DESCRIPTION:

Ever seen hundreds of Jizo statues, stayed at a temple, or wondered how a pilgrimage trail has compelled people for over a thousand years? Have you washed away the day’s fatigue in a soothing onsen that is also a World Heritage Site? Have you smelled Kimchi in the air of a Korean market, or witnessed the bright lights of downtown Osaka? Have you visited a traditional craftsman and National Treasure in his very own thatched-roof workshop? Have you seen a moss garden, or waited for a Geisha to quietly rush from one establishment in Gion to the next? If you ever wanted to venture further with your photography than what meets the eye, if you are curious and interested in cultural experiences different from your own, then join us for our fall photographic journey in Japan.

 

Japan is vibrant and colorful. It is a country where the traditional and the modern collide. Where age-old customs and rituals survive, while the brash thrust of modernity continues to hurtle forward, as evidenced in its neon-lit, and concrete city-scapes. Time-honored Japanese traditions, including sumo wrestling, tea ceremony and meditation, are still prevalent practices, but Japan is also a breeding ground for cutting edge subcultures and bold and bright street fashions. With such a multifaceted culture encompassing so many different aspects, Japanese culture resists easy definition; it has to be experienced from the inside.

On this photographic journey, not only will you get to observe the uniqueness and the contradictions of Japan, but you will also photograph life close-up. Documentary photographers will find interesting backdrops, events and subjects around every corner. The locations visited during the photography journey, which range from ancient mountaintop pilgrimage sites to the steel and the concrete metropolis of Osaka, will be an abundant source of inspiration and will provide photographic challenges to help participants hone their skills.

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You will receive lots of personal attention by your guide and photography expert Magdalena Solé in a small group of 8 participants maximum. Magdalena has photographed extensively in Japan covering the 2011 Tsunami and the ensuing nuclear fallout. We will also be joined by Osaka photographer Hiroshi Yamauchi, who will offer a unique insight into the Japanese culture.

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PRICE INCLUDES:

In-country flights, round-trip airport transfers, all nights’ accommodations (based on double occupancy), group bus and car rentals, Japanese speaking guides and local photographer, all breakfasts, and five dinners.

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PAYMENTS DUE:

Your deposit of $800 is due by January 31. On February 5 I will inform everyone if the trip is a go. If the trip is a no-go the deposit will be returned in full. If the trip is a go the deposit becomes non-refundable.

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The balance of the payments due are to be made by July 1st.

 

Our travel partner is InsideJapan Tours, experts in arranging travel to Japan, who will handle all the travel logistics and reservations for us.

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Please see our cancellation policy.

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NOT INCLUDED:

International Airfare.

Single accommodation supplement (if applicable) = US$640

Please note that the travel costs for the trip might fluctuate before it is finalized on February 5 due to rate changes beyond our control. We will make every effort to keep the costs the same.

 

DON'T FORGET:

To reserve a spot you need to send in your deposit of $800 to SolePictures as soon as possible, as this trip could sell out quickly. When you fill out the sign-up form it will take you to the payment page where you can submit payment via credit card. You can also send payment by check.