering youth to a professional photographer guiding others through the same profound light.

The Scouting Spirit: An Authentic Traverse

This is a high-momentum traverse designed to capture the "Physics of Light" across Japan’s most evocative autumn landscapes. As a mobile unit, we move from the neon-drenched urban grit of Tokyo into the deep mountain silence of the Kiso Valley. We aren't just visiting locations; we are participating in rituals—from the morning mist clinging to the sacred deer of Nara to the blue hour silence of Narai-juku, a kilometer of preserved Edo-period history.

I will be your driver and guide, navigating our private van through rugged coastal regions and alpine passes. This collaborative scouting energy allows us to be nimble, staying in a mix of city hubs and authentic rural Ryokans. My goal is to help you see the contrast between the neon modern and the dark wooden eaves of ancient Japan, distilling the chaos of travel into the singular, focused act of photography.

What You'll Master:

  • Color Theory & The Physics of Autumn Light
  • The "Ancient Gaze": Wildlife & Sacred Portrayal
  • Long Exposure Rituals in Sacred Waters
  • Technical Mastery: Composition in High-Contrast Environments

Places We'll Visit:

  • The Icons: Chureito Pagoda & Mt. Fuji Regions
  • Sacred Waters: Atera Seven Falls & Nachi Falls
  • Ancient Capitals: The Mist-laden Parks of Nara & Kyoto
  • The Kiso Valley: Edo-period Narai-juku & Nagano Alps

WHAT’S INCLUDED / EXCLUDED

Included:

  • Instruction and one-on-one field workshops.
  • 12 Nights accommodation (Shared Twin basis).
  • Private transport throughout (Neil Driving).
  • Authentic Ryokan breakfasts and dinners.
  • Ferry fees and entry permits to all sites.
  • Professional editing sessions and guidance.

Not Included:

  • International airfare to/from Tokyo.
  • City meals (Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto) for exploration.
  • Mandatory travel and medical insurance.
  • Visas and personal spending money.
  • Tips and Gratuities for local staff.

Japan Workshop FAQ

Leadership & Driving
I lead all sessions. For regional exploration, I handle the driving in a private vehicle to allow for total flexibility with the light. In major cities, we use the local rail network for efficiency.
Experience Level
Open to all levels. A basic understanding of manual exposure settings will help you make the most of our time in the field, particularly during low-light sessions.
Maximum Group Size
To ensure a high-quality, personal experience, the Japan workshop is strictly limited to 5 participants.
Physical Activity
Moderate. Japan involves significant walking, especially in cities and around temple complexes. Comfortable, slip-on footwear is essential as we move between indoor and outdoor locations.
Transport Mode
We use a mix of private van for rural landscape access and Japan's world-class rail system for urban transitions to avoid traffic and remain on schedule.
Essential Gear
A focal range of 16mm to 200mm is suggested. Japan offers a mix of grand landscapes and intimate urban details that require versatile glass.
Meals & Lodging
Boutique accommodation is included. Breakfast is typically provided; other meals are paid individually to allow you to explore Japan’s diverse culinary landscape.
Insurance & Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Please check current visa requirements for Japan based on your specific passport before booking.
Booking & Deposits
A non-refundable deposit secures your place. The final balance is due 90 days before departure. A signed liability waiver must be provided 60 days prior to start.
A traditional Japanese pagoda in the foreground with Mount Fuji in the background, set against a sunset sky.
Autumn leaves in orange and red in the foreground with snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background and a lake with a partially cloudy sky.
A quiet street in a traditional Japanese village surrounded by a hillside with colorful autumn trees, bamboo, and evergreens, with wooden buildings and glowing lanterns.
City skyline with tall buildings viewed across a river, with green grassy slopes and trees with autumn foliage on either side, and their reflections in the water.
A scenic view of a red bridge over a gorge, surrounded by colorful autumn trees and a small traditional structure in the background.
A traditional Japanese torii gate with a shimenawa rope and tassels, with Mount Fuji in the background under a clear sky.
A person walking through a traditional Japanese temple gate with stone steps and walls, black and white photograph.
Close-up of a neon sign with red glowing letters against a dark background.
Night scene of a street decorated with red and yellow autumn leaves, hanging lanterns, and string lights.
A traditional Japanese shrine entrance with a large wooden torii gate, surrounded by green trees and lit lanterns on either side.
Mount Fuji framed by red autumn leaves and green trees.
A serene lake reflecting a dense, colorful autumn forest and mountains shrouded in mist, with a small house with a red roof and smoke rising from its chimney.
A traditional Japanese castle with white walls, gray tiled roofs, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, and a grassy foreground under an overcast sky.
A red arched bridge over a flowing river surrounded by autumn trees with colorful leaves.
A tall waterfall cascading down a steep, rocky cliff surrounded by foliage and mossy rocks.
Subscribe to the Newsletter

© 2026 All The Ways You Wander | A Journal by Neil Arthurs