ERIN THOMPSON

Iwakuni, Japan Photography Spotlight with Stardust Photography

Location Guides

Hey milspouse photographer! If your family is headed to MCAS Iwakuni, this location guide will help you prepare. Mesha Young of Stardust Photography is sharing the local knowledge she learned while stationed here in this Iwakuni, Japan Photography Spotlight. Let’s take a look!

What are your top five favorite locations for sessions? Briefly share about each.

Kintaikyo

This is a beautifully constructed bridge and a local historic landmark dating back 350 years. It is gorgeous all year round, however, spring has the most beautiful cherry blossoms!

Man and his dog sitting at Kintaikyo in Stardust Photography's Iwakuni, Japan Photography Spotlight
Kintaikyo, Stardust Photography



Iwakuni Castle

A fun hike to the castle on a mountain, surrounded by a forest? Yes please!

Expecting couple sitting in front of Iwakuni Castle in Stardust Photography's Iwakuni, Japan Photography Spotlight
Iwakuni Castle, Stardust Photography



Miyajima

With a beautiful shrine and gateway to greet the god of the island, this is a fun adventure with lots of culture and deer roaming around.

Family smiling with a deer at Miyajima in Stardust Photography's Iwakuni, Japan Photography Spotlight
Miyajima, Stardust Photography



Momijidani (Valley of Maple Leaves), Iwakuni

This location is FIERY in the fall! If you’re looking for foliage, this is the spot.

Pregnant mama in Momijidani in Stardust Photography's Iwakuni, Japan Photography Spotlight
Momijidani, Stardust Photography



Lotus Fields

This is a gorgeous sea of huge green leaves. Their lotuses bloom towards the summer!

Siblings playing together in the Lotus Fields in Stardust Photography's Iwakuni, Japan Photography Spotlight
Lotus Fields, Stardust Photography



Are there any particularly busy seasons for photographers in this area? Any events an incoming photographer should know about?

Spring – Cherry blossom season is a huge hit! It gets VERY busy! There are MANY more locations, but the main attraction is the bridge.

Late Spring/Early Summer – The hydrangeas, azaleas, irises, and wisteria bloom all over the place, especially near the bridge.

Summer – Iwakuni is known for their Lotus Fields. They are STUNNING! Fields and fields of these gorgeous flowers!

Fall – The stunning fall foliage at Momijidani in Iwakuni. There is a Momijidani on Miyajima also, however, it gets pretty busy.

What should an incoming photographer know about permits in this area?

All locations mentioned are open to the public for use. However, please be considerate about people’s property, and do not mess with the greenery.

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to an incoming photographer?

Take time to explore, and don’t be afraid of turning down random roads. You can find some of the absolute BEST locations that way!

Any other local expertise you’d like to share?

When using any locations in Japan, keep in mind, we are guests. We want all experiences to be good ones, so be mindful of your surroundings, clean up after yourself, and be considerate. All of Japan is a gorgeous place, go out of the way to find new places. You’ll never get bored!

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: https://www.stardustphotography.us/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stardust.photography.jp




Are you a milspouse photographer interested in contributing? I’d love to have your insight! Please send me an email at erin@erinthompsonphoto.com and I’ll be in touch with the details!

If you enjoyed this Iwakuni, Japan photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!

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I HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU!

more about me

I've been navigating military life with my family since 2008. In that time, I went from a full-time classroom teacher to an online course designer to a photographer. Actually, I still teach a little math on the side because I just love it too much!

Through it all, I've discovered how passionate I am about connecting with military families. Whether it's taking photos at a retirement ceremony, coaching a fellow milspouse photographer, or just grabbing coffee with a new squadron friend, I love this community. And as a teacher at heart, I'm excited to use this space to share what I've learned about business and life with you.

I'M ERIN.

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