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Travel with AJT out of the big city for stunning nature and wildlife photography opportunities around Mount Fuji, Matsumoto, Obuse, and Yudanaka. While Tokyo is one of the greatest cities in the world, and certainly picturesque as cities go, a tour beyond Tokyo is unmissable by nature- loving travelers looking to capture stunning memories of Japan's natural splendor. Mount Fuji is breathtaking in all seasons - especially in February on days when the weather is often dry and clear. And... View More
Travel with AJT out of the big city for stunning nature
and
wildlife photography opportunities around Mount Fuji,
Matsumoto, Obuse, and Yudanaka. While Tokyo is one
of
the greatest cities in the world, and certainly picturesque
as cities go, a tour beyond Tokyo is unmissable by
nature-
loving travelers looking to capture stunning memories of
Japan's natural splendor. Mount Fuji is breathtaking in
all
seasons - especially in February on days when the
weather is often dry and clear. And February is the
prime
month of the year for visiting the fascinating snow
monkeys of Yudanaka for incredible pictures of these
elusive primates bathing in a natural hot spring.
The tour begins with a trip to Mount Fuji. Japan's snow-
capped sacred mountain shines under a sunny sky, and
is
a sight any visitor to Japan should see at least once. At
the base of the mountain is the idyllic Fuji Five Lakes
region - a charming hilly landscape dominated by
breathtaking lakes. There are also some towns with
traditional buildings that look like a step back in time to
the
Edo period, groves of ancient trees, and the abundant
wildlife that lives in the region.
The next day brings you to Matsumoto and the imposing
grandeur of Matsumoto Castle - one of Japan's 12
original
castles which have survived since the Warring States
Period. This elegant six-tiered fortress, standing on a flat
plain surrounded by a broad moat, its awe-inspiring
walls
stained pitch-black like a crow's feathers, creates a
spectacular impression. After an opportunity to
photograph
this historic Japanese landmark, we continue on our
way
towards Yudanaka, stopping briefly in Obuse to visit the
Hokusai Museum, which houses the works of one of the
greatest artists in Japan (and arguably, the world):
Hokusai. Known for his "ukiyo-e" woodblock print works
of
such iconic scenes as the "Thirty-Six Views of Fuji" and
the "Great Wave off Kanagawa", the museum preserves
many of his artworks, including woodblock prints,
murals,
and even a couple festival floats he designed.
Finally, we arrive at Yudanaka Onsen for a day with the
adorable "snow monkeys" of Jigokudani. Although their
official name is the Japanese macaque, a day of viewing
these fascinating creatures bathing in the natural onsen
in
winter will show why they are popularly known as "Snow
Monkeys". Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime chance to
photograph the wide range of expressions on the faces
of
these highly photogenic creatures up close in their
natural
habitat, as they bathe, groom each other, and play
together. The tour ends with a trip back to Tokyo on a
speedy bullet train.
Join our AJT Beyond Tokyo Photography Tour to
experience the beauty of Japan's nature and wildlife
with
a
knowledgeable guide, traveling in a comfortable private
coach to each of these must-see destinations. Browse
our
detailed itinerary below for more information.
