2015 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan | Kyoto

Apr 29 | Evan | Comments Off on 2015 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan | Kyoto |

Before evening returning from the the 2015 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan, I received a few inquiries about the 2016 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan!  If you are looking for that information, the details of the 2016 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan can be found here.

I’ve said it many times before, Kyoto is my favorite city in Japan and possibly the world!  The mix of modern and traditional influences is combine for a spectacular place to visit, explore and take photos in Japan.  There is never enough time to fit in all the places I want to share in Kyoto, but with this group tour of Japan, we certainly tried!

In addition to visiting places like Nanzenji, the Path of Philosophy, Silver Pavilion, Gion, Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Golden Pavilion, Ninnaji and Arashiyama, I had also arranged for some special experiences and cultural lessons.  The group got to spend time with a maiko in a tea house, as well as have a portrait session with her around Gion and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens.  Also, Some members of the group tour of Japan participated in an ikebana lesson (flower arrangement) and others in a Japanese calligraphy class.  Everyone also learned about and participated in a tea ceremony.  There will be more on all these experiences in Kyoto coming soon!

Even though the weather and cherry blossoms weren’t fully cooperating with us, Kyoto has many great photo opportunities during all times of the year!  Also, there are many varieties of cherry blossoms, so while some were too early, we had great timing for later blooming species like those at Ninnaji and Heian Shrine.

Want to see more photos from the 2015 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan?  The group tour also went to Tokyo, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Himeji Castle and some of us to The Fuji Five Lakes close to Mt. Fuji.  Stay tuned for more photos from the escorted tour of Japan!