Introduction
Photographers return to Japan during cherry blossom season again and again, drawn by the early morning light around temples and shrines, the changing weather around Mount Fuji, the narrow streets in Kyoto, and the stark contrast between dense cities and rural landscapes.
This small-group trip is designed for travelers interested in photography, drones, and experiencing Japan, with the schedule shaped around the day’s best light. Sunrise, sunset, and blue hour are prioritized, while still leaving time for meals, trains, side streets, and everyday moments. The trip brings together people who enjoy photography and why getting up before dawn for good light is worth it.
Hosted by drone pilots and photographers Kara Murphy and Larissa Rolley, the journey combines well-known locations with smaller neighborhoods, favorite shooting spots, and a few places where we can fly drones.
Our Itinerary
Arrival: Join us in Tokyo, which is served by two international airports: Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). Both airports offer convenient access to the city, and you are welcome to choose the option that best fits your flight
schedule and budget.
Departure: Our journey together concludes in Osaka. From there, you can continue exploring Japan on your own, fly home from Osaka’s international airport, or take Japan’s famous Shinkansen (bullet train) back to Tokyo – a journey of approximately two and a half hours.
DAY 1 – TOKYO
Arrive in Tokyo, enjoy a Welcome Dinner, spend our first night in Japan’s capital city.
DAY 2 – TOKYO
We’ll take in the city from Tokyo Tower, navigate the crowds of Shibuya, enjoy the cherry blossoms along Meguro River, and end the day with a sunset at Odaiba Marine Park.
DAY 3 – TOKYO
A day in Tokyo might start with cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi, continue through the luxury boutiques of Ginza, followed by exploring the historic Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street in Asakusa before ending in the neon glow of Akihabara.
DAY 4 – TOKYO
A Fuji Five Lakes itinerary might include morning reflections at Lake Yamanaka, afternoon activities at Lake Kawaguchi, panoramic views from the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and a sunset finale at Oishi Park, Nagasaki Park, or Yagisaki Park.
DAY 5 – KAWAGUCHIKO
Start with sunrise at Lake Motosu, then journey to Takato Castle Ruins Park and onward to Azumino for a route through some of Japan’s most picturesque settings.
DAY 6 – MATSUMOTO – KYOTO
Begin with sunrise at Matsumoto Castle, catch the bullet train to Kyoto, then explore Kiyomizu Temple and stroll the historic railway tracks of Keage Incline.
DAY 7 – KYOTO
Our day in Kyoto spans Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge, the golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple, the geisha district of Gion, and ends with sunset at Yasaka Pagoda.
DAY 8 – NARA
A day in Nara includes sunrise at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and a visit to Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, before continuing to Osaka Castle and ending in Dotonbori.
DAY 9 – YOSHINO DAY TRIP
A day trip to Mt. Yoshino offers us time to explore the mountain’s scenic surroundings, followed by a farewell dinner in the evening.
DAY 10 – OSAKA
An optional final sunrise outing before breakfast, followed by packing and check-out.
Depending on your flight schedule, there may also be time for some last-minute shopping or exploring in Osaka. You may fly home from Osaka, continue traveling independently in Japan, or return to Tokyo via the Shinkansen (bullet train). If you would like recommendations or assistance planning additional time in Japan, we are happy to help.
Trip Highlights
• Sunrise and sunset photography throughout the journey
• Itinerary planned around seasonal light and cherry blossom timing
• Several locations where drone flying will be possible
• A small group of travelers with a shared interest in photography and drones
• Opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss images, and share editing techniques throughout the trip
• A wide range of photographic opportunities, including street photography, architecture, landscapes, drone imagery, night photography, minimalist compositions, and cultural moments
• Additional experiences being explored include an astrophotography session and a documentary-style photography opportunity through a visit with a local artisan
• Changing weather, trains, food, streets, and everyday moments becoming part of the experience
• Return home with a strong collection of images and a deeper experience of Japan during cherry blossom season
Pricing & Dates
March 28 – April 6, 2027
Timing is planned around the expected cherry blossom season, though bloom dates may vary from year to year.
Estimated Pricing*
• Shared room occupancy: approximately $4,000 USD per person
• Single occupancy: approximately $4,600 USD per person
*Pricing is based on current 2026 pricing. Final 2027 pricing will be confirmed once hotels, transportation, and seasonal rates are finalized.
Booking Details
• An initial deposit of approximately $500 USD will secure your place on the trip
• Additional payment dates will be provided once final pricing is confirmed
• Remaining balance due prior to departure
• Small group size with limited availability
• First come, first served
What’s Included
Accommodation & Transportation
• Carefully selected accommodations (smaller hotels / ryokan)
• All in-country transportation during the group itinerary
• Private transportation for selected day trips and photography outings
• Bullet train experience between Matsumoto and Kyoto
• Luggage forwarding between selected hotels when possible
Meals
• Daily breakfasts
• Welcome dinner in Tokyo
• Farewell dinner in Osaka
• Time for independent lunches, dinners, cafés, and local food experiences throughout the journey
Activities & Access
• Entrance fees for locations specifically included as part of the group itinerary
• Selected temple, garden, park, and scenic area admissions
What’s NOT Included
• International airfare to and from Japan
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Most lunches and dinners
• Travel insurance
• Drone registration fees
• Personal expenses, optional activities, and locations outside the group itinerary
Questions? Contact Us
Email: LarissaRolley@outlook.com
OR
Wanderlust@LiveLoveTravel.World
tel: +1 312-282-9965
We hope you can join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
