Japan
April 24 - May 3, 2026
Japan will be the destination for our April 2026 photography workshop. This extraordinary 10 / 13 day adventure includes a deep dive into Tokyo, Shizuoka, Osaka and the Heritage city, Kyoto, during Japan's glorious spring.
April 16 - 25
In addition, we're offering a three day add-on excursion to Hokkaido,where you'll have the chance to shoot traditional artisans, hike through gorgeous landscapes, participate in traditional onsen culture and simply relax in the beauty of the north island.
April 25 - 28
This itinerary is specifically crafted to offer a range of locations, experiences, and shooting opportunities in a mix of modern and ancient settings. Our pace will be active, but with plenty of time to relax. We can't wait to show you Japan.
Cultural Heritage, Natural Beauty
Shizuoka
Shizuoka is a lovely coastal city about two hours outside of Tokyo, known for its views of Mt. Fuji, fresh seafood, and its tea plantations. Shizuoka is not on the well-touristed route, which is why we’ll stop here.
Shizuoka has a long history of hospitality that dates back more than 400 years. Post towns and teahouses were established along this south-western route to provide travelers with lodging and supplies.
This overnight will be a respite for us after busy Tokyo, where we can relax on the Suruga Bay, spend time with our work, tour, shoot and attend a tea tasting at the lovely Moriuchi Tea Farm.
Tokyo
Tokyo is famed for being a futuristic playground, yet it possesses 7th-century temples and some of the oldest shops on the planet. Despite the scale and intensity of the city, Tokyoites mostly gather in intimate pockets. We’ll begin our workshop here, exploring its myriad and distinct districts. From the high energy of Harajuku to the tiny alleyways of Koenji, to the spectacle of the “Shibuya Scramble” to the calm of the city’s many temples and parks—Tokyo is rich with shooting possibilities. From our Sky Tower perch, to the trippy Team Lab experience, we'll explore this diverse urban landscape both day and night, in the footsteps of Japan's renown photographers.
Each day you'll be given specific assignments meant to broaden your practice. Reviewing, editing and sequencing your work with both Elena and Dan are also scheduled daily. All levels welcome. Film, digital, video, journaling, bookmaking all encouraged and supported.
Our Tokyo home base will be a four star hotel
Osaka
From Shizuoka we’ll take the bullet train to Osaka, home of Japan's main port, and the exuberant energy of its famous fish market. The vitalit of Osaka's street-scene is palpable, as well as its history of delicious cuisine. For two nights this will be our base. We'll not only be shooting we'll be eating! Osaka is crazy about food - especially street food, renown throughout all of Japan.
Over two days we'll have time to explore this city's diverse and quirky neighborhoods, and stroll through its great parks and castle. Also, the Osaka aquarium is one of the most spectacular in the world.
We'll spend 2 nights in a four star hotel.
Kyoto
From Osaka we'll take a quick train to Kyoto, a city renown for its beauty, rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Here, we’ll visit the Zen Temple of Tenru-ji, and the Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of red torii gates. We'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage-site Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion. We’ll photograph the lively nightlife and the bustling Nishiki Market, as well as Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. If we're lucky, we'll meet Meiko as they walk through the city. And, we'll make ample time to wander along Kyoto's river, a vibrant promennade that pulses with life both day and night. This is one of our favorite spots in all of Japan.
Our workshop coincides with KYOTOGRAPHIE, the globally renown photography festival held each spring in Kyoto. This will be a fantastic opportunity for us to see exhibitions by acclaimed photographers.
Three nights will be spent in a traditional ryokan.
Hokkaido - Add on Excursion
Hokkaido, Japan's wild north island is a nature-lovers paradise, and far less travelled then the mainland. After our primary workshop ends, we'll be offering three aditional days in this lovely region. We'll spend our first night in Sapporo, the capital, quaint in comparison to Tokyo. From there we'll take the train along the Sea of Japan to Otaru, a charming town on the northern coast. Sapporo’s lively streets and contemporary vibe are balanced by Otaru’s historic canals and well-preserved warehouses, dramatically perched on the sea. From the energy of the city to the quiet beauty of Otaru, These three days will give us the chance to experience different sides of the island.
During the days we'll hike through beautiful
landscapes, alive with the colors of spring; soak in the onsen of our traditional ryokan (or in one of the many natural springs of the region). We'll connect with nature and, as always, make pictures.
We'll spend one night in central Sapporo and two nights in a traditional ryokan with onsen.
Details & Pricing
Our itineraries are crafted to offer you the most comfortable, high-end creative and cultural experiencs, including carefully selected (single-occupancy) 4 star hotels, inns, restaurants and transportation. The price is nearly all inclusive. Daily one-on-one instruction and review time with both Elena and Dan.
For inquiries or to sign up, please email us directly.
Japan
(Mainland)
What's Included:
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Price reflects standard single accommodation in notable hotels and inns; 10 nights
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All breakfasts, 6 dinners
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Bullet trains
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All guides and entrance fees
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Pre-workshop notes and logistical assist
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Post-workshop Zoom review (group)
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Partner rate furnished upon request *
What's Excluded:
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Airfare from home country
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Airfare between mainland and Hokkaido
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Travel and medical insurance (mandatory to attend)
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Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a reservation; arriving/departing early or late
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Expenses that fall outside of the above list
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Each participant is responsible for own airport-Tokyo/rt. transportation (very easy and reliable train)
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Alcohol other than sake or beer at dinner
*First Meet:
*Introductions & dinner, 5 PM, April 16, at our hotel
*Last Meet: Breakfast April 28
Sapporo & Hokkaido
(Add On)
What's Included:
-
Price reflects single accommodation in notable hotels and ryokans. 3 nights
-
All breakfasts and dinners
-
All transportation
-
All guides and entrance fees
Tirana
The capital, with a population of over half a million and growing more cosmopolitan with new restaurants, shops, and galleries joining the almost surrealist pastiche of testaments to the city’s past. Here, eras collide. We’ll visit Skanderbeg Square, recently renovated with new fountains and rosy granite paving, and home to an 18th-century mosque and minaret, a domed Albanian Orthodox church, a set of government buildings that echo the fascist architecture of Mussolini’s Italy and a Brutalist monolith that houses the National Historical Museum. We'll see the newly opened Secret Surveillance Museum and Bunk’Art, Dictator Hoxha’s five-story underground nuclear bunker.
We’ll spend the first two nights at the centrally located Rogner, an extremely comfortable hotel with a pool and spa.
Korce
Known as the Paris of Albania, Korce is a beloved city of cobblestone streets, high hills, historic spice and food bazaars, and plenty of busy bars and cafes. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, like lakror--spinach and cheese pie whose recipe has been passed down through generations. Korce has a laid-back atmosphere with culturally significant architecture and museums.
We'll explore Korce's French-style villas, iconic cobblestone boulevards, medieval art and photography collection and, of course, sample the famous beer of Korce.
Shkoder
This beautiful and historic city is situated between Lake Shkoder and the foothills of the Albanian Alps. It is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. Shkoder is regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania and is renown for its arts, culture and religious diversity.
We’ll have a curator-led walk through of the Marubi National Museum of Photography, a gorgeous, modern archive showcasing the history of photography in the city of Shkoder. We’ll visit renown churches and mosques as well as the Venice Art Mask Factory where "30,000 masks per year are made using the labour-intensive cartapesta technique”. For those who wish to bike, we’ll pedal around Lake Shkoder and visit a small atilier of traditional women weavers.
Two nights will be spent at Hotel Tradita, a boutique inn with incredible charm, delicious food and homemade liqueur.
Voskopoje
While based in Korce we'll visit the beautiful, high mountain village of Voskopoja, known for its spectacular post-Byzantine-style churches with floor-to-ceiling icon paintings. We’ll dine at a mountain restaurant with some of the best traditional food in the country.
Berat
Berat is a charming and beloved city as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A striking feature is the collection of white Ottoman houses that dot the hills to the castle. Berat is surrounded by mountains, and locals flock to the outdoor cafes lining the Osum river that runs through the city. We'll be guided through the city by a native Berati.
Lodging for one night in a centrally located hotel.
Shkoder
This beautiful and historic city is situated between Lake Shkoder and the foothills of the Albanian Alps. It is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. Shkoder is regarded as the traditional capital of Northern Albania and is renown for its arts, culture and religious diversity.
We’ll have a curator-led walk through of the Marubi National Museum of Photography, a gorgeous, modern archive showcasing the history of photography in the city of Shkoder. We’ll visit renown churches and mosques as well as the Venice Art Mask Factory where "30,000 masks per year are made using the labour-intensive cartapesta technique”. For those who wish to bike, we’ll pedal around Lake Shkoder and visit a small atilier of traditional women weavers.
Two nights will be spent at Hotel Tradita, a boutique inn with incredible charm, delicious food and homemade liqueur.
Beirut
Beirut embodies the beauty and spirit of Lebanon. With its liberal (hedonistic?) leanings it is one of the great capitals of the Middle East. Inhabited by about two million people, it is a city full of history, emotions and division. Although the scars of the past are visible on the surfaces of the buildings, Beirut is a safe, vibrant and exciting city.
Beirut’s history started about 5,000 years ago. At one point it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. After World War I most of its ancient quarters were demolished and replaced by Oriental style buildings. At the beginning of the French mandate in 1920, Beirut established itself as the 'Paris of the Middle East,’ and became the capital of Greater Lebanon. It is in this fabled city where we’ll begin our photography workshop.
We’ll spend three days photographing throughout the distinctive neighborhoods of Mar Michael, Hamra, Aschrafieh, Gemmaze, Sursock and the Corniche--the iconic promenade which pulses with activity. Of course, we’ll eat (and drink) and partake in a bit of the city’s famed nightlife.
Byblos & Tripoli
Leaving Beirut we'll head north up the coast to the archeological site of Byblos, and the ancient city of Tripoli, offering two very distinct shooting and cultural experiences.
Byblos, a UNESCO world heritage city, has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was here that the Phoenician alphabet was developed. Tripoli is the country’s second largest city, and one of the most traditional places in Lebanon. Predominantly Sunni, Tripoli is a friendly and lively city with beautiful architecture, traditional souks full of artisans, and the World's Fairgrounds--Oskar Neirmeyer's unfinished architectural wonder. In between these two cities we’ll stop for lunch in the surf town of Batroun.
We’ll spend one night in a mountain hotel in Ehden
The Cedars
The bread basket of Lebanon, the Bekka Valley, is reknown for its beautiful andscapes and emphasis on food and all things local. Here, we’ll spend time photographing and hiking in small villages and experience the famous Shouf Biosphere and Cedar Forest, the same trees cited in the Bible. The Shouf is one of the oldest documented forests in history, estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve incorporates the Ammiq Wetland, a remnant of the extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the beloved Bekaa Valley. This is one of our favorite places in Lebanon.
We'll end our day at Tawlet Ammiq, one of the most beloved eco- restaurants featuring local and sustainable home-grown food and wine--and a fantastic atmosphere.
Qadisha Valley
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, there are several incredible monasteries, some carved directly into the mountains. After exploring the ancient sites we'll hike among the wildflowers in the valley below, with a view of Lebanon’s highest peak (Qornet As Sawda) soaring above. This is truly a peaceful and beautiful part of the country. Nearby, we’ll also visit the Kahlil Gibran museum, Lebanon’s most beloved poet.
Baalbek & Bekka Valley
From the Qadisha Valley we’ll make our way east to the ancient town of Baalbek, inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, and an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal.We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the magnificently preserved Temple of Bacchus and the vast adjacent Temple of Jupiter.
Two nights will be spent at a hotel in the gorgeous Bekka Valley.
Tyre
We’ll continue south to Tyre, an ancient port on the edge of the Mediterranean and, at 4,000 years, one of the oldest cities in the world. The historic souks and Ottoman-style architecture offer a full-sensory experience. We’ll explore a tangle of busy, winding streets, historical markets, and seaside life. Tyre’s religious divide is microcosmic of Lebanon’s larger struggles, where historically constructed sectarian differences resulted in territorial demarcations. Despite past conflicts, the heart of Tyre remains warm and hospitable.
We'll spend one night in a centrally located Hotel.
Making our way back to Beirut we’ll stop in Saidon to sample their famous sweets and pastries and, if time allows, photograph inside a traditional soap factory.
Beirut
Beirut embodies the beauty and spirit of Lebanon. With its liberal (hedonistic?) leanings it is one of the great capitals of the Middle East. Inhabited by about two million people, it is a city full of history, emotions and division. Although the scars of the past are visible on the surfaces of the buildings, Beirut is a safe, vibrant and exciting city.
Beirut’s history started about 5,000 years ago. At one point it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and tidal wave. After World War I most of its ancient quarters were demolished and replaced by Oriental style buildings. At the beginning of the French mandate in 1920, Beirut established itself as the 'Paris of the Middle East,’ and became the capital of Greater Lebanon. It is in this fabled city where we’ll begin our photography workshop.
We’ll spend three days photographing throughout the distinctive neighborhoods of Mar Michael, Hamra, Aschrafieh, Gemmaze, Sursock and the Corniche--the iconic promenade which pulses with activity. Of course, we’ll eat (and drink) and partake in a bit of the city’s famed nightlife.
Byblos & Tripoli
Leaving Beirut we'll head north up the coast to the archeological site of Byblos, and the ancient city of Tripoli, offering two very distinct shooting and cultural experiences.
Byblos, a UNESCO world heritage city, has been continuously inhabited for centuries. It was here that the Phoenician alphabet was developed. Tripoli is the country’s second largest city, and one of the most traditional places in Lebanon. Predominantly Sunni, Tripoli is a friendly and lively city with beautiful architecture, traditional souks full of artisans, and the World's Fairgrounds--Oskar Neirmeyer's unfinished architectural wonder. In between these two cities we’ll stop for lunch in the surf town of Batroun.
We’ll spend one night in a mountain hotel in Ehden
The Cedars
The bread basket of Lebanon, the Bekka Valley, is reknown for its beautiful andscapes and emphasis on food and all things local. Here, we’ll spend time photographing and hiking in small villages and experience the famous Shouf Biosphere and Cedar Forest, the same trees cited in the Bible. The Shouf is one of the oldest documented forests in history, estimated to be 2,000 years old. The reserve incorporates the Ammiq Wetland, a remnant of the extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the beloved Bekaa Valley. This is one of our favorite places in Lebanon.
We'll end our day at Tawlet Ammiq, one of the most beloved eco- restaurants featuring local and sustainable home-grown food and wine--and a fantastic atmosphere.
Qadisha Valley
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, there are several incredible monasteries, some carved directly into the mountains. After exploring the ancient sites we'll hike among the wildflowers in the valley below, with a view of Lebanon’s highest peak (Qornet As Sawda) soaring above. This is truly a peaceful and beautiful part of the country. Nearby, we’ll also visit the Kahlil Gibran museum, Lebanon’s most beloved poet.
Baalbek & Bekka Valley
From the Qadisha Valley we’ll make our way east to the ancient town of Baalbek, inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, and an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal.We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the magnificently preserved Temple of Bacchus and the vast adjacent Temple of Jupiter.
Two nights will be spent at a hotel in the gorgeous Bekka Valley.
Tyre
We’ll continue south to Tyre, an ancient port on the edge of the Mediterranean and, at 4,000 years, one of the oldest cities in the world. The historic souks and Ottoman-style architecture offer a full-sensory experience. We’ll explore a tangle of busy, winding streets, historical markets, and seaside life. Tyre’s religious divide is microcosmic of Lebanon’s larger struggles, where historically constructed sectarian differences resulted in territorial demarcations. Despite past conflicts, the heart of Tyre remains warm and hospitable.
We'll spend one night in a centrally located Hotel.
Making our way back to Beirut we’ll stop in Saidon to sample their famous sweets and pastries and, if time allows, photograph inside a traditional soap factory.
