Tokyo Private Photo Tours are often composed exclusively of cityscapes and the metropolitan sprawl that is the glory of one of the largest and most efficient global cities on earth.  One must only think of the Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing as one of the highlights of any Tokyo Private Photo Tour.  The modern day samurai gallantly stride across the open expanse of the asphalt with a crown of neon lights as he returns home each evening.  However, Tokyo and its surrounding area is home to more traditional views for visiting photographers to enjoy.

Just south of Yokohama is Odawara Castle, commonly referred to as the one castle in the Tokyo area that visitors must take if castle architecture photography is a goal for the Tokyo Private Photo Tour.  The castle has been restored to a state as close to its original construction as possible.  The resplendent white facades of the main keep positively glow during the sunny spring and summer days if you are lucky enough to visit during those seasons.  Odawara Castle is also steeped in history as its primary purpose after construction was the family residence for feudal lord Hojo.  As your Japan Dreamscapes Photo Tour Leader will point out to you, the same paths that you will be walking on during your Tokyo Private Photo Tour as samurai and feudal lords did before you when the castle was still a brand new addition to the skyline.

If you enjoy seeing and photographing the weapons of war, those are also on display in one of the outer keeps.  Not only swords but other artifacts and curiosities only known to Japan will be available for you to photograph, as you explore the castle grounds.  Armor used in the sengoku period, countrywide ward in Japan, is also on display to give you a glimpse into what a samurai’s life would be like, a lifestyle unlike another in the world.  All these items are available for you to enjoy as part of your Tokyo Private Photo Workshop experience.

Odawara Castle is also a haven for flower photography.  At many different months of the year, different flowers bloom and are available to enjoy and photograph.  Starting in the late winter and early spring, the plum blossoms present themselves for your photographic enjoyment near the south entrance.  Not to outdone, in late March, the cherry blossoms arrive and provide you with a tinge of pink to accent your photos of the castle and the surrounding grounds.  April and May bring wisteria, and the flowers seems to cascade over the paths like a waterfall of brilliant pink and purple wisteria flowers.  These are only some of the flowers available to photograph.