Japan Sakura Bonanza

Japan Tour

Cherry Blossom Bonanza Photo Tour

- Spring 2024

Step into a world painted in delicate shades of pink and white, and let the captivating journey through Sakura season in Spring 2024 transport you to a realm of pure enchantment. As a passionate photographer, I invite you to join me on our exclusive 2-week photography tour, where we'll delve into the very heart of Japan's mesmerising cherry blossom spectacle.

You’ll have the chance to observe the Japanese nature, culture, food, and artisan mastery converge, creating an immersive experience that goes far beyond sightseeing. We'll venture deep into the soul of Japan, where the ephemeral grace of cherry blossoms cascades upon the landscape, filling the air with an alluring scent of spring. Together, we'll capture the essence of this enchanting season like never before.

Register your Interest

Tour Highlights

Visit Japan during the most brilliant time of the year, our main goal is seeking out the best Sakura display and capturing the most photogenic side of Japan with our cameras in hand.

This tour is dynamically tailored for the photographer and Scott has designed this tour along with the shoot-schedule to maximise your peak shooting time in picturesque locations around Japan that will be specifically focused around vibrant cherry blossoms.

Spring captures the true essence of Japanese culture.

Roam through tranquil temples and royal castles built in the Edo period

Capture the grandeur Mt Fuji from the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko

Navigate the old capital of Japan Kyoto and it’s surrounding lands to capture stunning images across the prefecture

Discover the art of true craftsmanship as we witness master artisans creating ancient tangible art pieces

Feel a sense of time-travel as we stay in traditional farm houses through Shirakawago

Immerse yourself in the culture and capture amazing images of traditional Japanese festivals

Explore regional prefectures, rural castles amongst the mountains and soak in the volcanic minerals of the onsen.

  • The dates aren’t currently set as we will be fine tuning the itinerary over the next month to maximise our time with the Sakura flowers.

  • Limited to 12 guests; (to provide the best photographic experience and tuition during the tour).

    • 14 nights accomodation in a mixture of traditional and modern style rooms Twin or Single occupancy (price dependant)

    • All main meals

    • Transport throughout your stay (excluding airport transfers)

    • Local Japanese/English speaking guide

    • Professional photographic tour host (Scott Stramyk) who will guide and mentor you through all areas of Japan and genres of photography

    • Commencing in Haneda, Tokyo and finishing in Kansai, Osaka

    • Flights

    • Travel insurance

    • Laundry

    • Billable phone calls and wifi

    • Personal shopping

    • Evening and alcoholic beverages

    • Snacks

    • *Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

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 Previous Japan tour gallery

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What previous guests are saying.

“My trip to Japan with Scott Stramyk in late 2018 was an amazing experience.
I have been to Japan numerous times but this trip remains one of the most memorable. From the accommodation, the food and the day to day experiences it was unforgettable.

Despite Scott's great experience to catering for the needs of the individual photographer, when one is out of Australia and in a country as culturally different as Japan, it presents even greater challenges.

Any concerns I held dissipated as morning to night, day after day our arrangements were executed as reliably as a mechanical watch.
Not just that, on the occasion where unexpected opportunities presented
themselves, we flexed the itinerary to take advantage of the new circumstances.

I still look back at those two weeks and recount stories of the trip. The photos also remind me of what a wonderful time we all had.
I would unreservedly recommend Scott as an expedition organiser and
leader and hope that I can travel with him again some time soon.”

— Danny May

“What a blast! The two weeks with Scott, Kumiko and our fellow travellers in late 2018 was a wonderful blend of iconic sights and unexpected off-beat surprises.
We spent time travelling how the locals travel via trains, subway and Shinkansen transport rather than the tourist coaches which provided an overall richer cultural experience.

Scott was a wonderful organiser, unflappable, and an excellent photography tutor.
One of the best photography trips I have experienced!.”

— Georgina Wilson

“When someone ask me what my favourite photo is, my answer is I don’t really have one but I do have favourite moments. The Japan Photography Tour in November of 2018 lead by Scott Stramyk is by far the best photography tour I’ve ever been to!

It was an amazing and a well organised 14 day tour covering key destinations in Japan. From the city lights of Tokyo, the mighty Mount Fuji in Yamanashi, the snow monkeys in Nagano, the colourful town of Kyoto to the historic Hiroshima.

We have certainly covered some ground and mostly aboard the famous Shinkansen (bullet train). We shot from sunrise to sunset. There were the famous pagodas, castles, lakes, you name it we shot it!

Yes, Japan is probably most picturesque country in the world but I certainly loved its people, culture and food! It was definitely a tour to remember for me and it was great doing it with a bunch of my photo buddies. I will definitely come back for more!”

— Eddy Agcaoili

“My trip to Japan with Scott Stramyk in 2018 was beyond amazing, It has been the best destination trip I've experienced. I would highly recommend a destination trip with Scott. His expertise teaching camera techniques on site at beautiful destinations especially Japan which he is so passionate about helped me become the photographer I am today.

It created a whole new travel experience for me that has unsurpassed any trips to date. During the 14 days the trip was well organised and attention to detail was meticulous.

The itinerary was jam packed with all the scenery and activities you could hope for each day at every location. From photographing a Samurai swordsmith honing his craft, enjoying a personalised night of Sake tasting or shooting Japan's most beautiful waterfalls and bamboo forests, we did it all!

Everything went like clockwork, we were early at sunrise shoots and out shooting stars at night. I was constantly surprised and mesmerised with the little extras at each location, the restaurants, the locals we met and accomodation we stayed at. Meals were delicious and plentiful and beds were extra comfy. I would love to experience this yet again.”

— Alfia Rapicano

“I had the pleasure of joining Scott on a 14 day photographic tour of Japan in 2018. That trip still stands outs as one of the most memorable and enjoyable I’ve ever been on. A must do for any keen photographer.

Scott and our friendly local guide Kumi were fantastic. It was quite obvious the time and effort Scott spent researching locations, working out logistics, as well as his know-how to capture those “postcard” moments.

I would highly recommend taking a photographic trip with Scott”

— Jason Ahyong

FAQs

  • it is recommended to have a moderate fitness level. This is a photographic tour where we will be moving around quite frequently throughout the days. It is normal during our tour to walk any where between 6,000 - 18,000 steps a day. Some days are more full on than others.

    We will be using public transport for some locations but the beauty of this country is all in the details as we move through the towns and environments by foot.

  • It is best to pack for all weather conditions. Warm clothing is essential.

    We will have some early mornings, late evenings and we will be heading into the mountain ranges where temperatures are cooler.

  • All skill levels are welcome to join this photographic tour.

    There is no brand preference or camera type restriction on this tour.

    Tuition and guidance is provided by your photographic host, Scott Stramyk, throughout the tour.

    A basic understanding of your camera and settings is recommended prior to joining this tour. If you are unsure you can contact me via email. hello@scottstramyk.com

  • I recommend packing sensibly, without going over the top with your backpack and equipment.

    Comfortable camera bag

    Headtorch

    Tripod

    Spare batteries

    Memory cards

    Timer remote

    Filters (Circular Polariser + Neutral Density)

    Camera body (with cleaning equipment)

    Wide lens (16-35mm)

    Standard zoom lens (24-70mm / 24-105mm)

    Telephoto lens (70-200mm / 100-400mm)

    Laptop w/ storage for processing and backing up your footage on the trip

  • Yes. If you are comfortable sharing a room with someone, I can arrange to contact another single occupancy attendee to see if they are interested in sharing. If there isn’t anyone available to share, the single supplement payment is required.

  • All flights are to be arranged by yourself. This way if you are joining from another photo tour or a different destination you can arrange your flights accordingly.

    If you wish to arrive or leave from a different airport than the one organised on the tour you can do so at your own expense. Please arrange with the tour operator.