Discover Japan’s Autumn Landscapes with Richard Young
Join Richard Young and a small group of just five photographers on an exclusive photography tour through Japan’s serene and breathtaking autumn landscape. Together, we’ll journey through the heart of Honshu, Japan’s main island, where temples and shrines sit among colorful autumn foliage, and golden leaves drift through quiet bamboo forests. This season of change paints the hillsides in vibrant reds, while mirror-like lakes and pristine waterfalls add to the sense of calm — offering photographers a peaceful and vivid canvas to capture Japan at its most graceful and contemplative.
Our journey begins in Nagoya and leads us to Gujo Hachiman, a beautifully preserved castle town known for its pure spring water and traditional streetscapes. Surrounded by forested mountains that burst into vibrant color in autumn, the town offers a peaceful getaway for nature lovers and photographers alike.
From Gujo Hachiman, we continue our journey toward Ise, famously known for the Grand Shrine of Ise, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites. The region is also home to picturesque bamboo forests and peaceful forest, adding to its serene atmosphere.
We then journey to the Shiga Prefecture, where we’ll explore historic temples and the iconic Torii Gate, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake.
The final legs of our adventure takes us to Nara and Koyasan. Nara is known for its ancient temples and shrines, friendly free-roaming deer, and scenic green tea plantations that add to its rich cultural and natural charm. We’ll then spend the last few days in Koyasan, capturing historic temples by day and night. During our stay, we’ll experience authentic Japanese culture by lodging in a traditional tatami room, offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual heart of this sacred mountain town.
You will be guided not only by Richard Young but also by one of Japan’s leading photography guides – an expert with extensive local knowledge who has guided some of the world’s best-known photographers, including Michael Kenna. Together, we will help you access the most photogenic and often hidden locations, ensuring you come away with a strong portfolio of images that celebrate the purity and beauty of Japan’s autumn landscape.
Richard Young has guided a previous Hokkaido Tour in 2025 with one of Japan’s very best photography guides, who has led some of the world’s top photographers around these landscapes.
Richard and our local guide bring to this experience a love for exploring a more expressive approach to landscape and nature photography to help you make some truly unique photographs during the expedition.
This tour requires a moderate level of fitness, with walking and stair climbing involved—such as the 399 steps at Hasedera Temple. Participants should be comfortable walking up to 5 kilometers while carrying camera gear and able to manage stairs at various sites along the way.
This tour offers more than just stunning landscapes and exceptional photography — it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm hospitality of Japan’s main island. To offer an authentic experience, we’ll stay in thoughtfully chosen hotels and traditional temple lodgings. You’ll also enjoy delicious local cuisine each evening, a true highlight of Japanese culture and an essential part of the Japan experience.