ALONG THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN ROAD:

A Touring Workshop on the Nakasendo and NAGANO

with Mark Edward Harris and George Nobechi

Dates: April 21 - 29, 2026

With Karuizawa Foto Fest extension: April 30 - May 2

OVERVIEW

This small group tour and workshop with Mark Edward Harris and George Nobechi offers a thoughtful, focused journey through central Japan during one of its most vibrant seasons. As spring reaches the mountains of Nagano, the landscapes come alive with fresh green foliage, flowing rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and the last traces of mountain cherry blossoms. The itinerary follows a simple rhythm: a few days in the historic post towns of the Kiso Valley, followed by time in the forested retreat of Karuizawa. It’s a chance to observe the changing seasons and work closely with Mark and a small group of fellow photographers.

Participants will photograph traditional architecture, natural details, and moments of daily life along the most picturesque portions of the Nakasendo trail, a historic route that once linked Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. The schedule includes both fieldwork and time for editing and feedback, with group critiques and optional one-on-one sessions built in.

Mark brings a dynamic, editorial approach to teaching, offering students dedicated guidance, technical insight, and the space to develop a strong, cohesive body of work. George provides cultural guidance and insight, and will drive us to the best locations in a private van for just our group.

Dates

April 21 - 29, 2026 (9 nights inclusive) - departure date April 30 or join extension
Participants must depart North America/Europe by April 19 to arrive on April 20. You may make your own hotel arrangements in Tokyo or upon registration fill out a hotel form to take advantage of our discounted rates at the Park Hotel Tokyo. We will publish those rates this fall.

Main Workshop: April 21–29, 2026

April 21–22 – NAKASENDO SOUTHERN KISO VALLEY - MAGOME AND TSUMAGO (Gifu and Nagano) (2 nights)
Meet in Tokyo in the morning and depart together for the Kiso Valley. Arrival and orientation in the Southern Kiso Valley. Begin photographing the Edo-era architecture and peaceful mountain surroundings of this historic region along the Nakasendo trail. Group dinner and image-making begins. Accommodations: Comfortable modern Japanese hotel with beds.

April 23–24 – NAKASENDO NORTHERN KISO VALLEY - NARAI (Nagano) (2 nights)
Continue exploring the region’s preserved post towns, including Narai-juku and its scenic surroundings. Mark will lead photo walks, individual reviews, and a group critique session. Accommodations: Luxurious Japanese Inn in beautifully-renovated Nakasendo townhouses with beds.

April 25–26 – MATSUMOTO (2 nights)
Shift to the castle town of Matsumoto, known for its rich cultural heritage (birthplace of Yayoi Kusama and Seiji Ozawa), and setting surrounded by some of Japan’s highest peaks. Activities include visiting Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art and a a traditional miso-making facility. Accommodations: Modern hotel with beds.

April 27–29 – NAKASENDO EASTERN PORTION - KARUIZAWA (3 nights)
Final days in the forested setting of Karuizawa, which is the modern resort town within which four post towns on the Nakasendo exsisted. Here participants can reflect, edit, and refine their visual narrative while adding depth to their portfolios with waterfalls, volcanoes and more. Final group critique, individual sessions, and closing dinner on April 29.

Accommodations: Classic Karuizawa hotel with beds.

Karuizawa Foto Fest (kff) Extension: April 30 – May 2, 2025

Optional add-on, also open to non-workshop participants. Mark Edward Harris will be one of the main guests of this year’s festival.

April 30 – Karuizawa
Free time to explore museums, galleries, or simply rest. Informal gathering in the evening.

May 1 – Festival Opening
Opening reception for the group exhibition, award announcements, and artist talk with Mark Edward Harris and Herbie Yamaguchi, other guests TBD. Dinner with festival participants and curators.

May 2 – Workshops Day
Workshops with Mark, Herbie and other guest instructors. Wrap-up dinner and final gathering.

May 3 – Optional Return to Tokyo
Participants may return to Tokyo via bullet train or continue traveling independently.

What’s included

• 9 nights’ accommodations (main tour) / 3 nights’ accomodations (KFF extension)

• Trains, rental cars and taxis (aside from your airport transfers)

• Breakfast every morning

• 9 dinners

• Location admissions

• Bilingual tour support

• Detailed Info Pack on travel to Japan

• Instruction from Mark and George in photography, Japanese culture and history.

What’s not included

• International Travel

• Extra hotel nights

• Travel/Trip Insurance (Required unless additional waivers are signed acknowledging the risks of not having travel insurance)

• Alcohol (except at designated events such as the welcome and farewell dinners)

• Lunches (cheapest meal of the day in Japan)

Class Size

Minimum 6 participants, maximum 8 participants.

Tuition

Main Tour: $8,795 per person, double occupancy for bank wire. Single Supplement: $800. Credit card handling fee = $325.

Thanksgiving Special: get a $300 discount on your deposit by signing up before November 30!

Extension: Price TBC

Payment Schedule

• $2,500 deposit to register

• When the trip reaches minimum enrollment to proceed, 50% of the balance will become due.

• Remainder due February 1, 2026
  
  2025−2026 Cancellation Policy:

• Up to 120 days before the trip: 50% of the deposit (the deposit may be transferred in full to another workshop up to 120 days before trip)

• 119~90 days prior to the trip: 100% of the deposit

• 89~60 days prior to the trip: 50% fee

• 59~0 days prior to the trip 100% fee

  Please do not book international airfare until we have notified you that the trip is a go.

About Mark Edward Harris