inland seas and verdant gardens

An inspirational journey through traditional and contemporary Japanese art

with Aline Smithson

Dates: April 11th - 22nd, 2025

OVERVIEW

Next Spring, prepare for a transformational workshop experience through beauty, nature, art, and culture with artist and Lenscratch founder Aline Smithson and photographer and Karuizawa Foto Fest (and Nobechi Creative) Director George Nobechi! This special workshop will explore museums and gardens in Shikoku, visit the “Art Islands” of the Seto Inland Sea, and the historic old capital of Kyoto, each providing a unique understanding of traditional and contemporary Japanese sensibilities and art.

As an educator, artist, and human, I have found that Japan offers a singular space for contemplation and inspiration. I believe in the potential of every photographic artist and feel strongly that each participant feels seen and encouraged. I will be offering creative lectures sparking group conversation and one-on-one time focused on your work. There is something that happens when you travel with a camera. Photographers are able to connect with their own inner dialogues, renewing a sense of purpose and self. There is a particular magic that comes from a community of photographers experiencing beauty and spirituality in harmony.

This amazing workshop can be approached from a variety of ways: as an artist residency, with time away from the roar of your life, a time of gathering images and ideas to create a bigger project down the road, a metaphor for your own life and journey, or documentation of an exquisite place in the world, told from the perspective of a photographic artist. I will be your support and sounding board along the way. I also believe in the power of community so in sharing this magical experience, we will be forever bonded.

Aline Smithson

Dates

Applications Open Sep 11, 2024. Application Deadline Oct 1, 2024 (We will review applications in the order they are received. So please don’t hesitate to fill out the form as soon as possible if you wish to join us on this special journey)

Main Workshop April 11 - 22, 2025

Karuizawa Foto Fest Option April 25, 26, 27 (OPEN TO NON-WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS)
(Participants should depart North America/Europe by April 9 to arrive on the 10th before the workshop meets on the 11th and fly out on April 23 or later).

April 11 - TOKYO

Museum visit, welcome dinner, etc.

April 12, 13, 14 - TAKAMATSU

Touring museums, gardens and visiting some of the smaller, lesser known but incredibly picturesque art islands by ferry. Also includes a special visit to a Japanese paper making facility (Awagami Factory).

April 15, 16 - NAOSHIMA*

You will be required to make your own hotel booking online in mid-October 2024 following our detailed instructions due to restrictions on group sizes at the Benesse House Hotel. Visiting the many iconic art sites of Naoshima and Teshima Islands.

April 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 - KYOTO

Visiting a curated list of both iconic and lesser known temples, shrines, gardens, natural settings, teahouses, museums and artisans.

April 22 - TOKYO

Free time and farewell dinner.

Karuizawa Foto Fest (KFF) Extension Option: April 25~27, 2025 *ALSO OPEN TO NON-WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

April 25 - Travel to Karuizawa, Nagano (via bullet train approx. 70mins), tour museums

April 26 - Karuizawa Foto Fest opening day - award winners announced, group show opening receptions, Aline artist talk and dinner

April 27 - Portfolio Reviews with bilingual, influential Japanese curators, photo editors, festival directors, tastemakers and Aline. Gallery tour by Aline.

April 28 - return to Tokyo via bullet train.

What’s included(MAIN TOUR)

• 10 nights accommodations

• 10 breakfasts

• 7 group dinners (Tokyo x 2, Takamatsu x 3, Kyoto x 2 - dinner on your own x 2 in Naoshima at your hotel, x 3 in Kyoto for you to explore (we will provide you with a list of restaurants we love)

• Location admissions and rental costs of vans, etc.

• Aline’s instruction and feedback, George’s bilingual assistance and guidance

• Domestic flight from Tokyo to Takamatsu, and all other transportation undertaken by the group including bullet trains, etc.

• Detailed info pack on travel to Japan

What’s not included

• International travel

• 2 nights at the Benesse House Hotel (you must make your own arrangements *please refer to notes)

• Lunches (cheapest meal of the day in Japan)

• Dinners on your own per above.

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

• Travel/Trip insurance

  What’s included(KFF EXTENSION - OPEN TO NOn WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS)

• 3 nights accommodations at a 4-star hotel

• Roundtrip bullet train tickets Tokyo-Karuizawa

• 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners (including opening VIP dinner with collectors, sponsors, guests, etc), 3 lunches

• Festival pass to talks, events, reception with Aline Smithson.

• Admission to Karuizawa areas’s inspirational museums such as the Miyota Museum of Photography, Hiroshi Senju Museum

• Private van for transportation to/from events.

  WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED (KFF EXTENSION)

• Optional add-on portfolio review with Japan-based and international gallery owners, publishers and more.

• Alcohol (except at events such as receptions, VIP dinner, where it is provided)

• Hotel nights in between end of main tour and extension (April 23 and 24)

Class Size

• Main workshop limited to 8 registrants, by application via the form below. No restrictions on Karuizawa Foto Fest options.

Tuition

• $8,995 per person double occupancy (when paid by bank wire) + $345 for credit card. Single supplement: $1250

• Karuizawa Foto Fest Option: As add-on: $1750 per person double occupancy. As standalone: $1950. Single supplement: $350. Registration for this plan will commence after main workshop applicants are set.

• Payment schedule: $2500 deposit upon acceptance to the workshop by Aline and George

• 50% of balance due December 1, 2024

• Remainder due January 15, 2025

  Cancellation Policy:

• Up to 90 days prior to the trip: 10% fee

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

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

  It is our advice to not book international travel until we have officially confirmed that the trip will proceed.

  *Travel insurance is required unless a waiver release is signed.

Application Process:

Applications to the workshop are open Sep 11~Oct 1, 2025. Please fill out the form below to register your interest. You will be required to make your own booking for a hotel room in Naoshima of your choice in mid-October US time following our detailed instructions, which will be provided to you if your application is approved. Please make sure you are aware of this before registering. Registration for the Karuizawa Foto Fest Option will commence after main workshop registration is set.

About Aline Smithson