JapanPhoto Tours

Due to our strict 4-person limit per group and high seasonal demand for photography tours, we recommend booking around 8 months in advance or signing up for the waitlist for upcoming tours.

You can visit Japan alone, but capturing its best landscapes requires complex logistics. Our guided tours remove all operational friction, providing private transport to remote spots exactly when the light is right, along with professional technical guidance.

Yes, you can wear shorts in cities. However, when visiting temples and traditional areas, respectful attire is required. We recommend durable, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear, as landscape photography involves light walking on uneven terrain.

As we look to be at the right moment in the perfect place, moving by car it’s the cheapest and most comfortable way. Also, as our trips are based on groups of 4 persons with a guide, we move with small vans around Japan. This way we can adapt the schedules to our own interests. If we decided to use the JR Pass and travel by Shinkansen bullet train, we not will have the same freedom.

We prioritize small groups, it helps that you can have support from our photo guides during all days and spots. Max group size is 4, doing a really small groups.

Japan is currently highly cost-effective for international travelers due to the currency exchange. On our tours, accommodation and transportation are already covered. You should plan an average budget of ¥5,000 to ¥7,000 (approx. $35–$45 USD) per day for meals not included in the itinerary.

No. While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, Japan remains a cash-centric society, especially in traditional rural areas, local restaurants, and temples. We recommend exchanging €300–$500 USD into Japanese Yen (JPY) upon arrival at the airport to cover daily cash expenses, and using a travel-optimized credit card for the rest.

Yes. Japanese service culture is based on pride in workmanship; excellent service is fully included in the price. Leaving extra money is considered confusing or even insulting. Do not leave tips under any circumstance—simply say “Gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the meal) to the staff.

Photography is permitted in public spaces. However, you must strictly respect local restrictions: photography is banned inside certain temples, shrines, and private streets (such as specific alleys in Kyoto’s Gion district). Look for international “No Photography” signs. If you intend to use drones or shoot for commercial purposes, legal permits are required. Your photo guide will handle compliance on-site.

Yes. Tap water across Japan is strictly safe, highly regulated, and perfectly drinkable everywhere.

To enter Japan you need a passport and a visa unless you are from a country that is visa-exempt. In case you need it, the Japanese government is going to introduce the e-visa. In case is not currently implemented, you will need to visit the Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.

According to different flight searches, the cheapest months to take a flight to Japan is from January to April. Although in March is cherry blossoms, you can find economic flights. The high season is summer, so even in November-December, you can find good deals.