JAPAN

Kyoto Unseen & Undiscovered Nara

with Arthur Meyerson, George Nobechi & THE NOBECHI CREATIVE TEAM

Dates: NOVEMBER 9th - 20TH, 2026

Pre-Trip Tokyo Extension Option: November 7th-8th, 2026 with Arthur & George

Maximum 10 participants

I am obsessed with Japan. Ever since my first trip in the early 1980s, I’ve been captivated by the land, the people and the culture. Since then, I’ve made numerous trips back on assignments and leading photo tours along with my good friend and fellow photographer, George Nobechi. From the beginning, I explained to George that in doing these trips I only had one request and that was that we do not repeat trips. I wanted to make a concerted effort to travel all over this fascinating country, in various seasons and share that experience with you. And, George has made that happen every time. 

That said, I invite you to join us on our next adventure.

- Arthur

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW - this workshop is currently full & waitlisted

Kyoto remains one of the world’s most visually extraordinary cities — but in recent years, many photographers have become increasingly hesitant to visit due to overtourism and overcrowding at the city’s most famous locations.

This workshop was intentionally designed as an alternative.

Rather than centering the experience around crowded “must-see” destinations, this workshop explores quieter, deeply atmospheric areas of Kyoto and Nara that most visitors never encounter. Hidden neighborhoods, lesser-known temples and gardens, artisan districts, autumn streetscapes, and carefully chosen locations outside the standard tourist circuit form the heart of the experience.

Alongside Kyoto, we will spend significant time in Nara and surrounding regions, exploring locations that reveal a quieter and more contemplative side of Japan during the height of autumn color.

Several portions of the itinerary involve advance reservations and carefully coordinated access, while on select days we will use private transportation to reach areas on the outskirts of Kyoto and Nara chosen specifically for their photographic potential and relative quiet compared to the city center.

At the same time, the workshop also intentionally includes free time, allowing participants to independently visit iconic Kyoto locations if desired.

This workshop is designed not simply as a sightseeing experience, but as a deeply immersive photographic journey focused on observation, atmosphere, storytelling, and personal vision.

FACULTY & STAFF

Arthur Meyerson

Internationally acclaimed photographer known for his masterful use of color, composition, and visual storytelling. Arthur’s workshops emphasize seeing deeply, working intuitively, and finding visual poetry within everyday moments.

George Nobechi

Tokyo-born photographer, writer, and founder of Nobechi Creative. Known for producing immersive photographic workshops and cultural experiences throughout Japan, George specializes in connecting photographers with places and moments rarely accessible through conventional travel.

Fernanda De Icaza

Longtime Nobechi Creative workshop coordinator and support specialist; accomplished film still photographer.

Hiroshi Yamauchi

Bilingual Kyoto-based photographer assisting with translation, logistics, and in-field support.

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

• Maximum 10/11 participants

• Kyoto beyond the tourist circuit

• Significant time in Nara and surrounding regions

• Carefully selected autumn color locations

• Reservation-only and limited-access experiences

• Private transportation on select days

• Daily in-the-field lessons with staff and up to four classroom critique sessions

• Optional Tokyo extension

• Premium accommodations throughout the workshop

• Free time for independent exploration

ACCOMMODATIONS

Participants will stay at a carefully selected collection of higher-end, Japanese-owned and operated hotels chosen for comfort, atmosphere, Japanese aesthetics, reputation, and location.

Tokyo

Park Hotel Tokyo (Artist Rooms)

Nara

MIROKU NARA

Kyoto

Hotel Okura Kyoto

OPTIONAL TOKYO EXTENSION

November 7–8, 2026

Participants may optionally join a two-day Tokyo extension prior to the main workshop.

Rather than attempting to “see everything,” this extension is designed as a carefully curated introduction to both traditional and contemporary Tokyo through photography, architecture, gardens, museums, nighttime cityscapes, and select dining experiences.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

(Certain locations intentionally omitted from the public itinerary.)

Tokyo

• Traditional and contemporary Tokyo experiences

• Gardens and architecture

• Museums and nighttime photography

• Curated dining experiences using George’s personal contacts.

Nara

• Historic districts and hidden streets

• Lesser-known temple areas

• Artisan neighborhoods

• Mountain regions rich in fall color

• Classroom critique sessions

• Free exploration day

Kyoto & Surrounding Regions

• Hidden temple districts

• Quiet residential neighborhoods

• Autumn foliage locations

• Carefully coordinated reservation-access experiences

• Scenic areas outside the central tourist zones

• Destination museums known for their stunning visuals

• Private transportation excursions

• Classroom critique sessions

• Free exploration day

A NOTE ABOUT THE ITINERARY

To preserve the unique character of the workshop experience, certain locations and detailed scheduling information are intentionally omitted from the public itinerary.

A complete detailed itinerary will be provided to confirmed participants and those holding a refundable reservation deposit.

WHO THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR

This workshop is ideal for photographers seeking:

• a slower and more immersive experience of Japan

• meaningful photographic instruction in the field

• visual storytelling and atmosphere over checklist tourism

• access to quieter and lesser-known locations

• a highly personalized small-group environment

Participants of all skill levels are welcome.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Accommodation during workshop dates: 12 nights for main tour, 2 nights for Tokyo extension)

• Ground transportation during scheduled workshop activities

• Instruction and critiques by Arthur, George, and co. both in classroom and in the field

• Translation and logistical support from the Nobechi Creative Team

• Welcome and select group dinners: 9 dinners on the main tour (1 night free in Nara, 2 nights free in Kyoto) + 2 dinners on the extension

• Breakfast everyday

• Extensive info pack on travel to Japan

• Detailed itinerary

What's not included

• International travel

• Pre/Post-trip additional hotel stays

• Alcohol (except for welcome and farewell dinners)

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

• Meals not listed above, including all lunches such that participants can maximize their photography time as they best see fit (cheapest meal of the day, budget $10~$15)

• Incidentals

PRICING

Main Workshop

November 9–20, 2026

Early Bird Pricing (through MaY 31, 2026)

• $9,795 USD per person (double occupancy) when paid by bank wire

• Single Supplement: $1,600 USD

Standard Pricing (FROM June 1, 2026)

• $10,295 USD per person (double occupancy) when paid by bank wire

• Single Supplement: $1,600 USD

Credit card payments add $300 USD per person.

OPTIONAL TOKYO EXTENSION

November 7–8, 2026

• $1,995 USD per person (double occupancy)

• Single Supplement: $250 USD

Credit card payments add $70 USD per person.

Payment schedule: Deposit due upon registration

2nd installment, 50% of the balance is due upon the trip reaching minimum enrollment (8 people)

3rd installment due 60 days before the start of the trip.

RESERVATION INFORMATION

A refundable reservation deposit of $2,500 (+$300 if adding extension) is required in order to secure a space and receive the complete detailed itinerary. You may pay the deposit by credit card and still pay the balance by bank wire to receive the bank wire rate.

Because of the extremely limited group size, participation is by application and confirmation. Because of the extremely limited group size (maximum 10/11 participants), we recommend early inquiry and reservation.

Note as of May 31: This workshop is now full and we are starting a cancellation waitlist. Please fill out the form below to join the waitlist.

2026 Cancellation Policy:

On initial sign-up, you will receive access to a more detailed itinerary, which you will have 72 hours to review. You may cancel your deposit and receive a refund in full, minus a 4% credit card processing fee up to this point.

• 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

About Arthur Meyerson