Japan tradition and unique art culture is calling you! Is nature your muse, inspiration, or collaborator? Let your creativity FLOW on a 10-day travel experience with nature and art as the primary focus in Japan featuring some of the amazing sites and off-the-beaten path with up to a dozen creative people.
May 14 - 24, 2027 with two hubs - Osaka and Okayama - to explore the region with numerous art and culture destinations.
The goal for this trip is to have an art and nature immersion with fellow creatives who want to photograph, draw, paint, write/journal, doodle, and otherwise explore art and culture activities such as shrines, temples, gardens, and galleries or museums. If you are looking for a more enriching experience than photo ops for social media, travel with creative friends and spend time in walkabouts at various times of day or night, have sit spots for drawing/painting, and likely converse over meals about whatever we saw that day. If you love to explore with your visual sensibilities, but that annoys your regular travel mates then this experience is up your alley.
Have you ever wanted to travel to Japan, but worried about logistics, the planning, or the language? This is the 3rd in a series of 4 annual group artist/writer travel experiences in Japan - each with their specific and unique itinerary. The 2027 program is a shorter opportunity that emphasizes day trips that you decide what you want to do each day. A group may decide to go to the same place for example one day we'll explore the famous art islands like Naoshima that features the giant Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama. Or maybe you just want to spend a day quietly on your own at one of the most famous Japanese gardens.
By train you can choose your own adventure with these hub locations such as Hiroshima, Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto, or Nara among other options.
2027 plans - Fly into Osaka that is a hub for 4 nights and then 6 nights hub in Okayama.
For complete details visit: https://www.sarasvati.space/japan-2027
This is not a typical tourist trip where you can just click a button to book. It starts with a video chat conversation and a group organically develops. Depending on the total number in the group, the lodging will either be hotels (double standard or upgrade to single) or a large shared house so you can get the feel of a real Japanese neighborhood and even have access to a kitchen for your own meals.
$300 deposit (150 non-refundable) and a payment plan with the full amount of $1500 due no later than March 2027. Those who confirm participation later in the year, the program fee will increase. Flights to Japan and meals are on your own. Please visit the full program page for all of the details.
Applications accepted until the max participation number is filled even after the August deadline. A waitlist will be created if the program is full. Or you may want to look at the 2028 agenda.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Applicants with nature as their muse, inspiration, or collaborator will receive priority.
Individuals must demonstrate an interest in taking creative practice on the road and why the specific location of Japan would be beneficial.
Individuals must demonstrate ability to travel with a group and be amenable to either a shared house, possibly traditional sleeping on futons, or we may be booked in a double occupancy hotel (single upgrade available). Participants must be willing to adjust personal habits to adapt to the culture in Japan such as not eating while walking, remaining relatively quiet on public trains and buses, not wearing shoes inside. Participants must be willing to travel light and not take luggage larger than a carry-on meaning you may need to do laundry at some point during the trip. You must be able to carry your own luggage through train stations and up/down lots of stairs as elevators and escalators are not as often available or are really out of the way when traveling with 12 people.
Participants must be adaptable and willing to go with the flow. We may have a general itinerary for the day or it may be a spontaneous adventure. There are some days that you'll be able to split off on your own or in small groups depending on the particular place. Val will be coordinating the trip and act as a guide to get us to each destination, but much of the time will be on your own.
Participants should be more interested in the creative and cultural experience rather than partying all night or drinking like a salaryman having a bad hang-over. Reminder that smoking is still allowed in some restaurants, but not while walking on streets. Prefer participants who are non-smokers and non-vapers as well as those who are moderate or limited in alcohol consumption. Participants should be willing to try the cuisine or at least be open to the various options knowing that sometimes we cannot find a restaurant to suit each person in that moment.
Note: If you are on anti-anxiety or other medication, please note that some prescription medications in the U.S. are illegal in Japan. If you are uncomfortable in crowds or have any travel anxiety issues such as panic attacks in place or not knowing where we are going, this is probably not the trip for you. Vegetarians and other special diets are often okay in Japan, but if you don't want to deal with asking, seeing or smelling fish, etc. then this may not be the dream for you.
This is a special travel experience. The costs for the 2027 program are currently $1,500 and may be adjusted based on the exchange rate predictions. This program is 10 nights and may include a regional rail pass. There is little to no assistance or daily guide included in this program fee, however, you'll receive an extensive list of recommendations as part of the travel package.
$300 deposit will hold your spot ($150 is non-refundable). Payment plans are available based on registration date.