Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2012

Here’s an idea for Labor Thanksgiving Day: bring a picnic lunch and a camera to the Imperial Palace to admire the autumn leaves in their full, fiery splendor.

Professional photographer Hai Huynh will be taking photography enthusiasts on a three-hour tour of the East Gardens this Friday, in a lesson on capturing the range of breezy colors on display. No expertise is required (you can bring your phone camera for all that it matters), but there is a Canon Selphy CP770 Compact Photo Printer to be won by the participant who takes the snap of the day.

All you need to participate is a small donation (¥1,000) that goes to the post-March 11 rebuilding effort in Ishinomaki, courtesy of non-profit volunteer organization It’s Not Just Mud.

The assembly point is at Tokyo Station, so it’s also a perfect opportunity to check out the recently refurbished transport hub if you haven’t yet seen it in its pre-World War I glory.

What: Photography tour
Where: Imperial Palace East Gardens (meet halfway between north and south exits on Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station)
When: Nov 23, noon-3pm
Price: ¥1,000 donation

Check the Facebook page or contact via the website.