Japan Spring Cherry Blossom Special– Photography Tour
Blossom into Beauty: A Captivating Journey Through Aomori’s Cherry Blossom Wonderland – The Lens India’s 2024 Japan Photography Tour
Photography Tour Background:
Accompanied by photographer & Japanese language expert Kiran Joshi, we shall be exploring exclusive access to culture of Japan and scenic beauty during the Cherry Blossom season.
Spring Tours of Japan are a selection of trips dedicated to the stunning colors, sites, nature, culture, and food of spring in Japan.
The Japan cherry blossom also known as “Sakura” is incredibly unique and is awfully close to the hearts and culture of the Japanese. Japanese call this viewing of Cherry Blossom as “Hamani”.
Our Cherry Blossom photography Tour to Japan is based on this theme to capture breath-taking images which will have a very heavenly feel in our images.
These Cherry blossoms have very typical characteristics depending on where they are in Japan and what part of the season, they are blooming. This Japan photography tour is bit exclusive in nature to shoot Japan Dreamscapes photographs.
The contrast of the pictures with the pink blossoms and the shades of green and the white-eye of the mejiro mean pictures of a lifetime.
We have carefully selected off-beat yet top cherry blossom locations of Japan which will be truly enticing for photographers at all levels.
Itinerary includes top destination and opportunities to follow the Japanese springtime floral celebrations and culture closely.
This will allow photographer enough time to capture and create stupendous images for their portfolio
Apart from cherry blossom’s locations, we will visit other places of Japan which includes iconic historical and natural sites.
Some of our time will be spent in Tokyo, however the majority of our time will be in the countryside, time to be with nature and around rustic villages and to enjoy less populated areas.
We will take care of all logistical matters.
We will provide all necessary information and guidance when needed and leave you free to explore place so that you can capture the images you want, to enjoy the company of like-minded traveler’s and to enhance your understanding and appreciation of visions of Japan.
The schedule of our tour is based on the timing so that there is a best chance of quality cherry blossom viewing.
Aomori – Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle (Hirosakijō) was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. The castle is located in Hirosaki Park, a spacious public park and has a spread of 0.6 square kilometers.
Earlier this castle was 5 storied and got damaged in 1627 after it was struck by lightning. Subsequently it was Rebuilt and repaired in 1810, and now has 3 storied monuments.
Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s top 10 cherry blossom spots. It has almost 2500 trees, cherry blossom tunnels, petal-filled moats, numerous pleasant picnic areas, rental rowing boats, many varieties of cherry trees and illuminations in the evenings. Every year between 23rd Apr ~ 5th May the festival is held when the blossom is at full bloom.
Aomori – Samurai District
After the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tsugaru Clan who were on the sides of Tokugawa Ieyasu, ensured their authority as the feudal lords of Hirosaki for the 250 years of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Hirosaki Castle was the base from which they would rule, and typical castle town developed. The samurai who were serving the local clan used reside surrounding the castle of their feudal lord. One part on the northern side of Hirosaki castle is preserved as a former samurai district. Three samurai houses and one merchant house have been preserved and are open to the public.
Aomori – Ashino Park
Another One of top 10 Japan’s best hanami spots. Usually during Golden week that is at the timing of the Sakura Festival is celebrated in Ashino Park.
What you see in this park is The Dazai Osamu Literary Monument and a statue of Dazai Osamu can be found in the park
The boathouse on the lake has rowboats for rent
Ashino Park is part of the huge Ashino Chishogun Prefectural Natural Park.
Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populated metro cities. Tokyo was known as Edo before1868. It was a small castle town, and Edo became Japan’s political center in 1603 during the establishment of feudal government by Tokugawa Ieyas. After few decades, Edo became one of the world’s largest cities. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which Edo was renamed as Tokyo. Literal meaning of Tokyo means “Eastern Capital”. Tokyo was destroyed twice i.e. in1923 during Great Kanto Earthquake & in 1945 during air raids of second world war.
As on date, Tokyo offers a unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture, and dining to its tourist. The city has historical places such as Asakusa and in many museums, shrines, temples, and gardens.
This place also offers best cityscapes, landscapes and one of the best places for travel photography
If you are excited to experience magnificent Cherry Blossom Photography landscapes in Japan, Tour to Japan and witness the “Nature’s Paradise”- Japan and chase the rare delight of the beautiful season.
The fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom awaits you. We are happy to accommodate you for this photo tour to witness beautiful cherry blossom, so Contact us without any delay.
If you are excited to experience magnificent spring cherry blossom landscapes in Japan, we are happy to accommodate you for cherry blossom photography tour to witness the beauty, so Contact us without any delay.
Book your seats to the extraordinary Cherry Blossom Photography tour by The Lens India
Contact us on +91-8308 80 9875 or mail us at [email protected]
What is included?
- Accommodation in standard hotels (Twin Sharing)
- Transport and excursions as per itinerary
- Meals (As Specified in Itinerary)
- Entry fees as indicated in Itinerary
Note:
Hotels Stay (Names) are subject to change based on booking availability
What is NOT included?
-
- International Airfares/Visa
- Travel insurance
- Meals and food not listed in itinerary
- Portable Wi-Fi internet access
- Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
- Personal spending money
- Tips & gratuities (not expected in Japan)
- Any other specific not included items
Tour Schedule
Apr-2025 Mid (Tentatively as the Weather Forecast is awaited)
(Refer Itinerary for details)
- Aomori – Hirosaki Castle, Samurai District
- Aomori – Ashino Park, Kitakami (Optional)
- Tokyo
Bullet train /Regular train / Private Coach / Taxi /Domestic Flight (Refer Itinerary for Details)
* Please note this tour may include extensive use of public transport and walking as main methods of transport.
Small group photography tour
Max: 12-14 Pax
Moderate (Refer FAQ)
Regular Price: USD2850 + Tax, if any (Ex. Narita)
(Approx: INR.240,000, JPY415,000)
Important Note:
- Prices are subject to change depending upon the change in Hotel/Domestic Airfare/Transport charges.
- Early bird price or any discounts if applicable will be Void in case delay in the payment by tour participant w.r.t specified payment schedule. (Refer Payment schedule)
- Tour participant shall start the Visa Process shall at least start one month before the travel date or as per the country specific visa rules and comply to those requirements.
- Documents for visa purpose (Itinerary, Hotel Booking Confirmation or any other document as the case may be) shall be shared to tour participant only upon the full payment of the tour price.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Narita Airport – Aomori – Hirosaki | Date: TBA
Arrive at Narita Airport by 10:00am
Convert the JR pass (If applicable), Buy Sim Card and Move to Nikko
Check-in: Hotel at Hirosaki
Meals: B/f – N, L- N, D-Y Dinner at Hotel Restaurant (Indian Restaurant)
Entry Fees: Not Applicable/Not Included
Locations: Not Applicable
Train/Bus/Taxi:
Narita Airport (Narita Express Approx 54Min) -Tokyo stn 1:20pm (Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 23 towards Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto) – Shin-Aomori (Ou Line Local towards Hirosaki) – Hirosaki Station (approx. 2 Hours) (Travel Time 1Hr48min + 4Hrs7min From Tokyo)
Day 2 – Aomori – Hirosaki| Date: TBA
Visit Hirosaki Castle at 9:00am after breakfast
Check-in: Hotel at Hirosaki
Meals: B/f – Y, L- Y, D-Y Lunch/Dinner at Hotel Restaurant (Indian Restaurant )
Entry Fees: Included
Locations: Castle, Botanical Garden, Fujita Memorial Garden, Hirosaki Park
There are a few other sites of interest inside Hirosaki Park, including the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden in the park’s southeast corner and Gokoku Shrine, the Aomori branch of Yasukuni Shrine in the north end of the park. Most of the city’s other tourist attractions are also located within walking distance of the park.
*Covering all the locations depends upon the pace of participants and there is a high possibility that we may not cover all the locations if we spend more time on one location.
Train/Bus/Taxi: WALK
Day 3 – Aomori – Hirosaki| Date: TBA
Visit Samurai district at 9:00am after breakfast
Check-in: Hotel at Hirosaki
Meals: B/f – Y, L- Y, D-Y Lunch/Dinner at Hotel Restaurant (Indian Restaurant)
Entry Fees: Included
Locations: Samurai District, Neputa Mura, Other remaining areas nearby castle
*Covering all the locations depends upon the pace of participants and there is a high possibility that we may not cover all the locations if we spend more time on one location.
Train/Bus/Taxi: WALK
Day 4 – Aomori – Ashino Park | Date: TBA
Visit Ashino Park & Return to Hirosaki
Check-in: Hotel at Hirosaki
Meals: B/f – Y, L- N, D-Y
Entry Fees: Included
Locations: A highlight is the local train passing through the tunnel of cherry blossoms. The Tsugaru Railway runs through the park, and the small, old-fashioned station building, and the idyllic scenery further delights visitors. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the appearance of the Tsugaru Railway’s “”Hashire Melos”” (Run, Melos) train passing through is picture perfect.
*Covering all the locations depends upon the pace of participants and there is a high possibility that we may not cover all the locations if we spend more time on one location.
Train/Bus/Taxi: Train: Hirosaki Stn – Goshogawara Stn- Tsugaru Goshogawara Stn- Ashino Koen Stn .Return Start 3.00PM
Day 5 – Aomori – Kitakami (Optional) – Tokyo (Nihonbashi) | Date: TBA
(Kitakami is Optional)
Visit Tensochi Park approx. 30min walk from Station to see 10,000 cherry blossom trees.
Sight Seeing Boats (Optional)
Check-in: HOTEL TOKYO (NIHONBASHI)
Meals: B/f – Y, L-N, D- Y
Entry Fees: Included (To be Purchased at Every entry wherever applicable)
Locations: Tensochi Park, Michinoku Folklore Village
*Covering all the locations depends upon the pace of participants and there is a high possibility that we may not cover all the locations if we spend more time on one location.
Train/Bus/Taxi Cost:
(In case if Kitamaki plan is active)
- 8:56am Train: Hirosaki Stn – Shin. Omori (Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 16Hayabusa)– 10:45am Morioka Stn (Yamabiko 58YamabikoTokyo) – Kitakami Stn
- 5:30pm Train Kitakami Stn (Hayabusa 112HayabusaTokyo) – Tokyo – Nihonbashi (Tozai sen) – Kayabacho – TCAT
(In case of Direct:)
8:56am Train: Hirosaki Stn – Shin. Omori (9:53am Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa 16Hayabusa ~ 1.04pm Tokyo -Ueno Station ~ Kayabacho)
NOTE: Transfer Luggage Check directly to Hotel
Day 6 – Tokyo | Date: TBA
Morning we will visit Sensoji Temple at Asakusa which is one of the most popular temples in Tokyo
As an alternative, we can have a brief visit to place called Akihabara. Akihabara know for the second sale market where you can buy electronic items, camera’s, lenses or else,
We will spend our second half our day at Tokyo Skytree. This is the second-tallest structure in the world and tallest in Asia at 634m! In the late evening we can capture beautiful Tokyo cityscape literally beneath you as the sun sets and the night lights illuminate the city.
Individual may select the option to take rest, packing, etc. or can move around to nearby places.
Check-in: HOTEL TOKYO (NIHONBASHI)
Meals: B/f – Y, L- N, D- Y
Entry Fees: Not applicable/Not Included
Locations: Asakusa/Akihabara/Skytree
(Maiko Geisha Tea-Ceremony Photoshoot optional – Subject to min count of 6 People)
Train/Bus/Taxi: (JR PASS)
Day 7 – Tokyo | Date: TBA
SAME AS DAY 7. FREE DAY
Check-in: HAMACHO HOTEL TOKYO (NIHONBASHI)
Meals: B/f – Y, L- N, D- Y
Entry Fees: Not applicable/Not Included
Locations: FREE DAY
Train/Bus/Taxi: (JR PASS)
Day 8 – Tokyo – Narita | Date: TBA
Accom: Not applicable/Not Included (Check-out: HAMACHO HOTEL TOKYO (NIHONBASHI)
Meals: B/f – N, L- N, D- N (Thanksgiving & TOUR ENDS at 6:00am)
Entry Fees: Not applicable/Not Included
Locations: Not applicable
Train/Bus/Taxi: – Board Flight Limousine from T-CAT Terminal at 6:20am
Book Now!
To book your place on the Japan Spring Cherry Blossom Special– Photography Tour: mail us at [email protected] and proceed for booking amount through bank transfer or google pay.
Call Us
Payment Schedule:
1st Instalment (Booking Amount): USD 500
2nd Instalment: USD 1,500 On or before 31st Jan 2025
3rd Instalment: USD 1,500 On or before 25th Feb 2025
CANCELLATIONS (Applicable for only this tour)
In the event you may have to cancel your Booking or are unable to make the payments in accordance with Booking & Payment Schedule specified we reserves the right to charge the following cancellation fees:
Numbers of Days before
Tour Start Date Cancellation Fee as a % of Tour Price
60-48 days Deposit plus 10% Tour Price
47-35 days Deposit plus 20% Tour Price
34-22 days Deposit plus 30% Tour Price
21-14 days Deposit plus 45% Tour Price
13-8 days Deposit plus 75% Tour Price
7 days or less (or no show) Deposit plus 100% Tour Price
Check with your travel insurance provider in the event you need to cancel. You may be entitled to reclaim these charges. Claims must be made directly with your insurance provider.
The date of cancellation shall be decided on the written notice given to the Tour Operator/Tour Leader by You detailing the cancellation request
Tour price is based on land arrangements only arranged by the us. Flight cancellation charges will be at the discretion of each individual airline. You should be aware of all flight cancellation policies before making payment to any airline.
Cancellations due to airport closures in your country or Japan due to a natural disaster will be handled on a case-by-case basis where an alternative cancelation policy may become in effect. If you are able to fly the day after your original departure date or 2 -3 days later, your tour can be altered to suit your arrival date at no extra charge. In all cases, booking deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations due to force majeure: unforeseen events preventing travel to travel destination such as; terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire, flood, epidemic, closure of airports or airspace, civil unrest, war, or any other event outside of our control, are considered outside our control. Regretfully, the Tour Operator/Tour Leader cannot hold any liability in these circumstances. Any changes to the obligations under our contract with you, will be treated on a case-by-case basis.
In event of natural calamities like, earthquake, floods, etc or unavoidable circumstances like curfew, strikes, etc not within our control, in such case, Tour Operator/Tour Leader shall have a discretionary right either to change the tour route or cancel the tour as per the situation demands.
Baggage and the personal belongings of the tour participant will be his/her sole responsibility, throughout the tour. Tour Operator/Tour Leader shall not be liable for the loss/damage of any kind.
Individual tour participant shall be required to follow the common civil code and the rules of that particular country during the entire tour. Any inconvenience/damage caused to the other tour participant in the tour shall call for a strict action by Tour Operator/Tour Leader towards the defaulter. There will be no compensation rendered to the defaulter, in case, he/she needs to leave the tour.
Meals will be served as mentioned in the specific tour itinerary at our cost.
Tour Operator/Tour Leader does not have any control over the price/exchange rate fluctuations towards railway/flights/bus/hotels/shipping companies or any other service provided by third party.
Although we make every attempt to provide the best service to the tour participant, however due to any unprecedented situations, Tour Operator/Tour Leader shall not be responsible for delays/deficiencies for the services provide by the outside service providers.
Tour Operator/Tour Leader does not have any control on the schedules of opening/closing timings of tourist attractions, museums, park, etc.
The Tour participants are requested to collect their journey tickets from the Tour Operator/Tour Leader office address or as per the method specified after making the full payment of the tour price.
The Tour participant is required to join the tour as per the itinerary given from the Tour Operator/Tour Leader for the respective travel destinations. Please note that if any tour participant travels before or after the journey date(s) specified to any destination which is not the part of itinerary, then, Tour Operator/Tour Leader shall not be responsible & liable for any additional cost wherever applicable.
Taxes shall be applicable as per the Government Rules and Regulations.
For any medical expenses or exigencies the tour participant shall bear his/her own expenses.
COVID-19 Test expenses, or any other such expenses related to medical criteria as per the travel destination country before/after shall be borne by the participant.
Please ensure you have a valid travel insurance in place before the travel and in case of any untoward incidences, claims shall be settled with insurance company. Tour Operator/Tour Leader shall not be responsible for any losses related to baggage/medical issues, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
We design our tours to guide you to the best of locations and experiences in the best light where possible. Together with our teaching and feedback, you will learn how create great travel images. If you are beginner you will learn how to visualize a scene better before capturing the moment, explore the environment you are capturing, understand cultural considerations, and develop your own personal style. If you are already master, you will add to your experience and will certainly have exchange of information.
Although our tours (our Photography Tours) are specifically designed for photographers. Since everyone brings a camera with them on vacation nowadays and will take photos for their memories. So even if you don’t have a specific interest in photography, anyone can still be free to join our tours, but since the focus of our Tours (not to discriminate) is on photography first and foremost, so you will have to give consideration to the photographers’ needs first.
One great benefit of our Photography Tours is we spend a lot longer time at specified locations as compared to usual tours, and at the best times for photography where possible. This means you will get enough time to see destinations and sights when they are visually more appealing and can be relaxing for you in real terms, also you don’t have a rushed sightseeing experience or hoping tour experience that is so common among typical group tours.
Wherever possible, we will also recommend a range of activities for the non-photographers in our tour if at all non-photographers prefer to have free time in lieu of visiting a location together with the photographers.
If you have yet to get a camera or are looking to purchase a camera or other photography equipment before taking a tour, please feel free to contact us for any purchasing advice.
Wherever possible we can also recommend you to, go for rental equipment if required.
Particularly our Photography Expeditions are designed to explore different locations trips to learn about new destinations. We would like to run Tours to in future, to visit specific events and festivals, and to look for unique photo opportunities. Additionally, our Expedition have a more flexible itinerary than other tours wherever possible as we assess each location/attraction/weather and spend as much, or as little time as required to achieve our photographic aims.
Our Photography Tours are known for a classic sightseeing experience.
We plan for destination you would like to visit of your choice. If you are interested in one of our standard photography tours or expeditions but want to adjust the itinerary, we can certainly do that. If you’d like to do this, please contact us to discuss things in more detail.
In case if our travel booking do not have their office at your location, then you will need to arrange your own visas, and we strongly recommend contacting the Tour country’s local embassy or consulate for further information.
You will also need to arrange your own vaccination and any travel medication that you may need.
46 days or more prior to arrival date in Japan: no penalty
45-31 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 10% of the tour price
30-15 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 20% of the tour price
14- 8 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 30% of the tour price
7 – 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 50% of the tour price
Less than 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 100% of the tour price.
Cancellation of any third-party suppliers’ arrangements will be subject to fees charged in accordance with that supplier. Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after your arrangements have commenced.
Our cancellation policy indicates the fact that we have to make payments to our suppliers and comply to their booking conditions. It is a condition of attending our tours to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place. In case of force majeure, no refunds available.
NOTE: ABOVE IS GENERIC POLICY. HOWEVER TOUR SPECIFIC POLICY WILL SUPRSEDE THIS GENERIC POLICY
Seasonal variations due to weather change may have effect Tours such as our Japan Cherry Blossoms or Autumn Colors Tours. It’s impossible to predict with accuracy month/date in advance for both the cherry blossoms and autumn colors for their peak bloom periods but our tours are usually planned based on typical average opening to peak times for these phenomena.
Smaller the group better is the engagement with each other.
Please let us know if you have any special needs due to physical limitations or any other challenges. We will assess people with special needs on a case-by-case basis so that appropriate guidance or alternatives can be provided.
Considering the above fact, please keep your luggage as light as possible so that you will be able to manage and handle this completely on your own as we move between our accommodation.
But If you have a dietary restriction like vegan, halal, gluten free, allergies, etc then please discuss in advance before booking the tour. and are interested in booking a tour with us, please contact us first so we can discuss your needs because depending upon the location where we are going situation may differ. Unfortunately, for those with too many food restrictions (e.g. vegan, halal) and severe food allergies (e.g. peanut), we are unable to cater for your needs on our Japan tours and you will not be able to book onto our regular tours.