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, making them part of an elite group of photographers that have interacted with and photographed all of the Fuji Five Lakes.

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.  Almost due south on lake’s perimeter is Asahigaoka Park.  This park is one of the most often sought after photo ops when photographers come to capture images of autumn leaves.  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’ photo tour leaders can make that dream into a reality.

Another vantage point from which to enjoy the autumn leaves is a nearby lakeside park.  A quick jaunt from Asahigaoka 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.

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.