Shoot the Moon: Smartphone Photography Featuring "Gifu Castle and The Moon" Day Tour
Take your very own awe-inspiring photo of Gifu Castle atop Mount Kinka with a supersized full moon as a magnificent backdrop, using only a smartphone at a photography course supervised by a local expert photographer. Before that, enjoy a delicious kaiseki lunch at a ryokan with an illustrious history of 130 years. Look forward to a menu inspired by the clear waters of Gifu, its local culture, and history, with dishes such as prized salt-grilled sweetfish, sarasa salmon, and ikadashi nabe - a recreation of the local fishermen’s stew. Riceballs and the Shokado refreshments are also available for those who prefer a lighter meal. After lunch, soak in a private rotenburo (open-air bath)* while you take in the grand scenery of nearby Gifu Castle and Mount Kinka. Then, take the ropeway to Gifu Castle and begin your exploration of the castle grounds with a guide. Consider the different compositions and timing for your photography as you learn of the history and culture of the castle. At the end of the photoshoot, you will be gifted a Gifu "Moon & Castle" Baumkuchen as a token of your travels. All this in a day of experiencing Gifu’s stunning sights and its countless wonders.
* available as an option until late March 2026
Recommended points
● Take photos with astounding compositions using just your smartphone in this beginner-friendly photography workshop supervised by a pro-photographer.
● Enjoy a delightful selection of Gifu's local cuisine at a prestigious hotel.
● Includes a historical guided tour around Gifu Castle.
● Receive a complimentary Gifu "Moon & Castle" Baumkuchen after your photoshoot.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/4/13, 5/11, 6/9, 7/9, 9/9, 10/6, 11/3
2026/4・3/2,3・4/29,30・5/1,28,29・6/28,29・7/27・9/25,27・10/23・11/22・12/25
- Activity Time
- 7 hours 30 minutes **There are variations in schedule timing depending on the date
- Place
-
※ Please contact us for further details.
Omiya-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. 500-8009
- Number of Participants
- 2 to 18 people
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other custom arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima Station, Gifu City hotels
- Ending Point
- Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima Station, Gifu City hotels
- Meeting Time
- 9:45-12:35
- Schedule
-
・10:45 - Gifu Station, Gifu Hashima Station, Gifu City hotel pick up
***If pickup is not required, please meet at the Front Desk of the hotel at 11:00
・11:45 - Gifu Specialties lunch - options available
・14:30 - Gifu Castle area guided walking tour, free time to walk (Gifu Park, the Great Buddha of Gifu)
****Pro-photographer will not be present
・16:45 - Photography course by pro-photographer and fellow pro-photographer (lesson in conference room)
・17:10 - Depart for "Gifu Castle and The Moon“ photoshoot location (by foot or taxi)
・17:30 - Photoshoot standby, photoshoot lecture, photoshoot
・18:40 - Photo-editing and revision at the hotel conference room
・19:15 - Dropoff at hotel in Gifu City area or Gifu Station
*****This itinerary is an example.
**Please be sure to check the date of the course as there are several variations in scheduling for each day.
- Important Information
-
※ Please note that there are plans for the tower of Gifu Castle to undergo renovations from mid May 2026 until late October 2027. This may affect photography depending on the timing.
For best smartphone phototaking results, please download the following free apps: Yamera (Manual Camera) for the iPhone, and Manual Camera DSLR (Lite) for Android phones. There will be 10 sets of telephoto lenses available for borrowing. In the event of large group numbers, one set will be allocated to one phone to be shared between two people. In the case of rain or cloudy weather obstructing the moon, you will be guided to a location in Gifu City where you can capture the panoramic night scenery on your smartphone instead. Please bring a tripod for your smartphone.
(Optional) Soak in Hotel Park's private open-air bath. (limited to 3 groups, 30 mins per group)
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
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