This unforgettable journey takes place along ancient Buddhist and Shinto pilgrimage routes through Nikko, Mt. Fuji and Hakone. This photography adventure is for those wishing to experience the traditional Japan summer getaway. The art of Japanese dogma has made “Zen” a household word known around the world. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; it will take a thousand pictures to express the one Zen emotion that has overcome you at each spectacular location we explore. 

Well before sunrise on a tour day, clients will be on location setting up to photograph UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikko encompassing over 100 Japanese architectural masterpieces, Nikko was founded in the 8th century; and is closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns. The Shinkyo bridge is the gateway to the Futarasan Jinja and is best photographed at first light.

The Toshogu Shinto Shrine complex is the most lavishly decorated throughout Japan. The buildings are beautifully lacquered and decorated with vibrant colors, the pillars and other structures are covered in a multitude of carvings. The carvings are expressions of spirituality (Reiji Holly Spiritual Animals) as well as scholarly and philosophical-mystical beings of Buddhist-Shinto folklores, your workshop leader Blain Harasymiw will share some of these folklores with you. 

Rinno-ji Buddhist Temple the Shoyo-en Zen meditation garden that covers the grounds are picturesque. High above Nikko, we will visit Kegon Waterfalls the top 3 most stunning waterfalls across Japan, at 319 feet (97 meters) with a beautiful combination of lake Chuzenji photographed from Akechidaira observatory during golden hour.