Japan in Focus: Autumn
Nov 17 - December 2, 2026 | Photography tour with Marcel Bisig
About me
Swiss photographer
10+ years of experience
Extensive local travel experience
Guided small-group tours
Experience the magic of autumn in Japan on an exclusive photography tour to some of the country's most spectacular locations. Capture the vibrant colours of maple and ginkgo trees as they transform the landscape into a breathtaking sea of red, orange, and gold.
As an experienced photographer and dedicated Japan traveller, I will guide you to unique photographic locations, from the vibrant streets of Tokyo and Kyoto to the picturesque mountain villages of the Japanese Alps. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced photographer, I will help you develop your photographic skills while capturing the beauty of Japan. With more than one year of cumulative travel experience in Japan, I have developed a deep understanding of the country's culture, landscapes, and traditions, making me the ideal companion for your photographic journey.
2026: 🟢 2/5 places booked
2027: 🟢 1/5 places booked
Price:
GBP 5,200 per person in a shared twin or double room
GBP 6,200 per person in a single room
Included:
Private English tour guiding and photography coaching throughout the journey
Accommodation
Traditional dinner at Ryokan hotels (2 nights)
Rental car, fuel, tolls and parking fees
High-speed train tickets between cities
Not included:
International flight to Tokyo and return flight from Osaka
Meals, local public transportation and entrance fees (approx. GBP 650 - 800, estimates only, actual costs may vary)
Non-photographing partners are also welcome. The itinerary has been carefully designed to be enjoyable even without a camera.
This tour can also be booked as a private group tour upon request. I would be pleased to prepare a customised quotation.
All photographs displayed on this website were created exclusively by Marcel Bisig. I am the sole copyright holder of all photographic content. Any use, reproduction, distribution, or publication of these images without prior written permission is prohibited.
The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice. All tours are covered by professional liability insurance for Swiss tour operators provided by AXA Insurance Ltd. This insurance covers damages that may arise from the professional activities of the tour operator.
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"Alongside the many culinary highlights, we took countless great photographs at incredible locations with Marcel’s expert guidance."
– Urs S.
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"Anyone looking to experience Japan beyond the usual tourist routes is in the right hands with Marcel. He not only shows the famous highlights but also hidden gems that would be difficult to discover on your own. A fascinating journey with a tour leader who puts his heart and soul into every trip."
– Nicolas M.
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"Marcel’s passion for Japan is infectious. He shares his fascination for the country and its people in a way that makes the entire journey truly unforgettable."
– Sibille S.
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from your home airport to Tokyo
November 17
Personalised flight recommendations are available upon request.
Day 2: Tokyo
November 18
Welcome to Japan!
After your individual arrival at the group hotel, we will head to the Bunkyo Civic Center in the late afternoon to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over Tokyo.
After sunset, we continue to Shinjuku, where we will immerse ourselves in Tokyo’s dazzling sea of lights for the first time.
To round off the day, we will get to know each other over a shared dinner at an izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub.
2 nights in Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
November 19
We begin the day in the spacious Yoyogi Park, where the early morning sunlight filters through the trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere and excellent conditions for photography. We then make our way to Ochanomizu, a charming district of Tokyo known for its canals, bridges, and narrow streets, offering a unique urban photography experience.
In the early afternoon, we photograph the impressive Tokyo Skytree before heading to Asakusa at dusk to capture the area's distinctive atmosphere from a less conventional perspective.
Later, we continue to Ueno, where we visit a hidden photography location before enjoying dinner.
To conclude the day, we explore the colourful streets of Akihabara and capture the vibrant energy of Tokyo after dark.
Day 4: Tokyo - Fujiyoshida
November 20
Early in the morning, we travel by bus to Fujiyoshida, located at the foot of Mount Fuji. After collecting our rental cars, we will either explore the town with Japan’s most iconic mountain as a dramatic backdrop or relax at our luxurious onsen hotel, featuring traditional hot spring baths, a Japanese garden, and a tea house, depending on the weather conditions.
In the evening, we enjoy an exquisite Kaiseki dinner, Japan’s traditional multi-course culinary experience, before ending the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
For a better impression of this destination, I recommend watching the embedded video.
1 night in Fujiyoshida
Day 5: Fujiyoshida - Matsumoto
November 21
Well rested, we begin the day before sunrise with a visit to the famous Chureito Pagoda. With favourable weather conditions, we may be rewarded with breathtaking views and photographs of majestic Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes.
Afterwards, we return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing our journey to Matsumoto. Depending on individual preferences, there will be time for a final visit to the onsen or a short rest before departure.
Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we stroll along Nawate Street, known for its traditional shops and cosy cafés, before photographing the impressive Matsumoto Castle in the warm light of sunset.
In the evening, we enjoy local specialities at a traditional izakaya.
1 night in Matsumoto
Day 6: Matsumoto - Nagano
November 22
Our day begins with a drive from Matsumoto to the lower Togakushi Shrine, nestled in the mountains surrounding Nagano and surrounded by beautiful autumn scenery. From there, we embark on a scenic walk towards the upper shrine, following a path lined with towering centuries-old cedar trees whose immense size creates one of the most impressive natural settings of the entire journey.
Back in Nagano, we enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city, including a visit to a traditional sake brewery where we can sample some of the region’s finest sake. As the day draws to a close, we photograph the atmospheric Zenkoji Temple at sunset, when its historic architecture is beautifully illuminated by the warm evening light.
1 night in Nagano
Day 7: Nagano - Yudanaka Onsen
November 23
In the morning, we leave Nagano and visit Seisuiji Temple, a hidden gem that remains largely undiscovered by international tourists. Surrounded by golden autumn foliage, the temple offers a truly spectacular setting for photography and a peaceful atmosphere far away from the crowds.
We then continue to Obuse, a charming town famous for its chestnut delicacies and as the later home of Katsushika Hokusai, widely regarded as Japan’s most influential artist.
After lunch, we head to the highlight of the day: Jigokudani Monkey Park near the hot springs of Yamanouchi. Here, we can observe the famous Japanese snow monkeys (macaques) bathing in natural hot springs, one of Japan’s most unique wildlife photography opportunities.
1 night in Yudanaka
Day 8: Kanazawa
November 24
We begin our day in Kanazawa, often referred to as “Little Kyoto”, with a visit to Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens. Its vibrant autumn colours and expansive scenery provide outstanding photographic opportunities. Adjacent to the garden, we visit Seisonkaku Villa before continuing to the Nomura Samurai Residence, where traditional architecture and a beautifully maintained Zen garden offer excellent subjects for detail photography.
Our journey then takes us to Oyama Shrine and onwards to Kanazawa Castle Park, where elegant white walls and spacious grounds create a variety of appealing compositions. Around midday, we arrive at Omicho Market, where we enjoy lunch while photographing the lively atmosphere of Kanazawa’s most famous food market.
In the late afternoon, we explore the historic geisha district of Higashi Chaya. We remain there through sunset and into the evening, taking advantage of the warm glow of lanterns and traditional wooden buildings for atmospheric night photography.
For dinner, we enjoy fresh sashimi or sushi, considered among Kanazawa’s finest culinary specialties thanks to the city's close proximity to the Sea of Japan.
1 night in Kanazawa
Day 9: Shirakawa-go & Takayama
November 25
In the morning, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steeply thatched roofs. After a leisurely walk through the picturesque village and a visit to its panoramic viewpoint, we continue our journey to Takayama.
Upon arrival, we explore the beautifully preserved old town, known for its historic merchant houses, narrow streets, and traditional atmosphere. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local specialties from the Hida region.
1 night in Takayama
Day 10: Kiso Valley & Kyoto
November 26
Our day begins early in Narai-juku, the longest and perhaps most beautiful of the historic post towns along the Kiso Valley. Its perfectly preserved wooden buildings, quiet streets, and timeless atmosphere provide outstanding opportunities to capture the spirit of the ancient Nakasendō route.
We then continue to Tsumago, where we begin our walk along one of the best-preserved sections of this historic trade route. The trail leads through peaceful forests, past small streams, and over gentle hills towards Magome, offering authentic glimpses into rural Japan as it once was.
Upon reaching Magome, there is time to explore the charming village with its traditional workshops, stone-paved streets, and scenic viewpoints. In the evening, we continue our journey to Kyoto, where we relax and prepare for the next stage of our adventure.
3 nights in Kyoto
Day 11: Kyoto
November 27
The day begins early with a walk through Gion, where we photograph the iconic Yasaka Pagoda in the soft morning light before the first crowds arrive.
We then visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, whose brilliant reflection in the surrounding pond creates one of Japan’s most iconic photographic scenes.
Later in the morning, we continue to Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), where Zen gardens, moss-covered landscapes, and vibrant maple trees provide some of Kyoto’s most atmospheric autumn photography opportunities. From there, we follow the Philosopher’s Path, a peaceful canal-side walkway lined with colourful autumn foliage, exploring several small temples and hidden photographic locations along the way.
In the evening, we visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where we capture panoramic views over Kyoto as the city transitions into dusk. Afterwards, we return to Yasaka Pagoda, now illuminated against the night sky. The atmosphere is entirely different—quiet, dramatic, and almost mystical—providing the perfect conclusion to the day.
Day 12: Kyoto
November 28
We begin the day early at Fushimi Inari Shrine, the only time when the famous torii tunnel can be photographed without crowds and in the soft light of the early morning.
Our next stop is Bishamondo Temple, where vibrant maple trees provide a spectacular backdrop for autumn photography.
We then continue to Daigo-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautiful gardens and outstanding autumn foliage. In the afternoon, we visit Byodo-in Temple, whose elegant architecture and reflective pond create some of the most memorable photographic opportunities of the journey.
We conclude the day at To-ji Temple, where we photograph its impressive five-story pagoda after dark and capture the beautifully illuminated autumn trees in a magical evening atmosphere.
Day 13: Himeji, Onomichi & Hiroshima
November 29
An early Shinkansen journey takes us west to the historic castle city of Himeji. Here, we visit what is widely regarded as Japan’s most beautiful castle: Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant white appearance.
The true highlight of the day, however, is the charming coastal town of Onomichi. Known for its narrow lanes, historic temples, hillside scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, it is one of Japan’s most photogenic small towns. We follow the famous Temple Walk, visiting impressive shrines and scenic viewpoints along the way. From these elevated locations, we enjoy breathtaking views over the town, the surrounding islands, and the sparkling waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
After sunset, we continue to Hiroshima. In the event of poor weather conditions, we may travel to Hiroshima earlier and visit the Peace Memorial Museum on the same day.
2 nights in Hiroshima
Day 14: Hiroshima & Miyajima
November 30
The morning begins with a visit to Hiroshima Castle, followed by a walk to the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (if not already visited the previous day), where we gain a deeper understanding of the city's moving history and remarkable recovery.
Afterwards, we travel by high-speed boat to the island of Miyajima, famous for its free-roaming sika deer and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. As sunset approaches, we photograph the world-famous floating torii gate, one of Japan’s most recognisable and beautiful landmarks, before returning to Hiroshima by boat.
In the evening, there is time to relax at the hotel or explore and photograph the lively streets surrounding the Hondori entertainment district.
Day 15: Osaka
December 1
Later in the morning, we leave Hiroshima and travel to Osaka by Shinkansen.
In the afternoon, we explore the city on foot, beginning with Namba Yasaka Shrine, famous for its remarkable lion-head stage, followed by a visit to Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples.
We capture sunset in the vibrant Shinsekai district, whose nostalgic atmosphere, colourful streets, and iconic Tsutenkaku Tower provide excellent photographic opportunities.
For our final group dinner, we meet my local Japanese friend and his wife in the lively Dotonbori district. The evening offers not only delicious local cuisine but also valuable insights into everyday life in Japan. The bright neon lights and unique atmosphere of Dotonbori provide a fitting backdrop for the final photographs of the journey.
Farewell to your tour leader (continuing independently to scout new locations for future tours).
1 night in Osaka
Day 16: Osaka
December 2
Departure or individual onward Journey
Registration form
The registration is non-binding and serves solely as an initial point of contact. The booking only becomes final upon signing the contract.
I would also be happy to discuss any further questions and details with you over the phone.
I look forward to hearing from you.
