Kanazawa: Zen, gardens, and vibrant streets

A Nobechi Creative exclusive master class workshop with Sam Abell

Dates: Oct 29th - Nov 8th, 2025

Overview

Join renowned photographer Sam Abell for an exclusive workshop dedicated to documenting life in Kanazawa, one of the most culturally significant and fascinating cities in Japan.

This nine (or ten) photographer workshop is scaled to be both intimate and involving. It will emphasize both fieldwork and classroom learning with one of photography's most esteemed teachers.

First as a group, then as independently-motivated photographers, we will intensively explore this visually rich city, famed for its gardens, museums and contemporary culture.

The high but attainable goal of this workshop is to deepen our lives by generating original photographs--those that express both ourselves and the unique culture of Japan.

Of Kanazawa, Sam says, "My previous time there was remarkably productive. But it was too brief. Since then I've wanted to return with other like-minded photographers. This is that longed-for opportunity. 'Kanazawa' will be a memorable workshop."

NOTE: We meet in Tokyo in the late afternoon of October 29th for orientation and a welcome dinner. Please arrive in Tokyo by that time. We depart bright and early for Kanazawa on October 30th. We return to Tokyo on November 8th, and have an optional group dinner that night ($75 per person extra) with Nevada Wier’s tour participants. Or you may fly out that evening if you wish and receive a one night hotel discount from the cost of the tour. Please note that the journey from Kanazawa to Tokyo takes 3 hours and we will be expecting to be back in Tokyo around 3pm, so please plan accordingly.

The class consists of October 29, 30, 31 - group activities in Tokyo and Kanazawa, then November 1~6 photographing largely on your own for fieldwork, plus daily classroom lessons and feedback with Sam, and one-on-one consultations.

We will have a team of 3 experienced staff: George Nobechi, Hisa Ishihara and Fernanda De Icaza on this workshop available to assist participants on their projects and to operate as guides.

Class Size

Limited to 9 or 10 registrants, depending on duo/single breakdown - this workshop has an application process (please fill out the form below)

Included

• 11 nights of hotel accommodations (Oct 29 - Nov 8 inclusive)

• 11 breakfasts (daily)

• 1 Lunch in Kanazawa

• Welcome Dinner in Kanazawa

• Farewell Dinner in Kanazawa

• Two more dinners in Kanazawa

• All domestic transportation

• All group admissions, location fees

• Instruction and guidance from Sam Abell and the Nobechi Creative Team

• Detailed information package and full itinerary

• Bilingual support during the trip

Not included

• International airfare

• Extra hotel nights on the front and back end (these will be made available to you to book through a form to receive our discounted block rates).

• Meals not marked in the itinerary including lunch daily (as you will want to spend your hours how you wish between photography and meals)

• Alcohol (except at welcome and farewell dinner)

• Optional final night dinner in Tokyo November 8th (+$75 per person).

• Travel Insurance

• Incidentals

• Admissions or costs incurred by you in your individual project pursuits

Tuition

• $10,350 US per person, double occupancy for bank wire. For credit card payment add $365. Single supplement $750.

• $2,500 deposit to register

Maximum of 10 students, minimum 8, depending on breakdowns of duos/singles.

Payment schedule

• $2,500 deposit per person to register (pay by credit card, processing fee will be waived if the balance is paid by wire).

• When there are 8 registrants, half of the remaining balance will be due

• The remaining balance is due 90 days before the start of the workshop

2025 Cancellation Policy:

• Up to 120 days before the trip: 50% of the deposit

• 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 travel until we have officially confirmed that the trip will proceed (minimum 8)

  *Travel insurance is required unless an additional waiver release is signed.

THIS MASTER CLASS REQUIRES A BRIEF PORTFOLIO REVIEW BY SAM AND IS CURRENTLY WAITLISTED. TO APPLY, PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW AND LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE/WORK.

About Sam abell