KYOTO: A VISUAL IMMERSION
Greetings! I invite you to join me and David Brookover when we return to Japan in the late autumn for an immersive photographic experience overflowing with visual inspiration.
This year’s trip, which runs from November 30 to December 11, will be based in Kyoto. Settling into this charming city for 10 days offers us ample opportunity to more deeply explore Japanese culture with cameras in hand.
Once the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto is steeped in history and tradition. Gardens, temples, and shrines are abundant throughout the city—totaling in the thousands, and Kyoto is also home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.
While Kyoto serves as our primary location, we’ll also take a few excursions beyond the city to Osaka, Kobe, and Kayabuki No Sato. Each of these locations offers alternative views of rural and urban Japan as well as unique photographic subject matter.
For those with more available time, we invite you to consider joining us for an optional pre-workshop trip to Koyasan as well – more details about this below.
EXPERIENCE NOTES
Kyoto offers endless options for photographic and cultural exploration. Among the experiences you can anticipate will be:
Visits to select temples and shrines that immerse you in peak autumn color during the day and magical illuminations at night.
An in-depth tour of Benrido Atelier—one of only two locations in the world with expertise in collotype printing.
An evening with maiko-san for games, song, and an informal photoshoot.
Kyoto gardens—from the expansive National Garden surrounding the imperial palace to an intimate moss gardens in the Arashiyama district.
Exclusive performances and photoshoots with a Butoh dancer and a master of Noh theater.
Dinner and live music at Japan’s finest Honky Tonk!
Three excursions beyond Kyoto will include:
A journey to Kayabuki No Sato. This rural setting is filled with traditional thatched Japanese homes set against a mountain backdrop.
A day trip to Kobe where we’ll marvel at Tadao Ando’s modern architecture and visit one of several Sake Breweries in the area.
A ride on a scenic train to Osaka for an evening filled with the nightlife and energy of the Dotonbori district.
While not physically rigorous, we will walk a lot during this trip. You can expect 1-4 miles each day. Traveling light with gear is encouraged!
Two interpreters will travel with the group to ease communications and travel logistics.
Optional Pre-Workshop Experience in Koyasan (additional fees required - see below)
Space is available for three individuals to join David and me on a visit to Koyasan November 26-29. We are “scouting” this location for future workshops. Koyasan, the seat of Shingon Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located a few hours from Kyoto on the sacred Mount Koya. We’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery for two nights and experience temple life alongside Buddhist monks. Please note that these are traditional Japanese-style accommodations. You will have a private room with tatami mats for sleeping; bathrooms and washrooms will be shared.
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTES
David Brookover and I will co-lead this workshop. We are excited to get to know you and your work, and look forward to supporting your growth as a photographer through the experiences we have planned. Here’s what you can expect in terms of instruction:
Two online “prep” sessions several weeks before the group gathers on location. One of these will cover context—consideration of Japanese photo history and aesthetic concepts. One will cover what to pack and other logistical topics.
Individual zoom calls with David and me prior to arriving in Japan—this is an opportunity to identify goals and lay the groundwork for customized photography guidance.
Individual and small group instruction in Japan while visiting locations and participating in various activities.
Multiple roundtable image sessions in Japan—approximately every other day—that allow the group to review new work.
An online “reunion” and final image review several weeks after returning from Japan.
This experience is designed for photographers of any level, but please note that we will not cover basic camera handling skills. You should be adept with your own gear and understand general concepts, such as exposure and focusing.
DATES & SCHEDULE
Online Prep Sessions:
Group Zooms: October and November, dates/times TBA (Central Time)
Individual Zooms: November 2-9, 2025, times TBD (Central Time)
Itinerary Overview:
November 30: Group gathers in Kyoto - hotel check in and welcome dinner
December 1-10: Kyoto experiences and three excursions beyond the city
December 11: Final morning/breakfast - individuals depart
More details will be shared with registrants in early November.
GROUP SIZE
The minimum registration is 6 photographers. We anticipate a group of 10-15 total.
$11,750 per photographer for the Kyoto-based experience (Nov. 30-Dec. 11).
$3,900 per photographer for the OPTIONAL Koyasan Trip (Nov. 26-29).
Pay the $3,500 deposit to register and secure your spot.
50% of the balance is due once we reach the minimum 6 registrations*.
The full remaining balance is due October 6, 2025.
We will communicate regularly regarding the trip status. Payment notifications will include an invoice with online payment details.
Please reach out to us for details if you wish to make your payment via wire transfer.
*Please do not book international travel until we officially confirm the trip.
What’s included in the Kyoto-based trip:
11 nights accommodations – Gion Misen Furumonzen and Shin-Furumonzen Hotels
11 breakfasts
3 group dinners and 1 group lunch
Personalized photography instruction/coaching from David and Ted
Online prep and post-trip sessions
Interpreters
All domestic travel: trains, ubers, and taxis
All admissions to temples, museums, and special group activities/events
What’s not included in the Kyoto-based trip:
International airfare and airport transfers
Travel health insurance – AAA is one recommendation; search Squaremouth for additional provider plans and rates
Extra nights at hotels
Meals not indicated above
Alcohol (except at designated events, such as group dinners)
OPTIONAL Koyasan trip includes:
2 nights in Kyoto (Nov. 26 and 29) at Gion Misen Furumonzen or Shin-Furumonzen
2 nights in Koyasan at the Ekoin Temple
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
All transportation to/from Koyasan
Temple entrance fees and Okunoin cemetery tour
CANCELLATION POLICY
Up to 110 days before the trip: 50% of the deposit is forfeited
109~80 days prior to the trip: 100% of the deposit
79~50 days prior to the trip: 50% of total fee forfeited
49~0 days prior to the trip 100% of total fee
All cancellations must be submitted via email to studio@tedforbes.com.
If we cancel for any reason, full refunds will be issued.
FEE INFORMATION