• Camera • Hotel Pickup • Transportation • Tripod (available for rent)
Minimum Required Gear
• A comfy pair of shoes • DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual modes • 18-55mm zoom lens (on crop sensor) or similar prime lenses • 24-70mm zoom lens (on full frame) or similar prime lenses • Tripod (available for rent)
Recommended Gear
• Wide-angle zoom or prime lens (around 20mm to 28mm) • Ultra-wide zoom or prime lens (14mm to 20mm) • Tripod is required (available for rent)
Painting with light in Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto during Inari After Dusk
What’s the Story?
The vermillion gates of Shinto, adorned with holy symbols, lead us up the forested mountainside. Deep in the cover of night we enter a sacred garden brimming with mysteries veiled in a ghostly atmosphere. But fear not—we will cast our artificial light into the darkness and illuminate the beauty of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
What We’ll Shoot
Learn the secrets of light painting in a setting ripe with potential. We will use a variety of artificial lights to reveal the shrine’s details in the dark. You’ll get coached on the best camera settings for light painting but also on the subtle handling of light sources to create impressive images.
Where We’ll Explore
We will go to Fushimi Inari, the most visited shine in Japan, after sunset when all the tourists have gone home. We will hit the iconic ‘tunnel of torii gates’ of course, but also hidden sub-shrines peppering the mountainside. We will climb a short way up the mountain into spooky and otherworldly parts of the shrine grounds.
I signed up for this for the two advanced, knowledgeable photographers in our family (that’s not me!) I suggested that Paul focus on the “guys” (husband and adult son) because they really care about the details. I think Paul could teach me night photography because he was good at explaining things so I could understand them. However, I realized that either the people who cared about learning, or I, the beginner, could learn, and I asked Paul to focus on them. I was so happy to enjoy the evening. I think Paul would be able to teach to a diverse group, but I really wanted the guys, one of whom does a lot with night photography, to be able to learn.
The crisp January night (I recommend Uniqlo long underwear) was beautiful. It was quiet and we were in the hills at this amazing shrine with only an occasional person around. It was magical. I would not go alone up there at night because it would be easy to get lost – there are more trails than what we did with Paul, and it might be hard to find one’s way back.
I would recommend Paul to either beginners or advanced photographers. I liked him as a person, not just a teacher. And, because he is American, I felt very comfortable asking him questions about Japan that I might have been nervous about asking Japanese people. If Paul did other tours, I would have wanted to see if he was available as a tour guide.
Rated 5 out of 5
georgewH4594WZ –
I learned so much and got some really great shots. Paul is also a great source of information on places to go while you are in Kyoto and the area. So if you book one of his tours, he can give you some great advice on where to go to get great shots–and avoid crowds.
Rated 5 out of 5
ibbreezy –
This tour was great. It was exactly as advertised, and teaches a lot of useful tips and methods to improve your night time photography. Using some additional lights, you can create moody shots and illuminating the background or a point of interest. Fushimi Inari is great to visit at night, and combining it with a photography workshop was an obvious choice for me. The two+ hours went extremely quick. Thanks Paul.
Rated 5 out of 5
Connie F –
Paul is great. Think Seth Rogen blended with John Malkovich , it’s hard not to have fun from the moment he meets you at the entrance to the Inari gates. His methods are sound and a good reminder that getting things right at the point of taking is more rewarding. Patient and very encouraging. Very easy to spend time with. Many thanks Paul I really enjoyed the evening and learnt such useful tips.
Rated 5 out of 5
cinloufa –
Spending an evening shooting at Fushimi Inari Temple with Axel was probably the best experience of my entire 2 weeks in Japan. Turned out I was the lone student on the evening I arrived. We waited until the sun went down to climb to the highest point on the temple grounds & Axel proceeded to lead me through mazes of ancient bright orange gates & rose upon rows of eery funereal shrines. Axel introduced our mission which was to do light painting in various spots along the way. You can see the amazing results here! It was thrilling to see what I could create with a 15 second exposure & a flashlight!
As a woman alone in Kyoto at night- I felt completely safe. I hopped back on the subway around 9:30 pm filled with a great feeling of accomplishment!
*Travelers Tip – Fushimi Inari can be accessed 24/7 but the BEST time to go is at night! No crowds & very dramatic!!
Thank you to Axel & EYExplore for a truly memorable experience!
Rated 5 out of 5
penguinprof –
Absolutely LOVED the guide and the location. I learned so much about light photography and light painting (which I’d never done before). I am an amateur photographer shooting with a Canon mirrorless camera. I got great shots, had an amazing time and Axel was just incredible.
I also did an Eyexplore tour in Tokyo (also night photography) and while it was good, I MUCH preferred this one (guide AND location).
Doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur or pro, you’ll learn a LOT and get GREAT shots at an amazing location which is PACKED during the day but empty at night.
Thanks Axel for working with me and helping me meet up with you when I was late because I took an Express train instead of the local train… yikes. You’re the best!
Rated 5 out of 5
photofish70 –
These guys were great. We went to the shrine and got some great shots. One actually won an award. Axel was patient and very helpful. If you are into photography this is very worthwhile.
Rated 5 out of 5
902geertv –
Fushimi Inari is a great place to do some light painting. Thanks to Axel I had a pleasant time and I made some great pictures.
Rated 4 out of 5
Jemkh –
Light Painting at Fushimi Inari, could not think of anything better and what unique photos you can get (with a lot of help!)- would have liked there to be more opportunities to use the light- especially in different colours and get really creative!
Rated 5 out of 5
Sandeep K –
I did the Inari Night tour. Luckily, I was the only one that evening and I had one-on-one with Axel. I had a really great time on the tour. Axel is knowledgeable, friendly and super helpful. It was raining but despite that, I managed to get some great shots with Axel.
Rated 5 out of 5
steve j –
I try to attend a photography tour when I travel overseas, and I am amazed at how willing photographers are to impart their knowledge. Axel is no exception. In fact, he is exceptional. Clear, articulate, knowledgeable, personable and interesting. I’ve always wanted to try light-painting, but never known where to start. I now feel confident using my camera at night, and, for the first time, in fully manual mode! I learnt so much in a relatively short timeframe – equipment, camera settings, composition, exposure, lighting. And got some amazing photos of Inari at night with none else around as a bonus! Axel knows the spots, and leads you through learning the process experientially. Unlike other tours I have been on, he does not bring a camera – you do it all on your camera. I actually felt like I was part of a photography project team working with axel, where I was contributing ideas to the building of the photos. He seeks your feedback and critique of photos you take, offering suggestions and taking on board your ideas. And he is more than willing to use your ideas to experiment and see what happens. I was even able to contribute a new “lighting element” to one of the photos. I thoroughly recommend the tour to anyone with experience with the camera that is looking to trying something new, and wants some fantastic night photos of inari to impress their friends with!
Rated 5 out of 5
kaccomaz –
Really nice workshops with excellent instructors. Not only did I get a lot of images I love, but I learned many thing which I can apply to my photography henceforth. The pace and tone was exceptional. One of the very best things I’ve done on my vacation. I will definitely try more tours when I am back in Japan. I took the temple of Tokyo and Inari at night tours, both are highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Cecilerh –
The site and whole experience were mesmerizing. Axel was super in terms of professionalism, undivided attention, attitude and advice. Provided Equipment was user friendly and top notch. Unbeatable cost/benefit photography workshop. Totally recommend!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Eurofolk –
Excellent night photo tour of the Inari shrine that taught me loads about shooting at night and looking for interesting compositions. My wife and I had already visited Inari that morning, but the two and a half hours with Axel and local photographer, Yoshi Akisuito, evoked a completely different feel and look for the shrine – more atmospheric, moody and just a little gothic. For the evening tour I was there with my film school student son, while Kristine was tagging along to watch – taking occasional shoots with her iPhone. From a technical point of view we took photos in five different locations. One around the shrines, two inside the Tori tunnels, one from outside, one around the shrines surrounding and one final picture at the main altar. We used tripods hired from them, shot on 20 second exposures, f8 etc. Alex and Yoshi provided light and equipment for light painting and showed how beautiful it could be. They explained and taught well, getting us to make incremental improvements to get great images. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and a two hour tour rapidly became three. If you want to see a familiar place from a different angle or have a go a building on your photographic experience in a great location – this is tour for you!
Rated 5 out of 5
DRAZEN1963 –
I booked this tour after I did one in Shinjuku with the same company. Same professional service from both guys. I met Axel right on time and I had an absolutely awesome evening. Similar to the Tokyo tour.. Axel showed me composition ideas that I had not tried before. We took a photo and then we kept building on the idea .. was great fun. Book this and you will have a great time and learn something and again .. you will get some photos that you will be able to put up on your wall for sure.
Rated 5 out of 5
ponponfbess –
Booked the private photo workshop on the day of arrival @ Fushimi Inari Shrine. It turned out to be the highlight of our trip ! Axel the teacher welcomed us at the entrance of the temple. He introduced us the basics of the camera settings and explained a bit of history of the temple which was great. I am slightly more advanced than my partner and Axel managed to keep both of us entertained throughout the workshop. As a result we got some pretty awesome pics of the Shrine with some pretty cool light effects. Definitely recommend.
Rated 5 out of 5
Scott H –
My 18yo son and I toured Japan for his 18th birthday. He is an avid photographer just beginning his photography experience. We did the Tokyo Metropolis and Inari After Dusk Tours. Both tours were fantastic. Lukas and Axel could not have been more helpful, informative, experienced and patient. They took us to places we would not have seen on our own. They demonstrated techniques that we would not have learned with out a formal photography education. I can not rate this tour company, these gentlemen, or the experience high enough. 10 out of 5 stars!!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Kenny Y –
I had an amazing time in both kyoto and tokyo tours. It is a great way to both, at the same time, learn about photography and the city and their graphic beauty. Axel and Lukasz (sorry is i misspelled your name) were both calm, helpful and encouraging. i learnt a lot from both of them and wish the tour was longer LOL. This is a great way, whether you are a new photographer or a professional, to learn tips and tricks and what makes these city’s visually stimulating, or just tour with them to have a warm up workshop to shape your photography for the rest of your trip. absolutely amazing, give it a try, whether you know how to use a camera professionally or an amateur, like me, LOL, you’ll definitely learn a lot and most importantly, see things differently than how you normally see it. i would definitely give them a go again ( i want to try the helicopter tour), yes that is right, helicopter tour and photograph tokyo city, that is just totally awesometacular~!
Rated 5 out of 5
David O –
Inari shrine is beautiful and peaceful at night, and the crowds are thin. Axel is an articulate and friendly guide who very clearly talked through his thought process. We would take the same shot over and over, sequentially altering something in order to improve the photo incrementally. A fantastic tour, especially if you’re interested about lighting and exposures. Advice – bring spare batteries.
Rated 4 out of 5
Xplore8 –
My husband and I were fortunate enough to book on Axel’s Inari after dusk workshop. Not knowing exactly what to expect we went with an open mind. It was a very pleasant way to spend the evening at an iconic landmark without the teeming crowds as we almost had the place to ourselves which enabled shooting with tripods without getting in people’s way and vice versa. This Shrine is one of my favourites, so it was great to be able to shoot it at a different time (evening) to give a whole new look and feel to the shots. Axel was very patient and informative, he knew exactly where to shoot from, which angles and was instrumental in encouraging us to try light painting. It was also great that we walked quite deep into the shrine where it’s quite dark and deserted, but Axel was well prepared with torches to light the way. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in night photography or Fushimi Inari Shrine to book this workshop.
Rated 5 out of 5
LakesideChick –
We completed a night time photography tour of Fushini Inari Shrine with Axel. It was a magical night – we captured interesting and very cool photos of this beautiful shrine, after the tourists had left! Walking around the shrine was so peaceful. Axel was excellent in helping us set up awesome photos. If you are not familiar with manual settings on a camera- don’t worry- Axel will lead you through. No tripod? No drama- hire one cheaply. Max of 4 people make this tour very personal and special. Highly recommended! Thank you Axel!!
We meet under the big red entrance gate of Fushimi Inari. The gate illuminated with spotlights. You will see foxes on each side of the gate and a water fountain to the left.
GofromCA –
I signed up for this for the two advanced, knowledgeable photographers in our family (that’s not me!) I suggested that Paul focus on the “guys” (husband and adult son) because they really care about the details. I think Paul could teach me night photography because he was good at explaining things so I could understand them. However, I realized that either the people who cared about learning, or I, the beginner, could learn, and I asked Paul to focus on them. I was so happy to enjoy the evening. I think Paul would be able to teach to a diverse group, but I really wanted the guys, one of whom does a lot with night photography, to be able to learn.
The crisp January night (I recommend Uniqlo long underwear) was beautiful. It was quiet and we were in the hills at this amazing shrine with only an occasional person around. It was magical. I would not go alone up there at night because it would be easy to get lost – there are more trails than what we did with Paul, and it might be hard to find one’s way back.
I would recommend Paul to either beginners or advanced photographers. I liked him as a person, not just a teacher. And, because he is American, I felt very comfortable asking him questions about Japan that I might have been nervous about asking Japanese people. If Paul did other tours, I would have wanted to see if he was available as a tour guide.
georgewH4594WZ –
I learned so much and got some really great shots. Paul is also a great source of information on places to go while you are in Kyoto and the area. So if you book one of his tours, he can give you some great advice on where to go to get great shots–and avoid crowds.
ibbreezy –
This tour was great. It was exactly as advertised, and teaches a lot of useful tips and methods to improve your night time photography. Using some additional lights, you can create moody shots and illuminating the background or a point of interest. Fushimi Inari is great to visit at night, and combining it with a photography workshop was an obvious choice for me. The two+ hours went extremely quick. Thanks Paul.
Connie F –
Paul is great. Think Seth Rogen blended with John Malkovich , it’s hard not to have fun from the moment he meets you at the entrance to the Inari gates. His methods are sound and a good reminder that getting things right at the point of taking is more rewarding. Patient and very encouraging. Very easy to spend time with. Many thanks Paul I really enjoyed the evening and learnt such useful tips.
cinloufa –
Spending an evening shooting at Fushimi Inari Temple with Axel was probably the best experience of my entire 2 weeks in Japan. Turned out I was the lone student on the evening I arrived. We waited until the sun went down to climb to the highest point on the temple grounds & Axel proceeded to lead me through mazes of ancient bright orange gates & rose upon rows of eery funereal shrines. Axel introduced our mission which was to do light painting in various spots along the way. You can see the amazing results here!
It was thrilling to see what I could create with a 15 second exposure & a flashlight!
As a woman alone in Kyoto at night- I felt completely safe. I hopped back on the subway around 9:30 pm filled with a great feeling of accomplishment!
*Travelers Tip – Fushimi Inari can be accessed 24/7 but the BEST time to go is at night! No crowds & very dramatic!!
Thank you to Axel & EYExplore for a truly memorable experience!
penguinprof –
Absolutely LOVED the guide and the location. I learned so much about light photography and light painting (which I’d never done before). I am an amateur photographer shooting with a Canon mirrorless camera. I got great shots, had an amazing time and Axel was just incredible.
I also did an Eyexplore tour in Tokyo (also night photography) and while it was good, I MUCH preferred this one (guide AND location).
Doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur or pro, you’ll learn a LOT and get GREAT shots at an amazing location which is PACKED during the day but empty at night.
Thanks Axel for working with me and helping me meet up with you when I was late because I took an Express train instead of the local train… yikes. You’re the best!
photofish70 –
These guys were great. We went to the shrine and got some great shots. One actually won an award. Axel was patient and very helpful. If you are into photography this is very worthwhile.
902geertv –
Fushimi Inari is a great place to do some light painting. Thanks to Axel I had a pleasant time and I made some great pictures.
Jemkh –
Light Painting at Fushimi Inari, could not think of anything better and what unique photos you can get (with a lot of help!)- would have liked there to be more opportunities to use the light- especially in different colours and get really creative!
Sandeep K –
I did the Inari Night tour. Luckily, I was the only one that evening and I had one-on-one with Axel. I had a really great time on the tour. Axel is knowledgeable, friendly and super helpful. It was raining but despite that, I managed to get some great shots with Axel.
steve j –
I try to attend a photography tour when I travel overseas, and I am amazed at how willing photographers are to impart their knowledge. Axel is no exception. In fact, he is exceptional. Clear, articulate, knowledgeable, personable and interesting. I’ve always wanted to try light-painting, but never known where to start. I now feel confident using my camera at night, and, for the first time, in fully manual mode! I learnt so much in a relatively short timeframe – equipment, camera settings, composition, exposure, lighting. And got some amazing photos of Inari at night with none else around as a bonus! Axel knows the spots, and leads you through learning the process experientially. Unlike other tours I have been on, he does not bring a camera – you do it all on your camera. I actually felt like I was part of a photography project team working with axel, where I was contributing ideas to the building of the photos. He seeks your feedback and critique of photos you take, offering suggestions and taking on board your ideas. And he is more than willing to use your ideas to experiment and see what happens. I was even able to contribute a new “lighting element” to one of the photos. I thoroughly recommend the tour to anyone with experience with the camera that is looking to trying something new, and wants some fantastic night photos of inari to impress their friends with!
kaccomaz –
Really nice workshops with excellent instructors. Not only did I get a lot of images I love, but I learned many thing which I can apply to my photography henceforth. The pace and tone was exceptional. One of the very best things I’ve done on my vacation. I will definitely try more tours when I am back in Japan. I took the temple of Tokyo and Inari at night tours, both are highly recommended.
Cecilerh –
The site and whole experience were mesmerizing. Axel was super in terms of professionalism, undivided attention, attitude and advice. Provided Equipment was user friendly and top notch. Unbeatable cost/benefit photography workshop. Totally recommend!!
Eurofolk –
Excellent night photo tour of the Inari shrine that taught me loads about shooting at night and looking for interesting compositions. My wife and I had already visited Inari that morning, but the two and a half hours with Axel and local photographer, Yoshi Akisuito, evoked a completely different feel and look for the shrine – more atmospheric, moody and just a little gothic. For the evening tour I was there with my film school student son, while Kristine was tagging along to watch – taking occasional shoots with her iPhone. From a technical point of view we took photos in five different locations. One around the shrines, two inside the Tori tunnels, one from outside, one around the shrines surrounding and one final picture at the main altar. We used tripods hired from them, shot on 20 second exposures, f8 etc. Alex and Yoshi provided light and equipment for light painting and showed how beautiful it could be. They explained and taught well, getting us to make incremental improvements to get great images. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and a two hour tour rapidly became three. If you want to see a familiar place from a different angle or have a go a building on your photographic experience in a great location – this is tour for you!
DRAZEN1963 –
I booked this tour after I did one in Shinjuku with the same company. Same professional service from both guys. I met Axel right on time and I had an absolutely awesome evening. Similar to the Tokyo tour.. Axel showed me composition ideas that I had not tried before. We took a photo and then we kept building on the idea .. was great fun. Book this and you will have a great time and learn something and again .. you will get some photos that you will be able to put up on your wall for sure.
ponponfbess –
Booked the private photo workshop on the day of arrival @ Fushimi Inari Shrine. It turned out to be the highlight of our trip ! Axel the teacher welcomed us at the entrance of the temple. He introduced us the basics of the camera settings and explained a bit of history of the temple which was great. I am slightly more advanced than my partner and Axel managed to keep both of us entertained throughout the workshop. As a result we got some pretty awesome pics of the Shrine with some pretty cool light effects. Definitely recommend.
Scott H –
My 18yo son and I toured Japan for his 18th birthday. He is an avid photographer just beginning his photography experience. We did the Tokyo Metropolis and Inari After Dusk Tours. Both tours were fantastic. Lukas and Axel could not have been more helpful, informative, experienced and patient. They took us to places we would not have seen on our own. They demonstrated techniques that we would not have learned with out a formal photography education. I can not rate this tour company, these gentlemen, or the experience high enough. 10 out of 5 stars!!!
Kenny Y –
I had an amazing time in both kyoto and tokyo tours. It is a great way to both, at the same time, learn about photography and the city and their graphic beauty. Axel and Lukasz (sorry is i misspelled your name) were both calm, helpful and encouraging. i learnt a lot from both of them and wish the tour was longer LOL. This is a great way, whether you are a new photographer or a professional, to learn tips and tricks and what makes these city’s visually stimulating, or just tour with them to have a warm up workshop to shape your photography for the rest of your trip. absolutely amazing, give it a try, whether you know how to use a camera professionally or an amateur, like me, LOL, you’ll definitely learn a lot and most importantly, see things differently than how you normally see it. i would definitely give them a go again ( i want to try the helicopter tour), yes that is right, helicopter tour and photograph tokyo city, that is just totally awesometacular~!
David O –
Inari shrine is beautiful and peaceful at night, and the crowds are thin. Axel is an articulate and friendly guide who very clearly talked through his thought process. We would take the same shot over and over, sequentially altering something in order to improve the photo incrementally. A fantastic tour, especially if you’re interested about lighting and exposures. Advice – bring spare batteries.
Xplore8 –
My husband and I were fortunate enough to book on Axel’s Inari after dusk workshop. Not knowing exactly what to expect we went with an open mind. It was a very pleasant way to spend the evening at an iconic landmark without the teeming crowds as we almost had the place to ourselves which enabled shooting with tripods without getting in people’s way and vice versa. This Shrine is one of my favourites, so it was great to be able to shoot it at a different time (evening) to give a whole new look and feel to the shots. Axel was very patient and informative, he knew exactly where to shoot from, which angles and was instrumental in encouraging us to try light painting. It was also great that we walked quite deep into the shrine where it’s quite dark and deserted, but Axel was well prepared with torches to light the way. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in night photography or Fushimi Inari Shrine to book this workshop.
LakesideChick –
We completed a night time photography tour of Fushini Inari Shrine with Axel. It was a magical night – we captured interesting and very cool photos of this beautiful shrine, after the tourists had left! Walking around the shrine was so peaceful. Axel was excellent in helping us set up awesome photos. If you are not familiar with manual settings on a camera- don’t worry- Axel will lead you through. No tripod? No drama- hire one cheaply. Max of 4 people make this tour very personal and special. Highly recommended! Thank you Axel!!