Photography Enthusiasts’ RV Tour: Capturing Japan’s Most Photogenic Spots

There are many ways to explore the beauty and charm of Japan, but taking a campervan tour of the country is the best option if you want to balance comfort with a tailor-made journey. With campervan rental, Tokyo is just the start – giving you the freedom to venture towards some of the more beautiful parts of Japan. Whether you’re looking for sprawling views of rural landscapes or snapshots of vibrant city skylines, taking an RV tour across Japan’s most photogenic spots is a fantastic way to experience the country on your terms. So, let’s help you plan a photography enthusiasts’ RV tour by going over some of Japan’s best photogenic locations.

Takayama: A Traditional Time Capsule

Takayama, in Gifu Prefecture, is a beautifully preserved example of a traditional Japanese mountain town. Its remote location has helped maintain its historical ambience and aesthetic for hundreds of years, making it the perfect location for some photography. Takayama boasts some stunning attractions like the Sanmachi Suji district – famous for its old wooden merchant houses that now serve as sake breweries and artisan shops. The biannual Takayama Festival transforms the town into a bustling hub of activity, with ornate floats and traditional costumes creating a photogenic feast. The surrounding Alps offer a majestic backdrop, enhancing the visual allure of this charming town, making it a must-visit for those seeking the essence of old Japan.

Coastal Charm: The Izu Peninsula

Driving south from Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula beckons with its rugged coastline, scenic hot springs, and views of the Pacific Ocean. Shuzenji Onsen offers a historical glimpse into traditional Japan, while the Jogasaki Coast presents dramatic cliffs and crashing waves – perfect for dynamic landscape photography. The hanging bridges and lighthouses dotted along the coast provide numerous vantage points for unique compositions and breathtaking shots. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the blooming hydrangeas in June, which transforms the Izu Peninsula into a colourful spectacle to behold.

Gujo Hachiman: Water City Wonders

Nestled in the heart of Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Hachiman is affectionately known as the “Water City” due to its numerous clear streams and rivers that run through it. Famous for its pristine waterways and traditional dance festival, Gujo offers photographers the unique opportunity to capture reflections of ancient Japanese architecture and lively cultural scenes. The town’s cobbled streets, lined with Edo-period buildings, open up into vibrant night markets during festival seasons, providing dynamic settings for both daytime and nighttime photography.

Urban Exploration: Yokohama

Just a short drive from Tokyo, Yokohama offers urban photographers a blend of modern and traditional scenes. The Minato Mirai district is famed for its futuristic skyline, while the historic Yamashita Park gives a serene view of the harbour with the Hikawa Maru ship as a focal point. The Osanbashi Pier is an excellent location for night photography, with its sweeping views of the city lights and reflections in the water.

Rural Serenity: The Kiso Valley

Venturing into the heart of Japan, the Kiso Valley, known for the historic Nakasendo trail, features post towns like Magome and Tsumago that seem frozen in time. These towns offer charming scenes of old wooden buildings and stone paths – often shrouded in mist – creating a mystical atmosphere perfect for moody, evocative photography. The surrounding mountains and forests provide a lush, green canopy that changes dramatically with the seasons, offering endless opportunities for capturing the rural beauty of Japan.

Photogenic Festivals: Kawagoe

A visit to Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo,” can coincide with one of its vibrant festivals, like the Kawagoe Festival in October, which features ornate floats and traditional dress, providing dynamic human interest subjects. The town itself boasts well-preserved warehouse districts with architecture dating back to the Edo period, offering a glimpse into the past and an excellent contrast to the more modern scenes captured elsewhere on your journey.

Technological Marvel: The Tokyo Metropolis

If you’re travelling by motorhome, Tokyo is the perfect destination to round off your trip. Returning to Japan’s capital city, the journey comes full circle with endless urban photography possibilities. From the scramble of Shibuya Crossing to the tranquil gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. The Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower offer iconic night photography shots, while neighbourhoods like Asakusa and Harajuku showcase the city’s cultural diversity, from historic temples to modern pop culture.

Plan Your Next Photography Trip to Japan by Motorhome

A photography RV tour in Japan combines the freedom of the open road with the pursuit of capturing stunning visual moments. Each location on this itinerary offers a different aspect of Japan’s beauty, providing not just photographs, but memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s the coastal allure of the Izu Peninsula, or the urban spectacle of Tokyo, Japan’s photogenic spots are a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts. So pack your gear, chart your course, and prepare for an unforgettable photographic journey.