INT43_DISCOVER THE NATURE OF KUMAMOTO WITH PHOTOGRAPHER KAMASAKI SHO
Route: ASOKUJU NATIONAL PARK
Departure: September 22nd – September 28th
Duration: 7 days 6 nights
Group size: 5 people
Tour type: PRIVATE
Participation fee: from $1800/person
️Registration hotline: 0912851112 / 0987277394 Mr. Dũng
1./ GENERAL INTRODUCTION
As one of Japan’s oldest national parks, Aso is known for Mount Aso – the world’s largest active volcanic caldera. Besides its majestic volcanic landscapes, the area is home to vast grasslands, hot springs, and pastures that resemble the American West. A destination that is both wild and grand – a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Join the Photography Tour with Firstclass to capture the most impressive frames!
Register now to embark on a passionate photography journey.
2./ HIGHLIGHTS
– Guided by Japanese photographer KAMISAKI SHO – Top 10 Tokyo Camera Club U-22 (2024), First Prize winner of the Japanese National Park Photo Contest (2021).
– Higotai Park – Highland of wild purple flowers beneath the blue sky, like a poetic nature painting.
– Senomoto Plateau – Vast prairie, fresh winds, and wide skies, ideal for liberal and free compositions.
– Kikuchi Gorge – Crystal-clear streams and misty maples, like stepping into a fairytale world.
– Itinerary designed by a professional photographer, thoroughly researched for optimal lighting and foliage timing.
3./ ITINERARY
️NOTE:
C = concept
Program may change to accommodate actual conditions
DAY 1 – 22/09: Noi Bai Airport – Kumamoto Airport
Pick-up at Noi Bai Airport by tour guide and driver.
Rest to prepare for the long journey with the Japanese photographer.
DAY 2 – 23/09: Mt. KOHAGI – OIKEYUSUIGU Spring – MEISEI Falls – SENOMOTO Plateau (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Meet photographer KAMISAKI SHO at 5:00 AM.
Transfer to the shrine at Mt. KOHAGI (30 minutes).
C1: Sunrise photo shoot at INARI Shrine on sacred rocks of ASO.
Return to the hotel (30 minutes).
Lunch and rest for 2 hours.
Then transfer to OIKEYUSUIGU Spring and MEISEI Falls (1 hour).
C2: Photo shoot at jade-green spring and cascading waterfall shaded by forest trees – like a nature painting.
Transfer to SENOMOTO Plateau.
C3: Capture the vast views of ASO mountain from the plateau.
Farewell to the Japanese photographer at 19:00.
Dinner and overnight near SENOMOTO Plateau.
DAY 3 – 24/09: NABEGATAKI Park – KUROKAWA Hot Springs – HIGOTAI Park – HAKOISHI Pass (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Tour starts at 8:15 AM. Transfer to NABEGATAKI Park (45 minutes).
C4: Waterfall photo shoot at NABEGATAKI.
Transfer to KUROKAWA Hot Springs (30 minutes).
C5: Capture mist rising from hot springs, drifting between traditional rooftops.
Rest and have lunch at the hot spring.
Then transfer to HIGOTAI Park (30 minutes).
C6: Wildflower photography at HIGOTAI Park.
Continue to HAKOISHI Pass (1 hour).
C7: Sunset photography at HAKOISHI viewpoint.
End of day tour with photographer.
Dinner and overnight near UCHINOMAKI Hot Springs.
DAY 4 – 25/09: DAIKANBO Peak – PANORAMIC ASO Road – HAKOISHI Pass (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Early start at 5:00 AM.
Transfer to DAIKANBO Peak (30 minutes).
C8: Sunrise photo shoot from the peak.
Return to hotel for breakfast. Transfer to Kikuchi Gorge.
C9: Photography at Kikuchi Gorge.
Lunch and rest for 2 hours. Then travel to PANORAMIC ASO Road.
C10: Scenic road photography.
Dinner at hotel.
Transfer to HAKOISHI Pass (30 minutes).
C11: Starry night photography at HAKOISHI viewpoint.
Return to hotel near UCHINOMAKI Hot Springs by 21:30.
DAY 5 – 26/09: OSHITOISHI Hill – KUSASENRI – NAKADAKE Volcano (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Tour starts at 4:30 AM. Travel to OSHITOISHI Hill.
C12: Sunrise photography at OSHITOISHI Hill.
Lunch and rest.
Free time for personal photography (visit UCHINOMAKI Hot Springs) from 8:00–13:00.
Continue journey to KUSASENRI.
C13: Capture scenes at KUSASENRI and NAKADAKE crater of Mt. ASO.
C14: Nearby farm visit and photo shoot.
Early wrap-up at 18:00. Farewell to photographer KAMISAKI SHO.
Dinner and overnight at MINAMI ASO village.
DAY 6 – 27/09: Kumamoto City Center(Breakfast)
Return to Kumamoto City.
Breakfast and free time for shopping.
Lunch and transfer to Kumamoto Airport. Fly back to Noi Bai Airport.
DAY 7 – 28/09: NOI BAI
Arrival at Noi Bai Airport.
Drop-off at Mipec Building, 229 Tay Son Street.
End of the journey.
4./ SERVICES INCLUDES:
- Premium vehicle service along the route
- Standard hotels or homestays
- Meals as indicated
- Professional, helpful and skilled tour guide throughout
- Entry tickets to all included destinations
- Full itinerary setup
- Full tour travel insurance (VND 30,000,000/case)
- Unlimited bottled water on the vehicle
EXCLUDES:
- Personal expenses, drinks during meals
- Airfare and visa
- Single room surcharge (**)
- Optional or outside-the-itinerary costs
5./ REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Register by commenting full name + phone number on Firstclass Travel’s Facebook page Or call Mr. Tran Tien Dung: 0912851112 / 0987277394 (Zalo/Viber)
Payment methods: cash or bank transfer to Mr. Dung
️Bank info: Account holder: Tran Tien Dung Account No: 0912851112 (VPBank)
P/S: Please include: “Phototour Payment, Full Name, Phone Number” in transfer notes.
(*) Departure time may change depending on weather or group size (**) Single room requests should be made at least 5 days in advance
6./ PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR & ESSENTIALS
- Tripod
- Drone
- Remote shutter release (with spare battery)
- Flashlight
- Wide and telephoto lenses
- Extra memory cards (at least 1 backup)
- Battery charger & spare battery
- Travel adapter, multi-plug power strip
- Rubber boots
