TOUR

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOTOUR

LOCATION

JAPAN

TIME

7 Days 6 Nights

DEPARTURE TIME

19 Jan - 25 Jan

THE BREATH OF WINTER

ROUTE: JAPAN: HANOI – NAGOYA – NAGANO – NIIGATA – FUKUSHIMA – CHIBA – HANOI

When winter blankets the highlands in white, everything seems to fall silent under the breath of snow and mist. Bare trees stand gracefully against the pure snow, streams send up gentle smoke in the freezing air, and sunlight sparkles on the white slopes — creating a tranquil and poetic scene that awakens the creative soul of every photographer.

“The Breath of Winter” is not just a scenic trip, but a journey to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature — to listen to its quiet rhythm and capture fleeting, once-in-a-year moments of winter in Japan.

Join the Firstclass Photography Tour and seize the most striking frames of the season!
Register now to be part of the passionate journey of photography.

HIGHLIGHTS

Guided by Japanese photographer Fotoshin – owner of a YouTube channel with over 30,000 subscribers and author of four photography books published in Japan and Iceland. His work is known for its emotional depth and delicate connection with nature.
Shirakawa-go – A fairytale village blanketed in snow, where the traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses create a winter landscape straight out of a painting.
Shiga Kogen Plateau – A vast snowy highland where morning light filters through frozen pine forests, forming stunning contrasts of light and shadow.
Tadami Bridge (Tadami Line) – The iconic winter shot of a train crossing a snow-covered bridge over a frozen river, attracting photographers from all over the world.
Itinerary meticulously designed by professional photographers after detailed research of each shooting location.

If you want to know more about the photographer Yokota Shin, you can visit this link:

*Note: C= concept

Please note: The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and may be adjusted by local photographers to ensure the best shooting opportunities.

Day 1: HA NOI - NAGOYA (Dinner)

Arrive at Nagoya Airport. Transfer to a hotel near Takayama Old Town (Gifu) – approx. 2.5 hours.

Dinner and rest for the night to prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: GIFU - NAGANO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Morning: Visit Takayama Old Town.

C1: Capture the charm of winter on the snow-covered historic streets.

Continue to Shirakawa-go, lunch en route.

C2: Photograph from the viewpoint overlooking the snow-clad village.

C3: Explore and shoot inside Shirakawa-go village.

Evening: Travel to Nagano, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 3: NAGANO (SHIGA KOGEN AREA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

05:45 Depart with Japanese photographer Yokota Shinji to the Shiga Kogen Plateau.

C4: Tanohara Marsh – photograph snowfields, birch forests, and diamond dust phenomena.

Take the ropeway to Mount Yokote.

C5: Photograph Mount Yokote.

Lunch at Shiga Kogen rest area.

C6: Photograph lakes around Shiga Kogen.

C7: Capture the untouched winter forest landscape of Shiga Kogen.

17:00 End of day session with Yokota Shinji. Dinner and overnight stay nearby.

Day 4: NAGANO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

05:00 Depart from hotel to Maeyama Marsh.

C8: Photograph sunrise over Maeyama Marsh.

Continue to Kakuma River.

C9: Capture the stillness of Kakuma River amid pristine snow.

Proceed to Mount Yakebitai via ropeway.

C10: Photograph “Snow Monsters” – trees sculpted by ice and wind.

Lunch and short rest at Shiga Kogen rest station.

C11: Continue shooting around the Shiga Kogen area.

17:00 Return to hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 5: NAGANO - NIIGATA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

05:00 Depart from hotel to Iiyama City.

C12: Photograph morning mist at the Chikuma River.

C13: Shoot at Hokuryu Lake.

C14: Photograph in Kosuge Forest.

C15: Capture the Nabekura Highlands.

C16: Shoot at Nozawa Onsen hot spring village.

Lunch at Iiyama City center, then end of session with Japanese photographer.

Continue to Togakushi Shrine (approx. 1 hour).

C17: Photograph the ancient cedar avenue covered in snow.

Transfer to Niigata (approx. 2 hours). Dinner and overnight stay in Niigata.

Day 6: NIIGATA - FUKUSHIMA - CHIBA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Transfer to Fukushima.

C18: Photograph Tadami Bridge as the train crosses the snow-covered span.

Continue to Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba.

C19: Photograph the snow-covered village from across the river.

Lunch in Fukushima City, then travel to Lake Inawashiro.

C20: Capture reflections of snowcapped mountains on the tranquil lake surface.

After shooting, continue to Chiba (approx. 4 hours). Dinner and overnight stay in Chiba.

Day 7: RETURE DAY (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

End of the journey.

INCLUDED

High-quality transport following the itinerary
Standard hotel or homestay accommodation
Meals as indicated in the program
Professional and experienced tour guide throughout the trip
Entrance fees to listed attractions
Setup as per the itinerary
Full travel insurance (coverage up to 30,000,000 VND per case)
Unlimited drinking water on the bus

NOT INCLUDED

Personal expenses and beverages during meals
Airfare
Visa fees
Single room supplement (if any)
Optional activities or personal shooting setups outside the program

*The itinerary maybe adjusted based on actual conditions; however, all scheduled sightseeing spots will be included in full.

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