INT47_SNOWFALL ON THE LAND OF FIRE 

Route: JAPAN: HANOI – KUMAMOTO – HANOI 

Departure date: 09/02 – 15/02 

Duration: 6 days 5 nights 

Group size: 6 pax 

Tour type: PRIVATE 

Price/pax: 2700 USD/person

Hotline: 0912851112 / 0987277394 (Mr. Dũng) 

1./GENERAL INTRODUCTION 

In winter, Aso Kuju National Park in Kumamoto Prefecture transforms into a silent, dreamlike world. Snow blankets the volcanic peaks, golden reeds shimmer in the sunlight, and the clear highland sky creates a scene that is both wild and romantic. The land seems frozen in the breath of winter, evoking serenity and depth. 

For photographers, Aso Kuju is an inspiring landscape — a place where nature reveals its purest form. Join the Firstclass Photography Tour and capture the most breathtaking frames of Japan’s southern winter. 

2./ HIGHLIGHTS 

• Guided by Japanese photographer Kamasaki Sho – Top 10 Tokyo Camera Club U-22 (2024) and winner of the Japan National Park Photo Contest (2021). 

• Nabegataki Waterfall – A delicate stream cascading from a stone arch. In winter, the waterfall sometimes freezes, creating a mystical curtain of ice and light. 

• Kikuchi Gorge – A serene canyon where crystal-clear waters flow between mossy rocks and misty forests, evoking a fairytale winter landscape. 

• Oguni Ryojinja Shrine – A tranquil ancient shrine nestled in snow-covered woods, perfect for capturing the quiet spirituality of winter. 

• Itinerary designed by professional photographers, carefully researched for light, timing, and seasonality to maximize photographic potential. 

If you want to know more about the photographer Kamasaki Sho, you can visit this link:

https://asographer.myportfolio.com

3./ ITINERARY 

NOTE: 
C = concept 
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and may be adjusted by local photographers to ensure the best shooting opportunities. 

Day 1 – 09/02: HANOI – KUMAMOTO (Dinner) 
Arrive at Kumamoto Airport. After a long flight, rest and enjoy dinner at Senomoto Highland or Kurokawa Onsen. 

Day 2 – 10/02: Senomoto Plateau – Yamabuki – Kurokawa (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 
06:30 Begin the photography journey with Kamasaki Sho and head to Senomoto Plateau. 
C1: Photograph sunrise over Senomoto Plateau – a vast highland famous for its morning sea of clouds. 
Return to the hotel for breakfast, then transfer to Yamabuki Spring. 
C2: Photograph Yamabuki Spring – one of Minamioguni’s most beautiful natural water sources, with crystal-clear reflections. 
Lunch and short rest around Senomoto or Kurokawa Onsen. 
C3: Photograph waterfalls or canyons near Senomoto, possibly Koga no Taki or Matsunaga Gorge (depending on weather and access). 

C4: Capture the Yuakari lantern lights at Kurokawa Onsen – a poetic winter night scene. 
18:30 End of day one with the Japanese photographer. Dinner and overnight stay in Kurokawa Onsen. 

Day 3 – 11/02: Nabegataki Waterfall – Oguni Ryojinja Shrine – Oshitoishi Hill (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 
08:00 Depart for Nabegataki Waterfall. 
C5: Capture the scene from behind the waterfall — the soft flow of water glows beautifully against the winter light. 
Lunch in Minami Oguni or Oguni town, then continue to Oshitoishi Hill. 
C6: Photograph sunset at Oshitoishi Hill – known for its ancient monolithic stones and sweeping grasslands. 
18:00 Dinner and overnight stay in Aso City hot spring area. 

Day 4 – 12/02: Daikanbo – Kikuchi Gorge – Aso Scenic Route (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 
06:00 Depart for Daikanbo Viewpoint. 
C7: Photograph sunrise at Daikanbo – the best vantage point over Aso’s volcanic caldera. 
C8: Capture Kikuchi Gorge, famous for its pure waters and ethereal winter mist. 
Lunch and rest at Uchinomaki or Aso City. Continue along the Aso Scenic Route. 
C9: Photograph the winding mountain road cutting through grasslands and volcanic slopes — the signature scenery of Aso. 
18:00 Dinner and overnight stay at Uchinomaki Onsen. 

Day 5 – 13/02: Kusasenri Grassland – Mount Aso Volcano (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 
08:00 Head to Kusasenri Grassland. 
C10: Photograph Kusasenri – vast meadows beneath Mount Aso, where wild horses graze freely. 
Lunch and rest around Kusasenri. 
C11: Capture Mount Aso Nakadake Crater and Sunasenri, a unique volcanic sand basin. 
C12: Sunset shoot at Makiba Observatory, overlooking the Aso range and golden pastures. 
18:00 End of day’s photography with Kamasaki Sho. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel. 

Day 6 – 14/02: KUMAMOTO – HANOI (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) 
Transfer to Kumamoto city area for shopping and leisure before flight. 
Depart for Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, transfer to Mipec Building, 229 Tay Son Street. 
End of the journey. 

4./ SERVICES 

INCLUDED: 

• High-quality private vehicle for the entire route 

• Hotel or standard homestay accommodations 

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary 

• Professional, experienced, and dedicated tour guide 

• Entrance fees to all listed attractions 

• Full setup and arrangements according to the itinerary 

• Full travel insurance (coverage up to 30,000,000 VND per case) 

• Unlimited bottled water on the bus 

NOT INCLUDED: 

• Personal expenses and beverages during meals 

• Single room supplement (if applicable) 

• Optional or personal setups not listed in the program 

• Airfare and visa fees 

5./ REGISTRATION & PAYMENT 

Registration: 
Comment on Firstclass Travel Facebook page with your Full Name – Phone Number, 
or contact Trần Tiến Dũng via phone/Zalo/Viber: 0912851112 / 0987277394 

Payment method: Cash or bank transfer to: 
Account name: Trần Tiến Dũng 
Account number: 0912851112 
Bank: VPBank – Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank 

When transferring, please include: 
“Phototour payment – Full name – Phone number” 

(*) Departure date may vary depending on weather and participant count. 
(**) Single-room requests must be made at least 5 days before departure. 

6./ RECOMMENDED PHOTO EQUIPMENT & ITEMS 

• Tripod 
• Drone 
• Shutter release cable or remote (with spare batteries) 
• Flashlight or headlamp 
• Wide-angle and telephoto lenses 
• Memory cards (with at least one backup) 
• Batteries and chargers (at least one spare set) 
• Multi-socket power strip and plug adapters 
• Trekking poles (recommended for long walks in snow) 
• Heat packs (kairo) to keep hands and body warm 
• Sunglasses to protect eyes from snow glare and UV rays 
• Camera cover or cloth to protect gear from moisture and snow 
• Thermos bottle – essential as plastic bottles may freeze in cold temperatures 

7./ WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY WEAR GUIDE 

• Inner layer: Quick-dry materials only (avoid cotton). 

• Middle layer: Fleece or thermal shirts. 

• Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof jackets/pants — Gore-Tex is ideal. 

• Gloves: 

• Thin pair for camera handling. 

• Thick pair for warmth. 
  → Ideally, use a combination of inner gloves and outer gloves. 

• Socks: Thick merino wool socks for insulation. 

• Headwear: Warm beanie and neck warmer (balaclava recommended for sensitive to cold). 

• Gaiters: To prevent snow from entering shoes. 

• Footwear: Waterproof trekking or mountain boots. 
  → Mandatory: Anti-slip crampons (chain spikes) for icy conditions.