The Fuji Five Lakes are almost as famous at Mt. Fuji itself, and when Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) conducts a Fujisan Autumn Leaves Photography Workshop, our veteran workshop leader makes a point to introduce the clients to all of the Fuji Five Lakes.  The Fuji Five Lakes are comprised of Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosu lakes. Over 95% of Japanese have never visited all the fuji five lakes, but you could be one of the elite 5%.

Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has several significant points to enjoy as part of the Autumn Leaves Photography Workshop experience.   The southern perimeter of the Yamanakako is home to several parks and outlooks that make it a popular destination for visiting photographers, mainly focusing on autumn leaves which when caught in the morning seem to have their color change from one moment to the next.  This area is also popular among birding photographers due to the large number of swans that populate the area during autumn.  The lake shore in this region makes composing shots of bird, autumn leaves, and iconic Mt. Fuji as well.  It may sound like a dream, but JDS’s photo tour leaders can make that dream into a reality.  You will be up before dawn getting ready by the lake’s edge making sure that you capture unforgettable photographic moments.

Another vantage point from which to enjoy the autumn leaves is a nearby lakeside park.  You can enjoy more than 500 meters of illuminated maple trees during the evening or the brilliant beauty during the daylight.  The Yuyake no Nagisa Fall Foliage Festival begins at the end of October and continues to mid November.  The festival means amazing autumn leaves’ photo ops day or night.  The Japanese maple leaves shine such a brilliant crimson and electric orange that you may confuse the illuminated trees as a raging campfire from far away.  You will feel an overpowering sense of calm and refreshment while you capture nighttime autumn leaves photography, taking advantage of the beneficial elements of shinrin-yoku or forest bathing/therapy.

One last phenomenon that the Yamanakako area is famous for is ‘Diamond Mt. Fuji’.  This occurs when the sunlight sits perfectly atop the peak of Fujisan, bestowing Mount Fuji with a diamond crown making for some of the most breathtaking photos you can ever hope to take.  The timing varies from year to year, but your JDS Photo Tour Leader has years of experience chasing the light, so if it’s possible on your Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves Photo Workshop, your guide will make it happen.