A Journey Through Japan’s Contemporary Art Landscape

in Kyoto, Karuizawa, and the Art Islands

Leader: Aline Smithson with Crista Dix of The Griffin Museum of Photography, and George Nobechi & Fernanda De Icaza of Nobechi Creative

Dates: MAY 8 - 22, 2027

OVERVIEW

This once-in-a-lifetime journey features some of the best in contemporary art/photographic art in Japan, including the famed art islands of the Seto Inland Sea (with an exclusive one-night private booking of the Museum Tower), the internationally-renowned Kyotographie photo festival, and the intimate, community-driven Karuizawa Foto Fest.

The itinerary mixes in historic gardens and temples in Kyoto and Takamatsu, beautiful nature—from the Seto Inland Sea to the mountains and waterfalls of Karuizawa at the peak of verdant spring—as well as a plethora of contemporary museums: from the art islands featuring the likes of Kusama, Sugimoto, and Ando, to Isamu Noguchi and more. It also includes a private tour and washi-paper making experience at the renowned Awagami Factory.

In addition to the teaching of Aline Smithson, the group is joined by Crista Dix, director of the Griffin Museum, and the Nobechi Creative team in Japan, led by photographer/producer George Nobechi and photographer/workshop coordinator Fernanda De Icaza. The second half of the trip will feature exclusive access to events featuring guest artists of the Karuizawa Foto Fest, including renowned international and Japanese artists courtesy of sponsor Nobechi Creative.

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?

The activity level for this trip is moderate, with some walking involved each day at the various museum sites, gardens and temples. Occasionally, temples and shrines have steps, but there are no great hikes involved.

The journey is intended for both working artists who wish to be inspired in their practice as well as fans of photography and art collectors. The journey is not primarily a trip on which to make a new body of in-depth work, but there will be plenty of opportunities to photograph.

Itinerary in brief

This contemporary art journey begins in Tokyo and continues through Kyoto, Karuizawa, Takamatsu, and Naoshima before returning to Tokyo for a final night. Along the way, participants will experience some of Japan’s most important museums, art festivals, architectural sites, gardens, and artist-led spaces, with time built in for independent exploration.

The itinerary will remain flexible so the group can respond to local schedules, changing conditions, and the strongest photographic opportunities available.

Tokyo: May 8 (1 night). Please arrive by May 7 in order to partake in all activities.

The journey begins in Tokyo with introductions and visits connected to the city’s contemporary art scene. Accommodations will be at an art-focused hotel located in the heart of the city. Participants are welcome to come to Tokyo early and explore the city on their own, or with an artist guide.

Kyoto: May 9–12 (4 nights)

Led by local guides in the ancient capital city of Kyoto, the group will explore photographic exhibitions while interweaving traditional cultural sites and the city’s historic neighborhoods, with one free day for independent discovery.

Karuizawa: May 13–16 (4 nights)

The program continues in the highland resort of Karuizawa for exhibitions, gallery and museum visits, artist talks, dinner with internationally renowned artists, and private events for tour participants. These will be balanced with time to enjoy the surrounding areas of forests, waterfalls, and architecture.

Takamatsu (Art Islands): May 17-19 (3 nights)

We fly to Takamatsu, on the island of Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea. Takamatsu is the gateway to the “art islands” but also boasts the beautiful Ritsurin Garden, the Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Garden, and a number of Ohenro pilgrimage temples. It is also close to Awagami Factory - a destination for this tour, where we will have a private, guided visit - and the port to island hop to the various public art installations found on smaller islands in the Inland Sea.

Naoshima: May 20 (1 night)

The final portion of the journey takes us to Naoshima, where we have booked out the entire Museum block of hotel rooms at famed Benesse House for a once-in-a-lifetime “night at the museum” experience.

Return to Tokyo: May 21

After maximizing our time on Naoshima, we will fly back to Tokyo in time for a final, farewell dinner.

Departure Day: May 22

Group Size

10~12 participants. There are now 2 spots remaining.

Due to room availability, there are a limited number of single rooms available (maximum 6), in addition to duo/twin occupancy rooms.

LOCATION IMAGES

included

• 14 nights in 4-star+ accommodations with beds throughout the trip:

  2 nights in unique, artist-designed rooms in Central Tokyo, 4 nights in a 5-star, historic luxury hotel in Kyoto, 4 nights in a 4-star, classic resort hotel in Karuizawa, 3 nights in a centrally-located 4-star hotel in Takamatsu, 1 night private booking of the entire Museum wing of the Benesse House Museum hotel on Naoshima

• 14 breakfasts

• 8 group lunches

• 10 group dinners, including a welcome dinner and VIP gala dinner with Karuizawa Foto Fest special guest artists

• Domestic flights from Tokyo to Takamatsu and back

• Bullet train fare between Tokyo and Karuizawa (1hr only, reserved seat class)

• Bullet train fare between Tokyo and Kyoto (first class reserved seating)

• Ferries between islands

• Private buses for the group in Takamatsu, Naoshima, and Karuizawa

• All group museum admissions, including at the art islands museum sites

• Private tour and experience at Awagami Factory papermakers outside Takamatsu

• Kyotographie festival passes

• Admissions to all Karuizawa Foto Fest events (except for optional portfolio reviews), including talks by

  special main guests

• Group lessons by Aline Smithson along the way

• Full logistics support by Nobechi Creative (licensed travel operators in Japan and workshop producers for

  over ten years)

• Bilingual staff on hand at all times

• Workshop coordinator on hand at all times

• Detailed Info Pack for Japan travel

• Detailed itinerary closer to departure date

Not included

• Unlisted meals

• Alcohol (except at gala dinner and welcome dinner, where alcohol is included)

• International airfare

• Additional hotel nights

• Admissions/transportation/activities on free days

• Travel inssurance

• Personal expenses for snacks and beverages at convenience stores (e.g. 7-Eleven, Lawson) or supermarkets

Tuition

Per person, double occupancy: $11,150 + $335 credit card handling fee

Single supplement: + $1,950

Payment schedule:

$2,500 deposit upon registration

Half of balance due December 15, 2026

Remaining balance due February 15, 2027

Cancellation policy:

• If a participant cancels 120 days or more prior to departure, a refund less an administrative fee of 50% of the deposit will be made. Alternatively, the deposit can be transferred to another trip within 15 months of this journey.

• For cancellations made 119 to 90 days prior to departure, 100% of the deposit amount will be retained.

• For cancellations made 89 to 50 days prior to departure, 50% of the total Expedition cost will be retained.

• For cancellations made 49 days or fewer prior to departure, 100% of the total Expedition cost will be retained.