Things to do in Kanto, Japan: The Best Photography Tours

What’s the Story? Peering up in awe at monolithic steel and glass towers, one can’t help but feel small. Capture that feeling in your photographs, juxtaposing tiny human forms against cold and sterile structures. Contrast the artificial and man-made with the organic—hints of nature and human life surrounded by the Tokyo metropolis. What We’ll Shoot We will learn how to create compelling images of architectural elements and the people that populate the city’s concrete environs. You’ll be coached on using composition concepts like leading lines, negative space, and juxtaposition. We’ll practice using these techniques to convey a variety of narratives. Where We’ll Explore Our journey will begin in Shiodome—a district walled in with glass and steel skyscrapers. From here we will head to Ginza, famed for its broad avenues lined with intricate examples of avant-garde architecture. Afterward, we will end up in Yurakucho where we will explore the innards of the monolithic Tokyo International Forum.

Inclusions: Professional Photography Instructor

Exclusions: Bus fare, Gratuities

Harajuku is the city that created Japan's "Kawaii" culture. Kawaii translates directly into lovely, cute, and pretty, but "kawaii" born in Harajuku has a unique worldview that doesn't fit in these. The concept of “kawaii” cannot be described in one word, but in general, it may be understood as a weird one using flashy patterns and frills, primary colors, and pastel colors. The origin of kawaii culture is said to have started in the 1980s when young people purchased the strange fashion that was found in a store in Harajuku. In Harajuku, there are many clothing stores and cafes where you can enjoy a unique world of cuteness!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pickup and drop-off, The use of private van

"Little America" in Japan, go on a day-long adventure tour in Yokosuka. Yokosuka is an exotic port town that has developed as a naval port for about 170 years since the U.S. Perry's fleet landed on the huge black ships at the end of the Edo period, and Japan opened its doors to the world. It is widely known as a naval port where both Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy ships are anchored in one port. You will be amazed and impressed with the experience at the naval port cruise, the memorial ship "Mikasa", and the uninhabited island "Sarushima"! Let's trace how Yokosuka has developed, along with the history of the people who supported its development.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Kamakura was the center of Japanese politics, with the samurai government's headquarters in the 12-14th centuries. Kamakura has many large shrines and temples that played an important role at the time, and their magnificent buildings and elegant decorations surprise and impress people. Kamakura is also full of gourmet foods and is now a famous tourist destination. From Kamakura, you can take the Enoden (train) to the Shonan area. Enoshima floats along the coast which is famous for swimming and surfing. Enoshima has an observatory deck with a panoramic view of the sea and the city. This tour will introduce you to the famous must-see spots of Kamakura and Enoshima in one day!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Setagaya is a quiet residential area 3min by a tram from central Tokyo. You may know that the Setagaya area is now getting a popular tourist destination on SNS as a photogenic spot. Gotokuji has many dedicated Manekineko figurines which are rare in Japan. We will take you around the Gotokuji temple and other cultural venues related to its history. Manekineko is a traditional figurine that is said to bring happiness so they may bring you luck. If you are lucky enough, you will see the real cats at the temple! Of course, not only the temple but also you can enjoy other historical places and local cuisines. Enjoy the atmosphere and walk through the shopping district loved by the locals.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private Tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Explore Minamiboso's beautiful nature on a bike! Surrounded by the ocean and capped with mountains, Japan is a country rich in nature, with 66% of the land still covered in forests. With great access from Tokyo, Minamiboso is the perfect place to visit if you're craving for some nature during your stay in Japan. On this tour you will visit locations with fantastic views, recommended by locals. The tour involves a little bit of hiking and a walk under the sea (no need for swimsuits or diving equipment)! You will be riding a motor assisted bicycle to get from location to location during the tour, so that you can enjoy the refreshing breeze both of the mountains and of the sea.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Bike rental fee

-Wear a beautiful kimono or hakama and begin your photogenic adventure Your photo adventure begins at a quaint kimono shop in Asakusa. After wearing this beautiful clothing and having your hair done, it's time to go out and begin your journey! -Welcome to Sensoji and its quaint gardens Your local guide will take you to Sensoji, where you will be able to learn the history of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan. Here, take some more photos within the temple as well as the gardens and the famous Nakamise Street surrounding the temple. -Make Asakusa your stage for a beautiful photoshoot. Your guide will take you to other districts within Asakusa such as the Azuma bridge. On the bridge you will have breathtaking views of the bizarre Sapporo monument, as well as Tokyo SkyTree. Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Inclusions: Exploring Asakusa with a local guide, Raw and edited photos during your tour around Asakusa taken by your guide, Instructions on photo-shoots

Exclusions: Additional purchases (merchandise, food and drinks)

What's the Story? Enter a world of chaotic motion, neon lights, and smoky back alleys. With nightfall, the heart of the metropolis awakens and comes alive with flowing masses of people and traffic bathed in iridescent streams of color. What We'll Shoot We will learn how to capture the light trails of traffic with the neon signs and of the vast metropolis in the background. We'll cover the basics of tripod usage and manual camera techniques. You'll also get coached on composition, framing, and timing. We'll also do some night street photography during the workshop, covering how to shoot quickly and get sharp photos even in dark conditions. Where We'll Explore We'll delve into the heart of Shinjuku and Shibuya. We start off at Shinjuku Station, head towards Kabukicho, and end up in Omoideyokocho (Memory Lane). After that we'll go by train to Shibuya and ending our journey in the famous scramble crossing.

Inclusions: Professional Photography Instructor

Exclusions: Bus fare, Gratuities

The perfect tour for first-time visitors to Tokyo where you visit all the must-see sites in one day! Travel around Japan's capital, Tokyo, which has prospered as the center of economic, social, and cultural growth since the Edo era, 400 years ago. Tokyo is replete with fabulous sites. The imperial household stands where the Edo castle used to be; Tokyo is full of temples and shrines, fish markets, a radio tower and much more. A fun-filled plan with a variety of categories: history, culture, and food! The guide will take you around and provide interesting explanations. Just relax even if you're new to Tokyo. At the end of this tour, you will be just as familiar with Tokyo as the Japanese!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private Tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

"OIRAN" were highly regarded among the prostitutes during the Edo period, they were famous their incandescent beauty.They were women with stunning features, and their various capabilities were selected and educated. They received first class trainings, such as classical literature, Japanese poetry, calligraphy, tea ceremony, Japanese harp, and game of go and shogi.  Why don't you experience "OIRAN" culture, and learn more about the uses of beautiful kimono and Japanese traditional hair ornaments? It will certainly be one of your unforgettable memories during your time in Tokyo!

Inclusions: Kimono Rental, Makeup & Hair dressing, Kimono fitting, Photo Shoot(photo data & 2prints of A4size photo, Japanese lunch, Lunch

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off