Pay full price now or a €300 deposit with the balance payable 8 weeks before the workshop start date.
29 August – 5 September 2026
Places available
Max 5
8 days | 7 nights
Low
4-star hotel in Tokyo
We'll meet at our hotel in Tokyo.
Discover Japan’s capital city on an immersive Tokyo photo tour where we’ll create stunning fine-art images. The photography tour has been carefully designed for photographers who want to create more than just snapshots. This experience focuses on small-group sizes with a maximum of 5 people, giving you the space, flexibility, and one-on-one photography guidance needed to elevate your photography in one of the world’s most visually dynamic cities.
I’ll be on hand to guide you around the city, where we’ll be using Tokyo’s efficient metro system and public transport. If circumstances dictate, then we may also use a taxi to get us to our destination if the transportation system hasn’t yet started, such as for a sunrise shoot.
The Tokyo photo tour takes you deep into the city’s iconic landmarks and neon-lit districts, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, which inspired such films as Blade Runner, and Ikebukuro, as well as other lesser-visited urban areas. As night falls, these areas transform into a glowing urban playground for photographers that are full of reflections, towering neon signage, and cinematic streets that feel straight out of a cyberpunk film. We’ll explore hidden alleys, bustling crossings, and elevated viewpoints, all carefully selected to help you capture Tokyo’s unique energy and atmosphere.
Throughout the Tokyo photo tour, you’ll learn and apply a range of creative photography techniques. From crafting striking minimalist architectural compositions to mastering long exposure shots with flowing traffic trails and light streaks, each stop is an opportunity to refine your skills. You’ll also gain practical experience in night photography, including how to handle challenging lighting, balance exposure, and create mood-driven images.
For those who like precision, I am a huge believer in tilt-shift lenses. These optical wonders help to keep verticals straight and help push creativity that much higher as you can realize your vision without having to compromize in Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop using the transform tool.
For those that don’t own a tilt-shift lens, I highly recommend that you hire one for the trip as we’ll be concentrating on getting the best out of Tokyo’s artistic and contemporary architecture.
Looking over the Tokyo Harbour or from one of the high-up observatories, we can explore techniques such as panoramas and stitching multiple images together to create even more striking images from this stunning megapolis.
Unlike larger, crowded tours, my Tokyo photo tour keeps groups intentionally small. That means you’ll get much more personalized instruction, time to experiment, and the freedom to shoot at your own pace without feeling rushed. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence or an experienced photographer chasing fresh inspiration, this intimate format ensures you get the most out of every location.
If you’re looking to experience Japan on a Tokyo photo tour that blends expert guidance, iconic locations, and a focused small-group experience, this is your chance to capture the city in a truly meaningful way.
We will all meet at our hotel at 4PM in central Tokyo. If you need help getting from the airport to the hotel, please contact me.
Yes, it can be hot during late summer in Tokyo with temperatures around 30°C or 86°F during the day. Expect some rain, but this will only add to the atmosphere of the neon-lit streets.
Make sure to bring comfortable clothing. A rain jacket is a must in case of a shower.
Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for both walking around the ancient temples and the city.
A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) and a medium zoom (24-70mm) are the lenses we’ll be using the most. A longer zoom (100-400) will be useful to cover most compositional eventualities that we may need to isolate.
Ideally, a 24mm Tilt-Shift lens is an invaluable asset during the trip for capturing the stunning architecture of Tokyo.
Although not essential, it’s a great idea to bring a laptop computer with you so you can discuss imagery with me.
I try to make a point of helping those who need it in digital photography. If inclement weather or tiredness takes hold, it can help to have a computer session to assess our progress.
What’s included in the Tokyo photo tour during September?
4-star hotel accommodation in double rooms with single occupancy accommodation and private ensuite bathrooms.
All meals from dinner on Saturday night to breakfast on the departure day.
Public transport, taxis during the tour (Suica card for metro, etc.).
Site entry fees (if applicable)
Tuition from Julian Elliott
What’s not included
International flights to and from Japan
Airport taxes
Entry visa, if required, to Japan
Early/ late check in/ out service at hotels
Travel insurance and trip cancellation (highly advised)
Medical expenses
Extra drinks or alcohol during lunch & dinner
Personal expenses such as telephone charges, laundry etc
Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides and hotel porters
Services and transportation are for listed activities only
Charges will be applied for any additional requests
All other services which are not mentioned in the Inclusion section
My tours fill up quickly but sometimes spots open up due to cancellations.
If the tour you are interested in is currently full and you would like to be added to the waiting list then please fill out this form
