Japan: Faces of Tradition
Artistry of an ancient culture
Capturing the beauty and heritage unique to Japan
with Ira Block, Jock Montgomery, and Annie Miniscloux
May 8 – 20, 2024 — a 13-day photography workshop
This trip is full; contact Jock to be added to the waiting list.
Introduction
“Japan offers as much novelty perhaps as an excursion to another planet.” These words were uttered by English explorer Isabella Bird over 100 years ago. The sentiment remains true today.
On this photography workshop we visit tranquil forests of cedar marked by the sweeping lines of Shinto shrine gates; get behind the scenes with a geisha as she goes through the steps of time-honored tradition; get up close with Kendo martial artists and sword-making bladesmiths employing centuries-old skills; and explore temple gardens and thatch roof villages, meticulously manicured yet blending effortlessly with the asymmetry of nature. Every day a unique experience, every day a chance to photograph something found nowhere else in this world.
We begin our journey in Tokyo, where the serenity and beauty of Meiji Shrine stands just minutes away from the pop culture mecca of Takeshita Street and one-of-a-kind Shibuya Crossing, host to as many as half a million pedestrians a day. Leaving the world’s largest city, we travel the countryside, getting up close with the many faces of Japan’s cultural heritage: martial arts and tea ceremony; bamboo forests and gardens of moss; and a healthy helping of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites that dot the Japanese landscape and color the ancient capital of Kyoto. We visit iconic Mt. Fuji, then return to Tokyo to take in the excitement and devotion of the Sanja Festival.
This photography workshop is indeed a journey to another world. Join us for an experience you will never forget.
Highlights
- Zoom your photography skills ahead with guidance from National Geographic photojournalist Ira Block and adventure photographer Jock Montgomery
- Trend through the latest in style, exploring the strikingly modern and youthful boutiques of Tokyo’s famous Harajuku and Ginza Districts
- Cross paths with thousands as you photograph the Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, where thousands of pedestrians and hundreds of vehicles pass by with each change of the traffic lights–the world busiest intersection
- Take your senses (and camera) on a cruise aboard a traditional Yakatabune dinner cruise at sunset in Tokyo Bay
- Travel first class in high speed bullet trains (with your luggage shipped directly to the next hotel)
- Experience the way of Samurai at a Kendo center, photographing young and old as they train and compete in this martial art using armor and bamboo swords
- Gain intimate access to the legendary artistry of the Geisha shooting portraits and enjoying a traditional dance performance and formal meal at a private estate
- Set your cameras to Zen visiting the impressive temples and quintessential Japanese rock gardens of Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto – both are World Heritage sites
- Focus on the stillness of the UNESCO World Heritage-Designated Saiho-ji and Tenryu-Ji temples and gardens in Kyoto
- Elevate your photography skills to new heights – with Mt. Fuji in the background
- Immerse yourself in the Sanja Matsuri Shinto festival – one of the largest in Japan – capturing all the excitement and devotion of the crowds
Rooftops in Kyoto
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Fushimi Inari Shrine
A sushi restaurant in Tokyo
Ira Block
Dear Photographers,Itinerary
Jock Montgomery
In 1983 Jock moved to Nepal to train raft guides and lead river expeditions and treks across much of the Himalayas. He was based in Kathmandu for twelve years and, along with Annie, was in Bangkok for thirty years. They are now based in northern Vermont.
Jock is in demand as a commercial and editorial assignment photographer. He teaches and leads private photography workshops. He shoots magazine features, resorts, industry, portraits, and products and specializes in adventure sports photography. His work has been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, CNN Traveler, Travel + Leisure (SE Asia), Discovery Channel, GEO (Germany, Russia), Outside, The North Face, Patagonia Inc., Oriental Hotel (Bangkok), Marriott Hotel (Bangkok), Kodak, IBM, UNICEF, UNESCO and Thai International. Visit his photography website: Jock Montgomery Photography.
Annie Miniscloux
Annie is one of Compass Rose’s most enthusiastic and engaging trip leaders. She is a passionate sea kayaker, mtn biking, and hiker. With a deep knowledge of Asia and Europe, she will assist you in your personal exploration on any trip to discover not just the trails and the people we meet along the way but also the little things in daily life that are easily overlooked.
In Thailand, she organizes private culinary tours throughout the country and custom walking and bicycling tours along the backstreets of Bangkok.
When Annie’s not out in the wilderness, you will probably find her searching a nearby kitchen with a spoon in her hand and her eye out for a new way to cook almost anything.
Gallery
Dates and Prices
Dates
May 8 – 20, 2024, a 13-day photography workshop
Prices (in US $)
- Per person based on group size
- $14,885.00 with 12 participants
- There is no single room charge for solo travelers
- Non-photographing spouses are welcome to join us
- $9,890.00
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $1250, non-refundable
- Balance Due: 90 days prior to departure
Cancellation Fees
- 61-90 days prior to departure, 50% of the trip cost
- 60 days or less prior to departure, 100% of the trip cost
Required
- Traveler’s health insurance is required, and cancellation insurance is highly recommended.
- Click here for more information about travel insurance
What is Included
- All ground transportation and entrance fees
- Meals, as specified in the itinerary above, are included (B, L, D); three lunches and two dinners are not included.
- Accommodations
- Customary tips to our drivers and guides
What is not included
- Airfares and visas
- Personal expenses, including immunizations, laundry, snacks, drinks, alcohol, etc.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, flight cancellations, road conditions, and any other circumstances beyond our control.