Japan In Winter Light Photo Tour by George Nobechi

JAPAN IN WINTER LIGHT

WITH ARTHUR MEYERSON & GEORGE NOBECHI BUMSTEAD © Arthur Meyerson

February 13-21, 2016: Traditional Light, Classic Japan February 21-27, 2016: Magical Light, Extraordinary Japan

he first tour, Traditional Light, Classic Japan, features many of Japan’s iconic locations, but with a fresh perspective to offer a variety of new experiences. The trip features four of Japan’s capital cities, both past and present, beginning with the modern cultural marvel that is Tokyo, one of the world’s great metropolises. Tokyo abounds with amazing architecture, energy, and people, but it is also an overwhelming place to be without a local guide. Fear not! Arthur and George are there to guide you expertly through the fascinating maze that is this city. We then visit Kamakura to the south, a beautiful, quaint seaside city that was once a thriving capital, with a rich offering of a variety of authentic locations and experiences. Later in the week, we take in the stunning centers of ancient Japanese culture: Kyoto and Nara. There, we explore some of Japan’s most famous temples and gardens and streets, taking advantage of the soft winter light and lesser crowds.

This inspiring week culminates in Koyasan, the heart of Japanese Buddhism. Amid the rustic beauty of this holy mountain sanctuary, we experience a magical stay at a temple monastery. Traditional Light, Classic Japan concludes when we are whisked back into the world of the modern, with a first class ride aboard Japan’s world-famous bullet train to Tokyo.

he second expedition, Magical Light, Extraordinary Japan, offers you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience many of Japan’s most extraordinary winter scenes. Japan is 80% mountainous. For its people, adapting to this environment has been an integral part of the country’s long history. This tour showcases some of Japan’s most amazing photographic opportunities, many of which are still “under-discovered” by much of the world.

JAPAN IN WINTER LIGHT With Arthur Meyerson and George Nobechi Bumstead

February 13-21, 2016: Traditional Light, Classic Japan | February 21-27, 2016: Magical Light, Extraordinary Japan

From Tokyo we head north, traveling first class via bullet train and private coach into the snow-covered mountains of Nagano to visit Jigokudani, an active hot spring area and home to the Japanese macaque, better known as the “snow monkey.” After photographing these charismatic bathers warming themselves in the springs, we set out for the beautiful mountain city of Takayama, fast becoming known around the world for its gorgeous setting, cultural heritage, and small-town charm. The old city of Takayama is a stunningly well-preserved area of traditional Japanese stores, artisans and craftsmen, sake brewers and miso makers. The famous Miyagawa River with its many bridges runs through the heart of the city, giving it its soul. It is the center of production for Hida Beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu varieties. Hida Beef has twice won the prize for being the best beef in Japan—yes, even ahead of Kobe Beef.

n 1984, Arthur Meyerson travelled to Japan to participate in a photo tour led by the great color photographer Ernst Haas. The trip was a life-changing experience for him photographically and personally. Ever since then, Arthur has wanted to share his experience with other photographers. Now, Santa Fe Photographic Workshops is pleased to announce that Arthur, with the help of Toyko-born George Bumstead, is leading a pair of photographic expeditions to this fascinating country. “Of all the places I’ve travelled, the one place where I truly feel like a stranger in a strange land is Japan. Over the years, I have made many trips to this exotic country and I continue to appreciate the Japanese aesthetic. With a homogenous culture that blends its unique traditions, both ancient and modern, Japan is a potpourri of photographic opportunities,” says Arthur.

“These tours give you the opportunity to see and observe the people, the culture, the nightlife, the food, the architecture, the artisans, the snow monkeys, and the distinctive landscape of Japan. And we will have the chance to experience it all in the splendor of winter light!” The expeditions, available to be booked separately or together, are timed to take advantage of Japan’s beautiful winter scenes and avoid the crowds of tourists typical during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. To provide you with the best photographic opportunities that the country has to offer, the schedule for each week takes you to Arthur’s favorite locations and also to extraordinary locations scouted by George. To heighten this rich experience we have the benefit of staying in a combination of Western-style hotels, traditional Japanese inns, and even the unique opportunity to stay in a Buddhist temple.

From Takayama, we take a short, private coach ride through an impressive array of tunnels and mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago. One of Japan’s truly remarkable sites, this small village nestled in a tranquil river valley resembles a real-life snow globe, as this area receives annual snowfall in excess of 415 inches (34 feet!). The result of adapting to this climate has been for the people to build special thatched, steeplyroofed A-frame houses to help combat the heavy snow. The people are hardy and warm, welcoming us to their village. This is a truly remarkable site to photograph and is sure to be one of the most memorable locations on the trip.

EXPEDITION LEADERS

rthur Meyerson is one of America’s most celebrated photographers. For over 40 years, he has traveled the world photographing for corporate, advertising, and editorial clients. His fascination with light, color, and the moment continues and has culminated in his highly acclaimed book, The Color of Light, a retrospective of his personal color work. Feature articles about Arthur have appeared in books and magazines in the United States and abroad. He is a Nikon “Legend Behind the Lens” and was honored by the Houston Advertising Federation as the inaugural recipient of the Only In Houston award for individuals “whose creativity and passion for art have brought recognition to the city of Houston.” A photographer with a strong commitment to his profession, Arthur is a highly sought after teacher of photographic workshops, photo tour leader, and participates in speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is a member of the Board of Advisors for Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and has served on the Advisory Council for the Santa Fe Center for Photography as well as the Houston Center for Photography.

G © Arthur Meyerson

rom Shirakawago, we travel down from the mountains to be warmed by the energy of Kanazawa, the charming city near the Sea of Japan. Kanazawa was the capital of the once-glorious Kaga Province, ruled by the Maeda Clan, and was one of the richest cities in the entire country. It was also a major center for trade. The result is a remarkable combination of outstanding food (including amazing fresh seafood), a stunning castle, the biggest collection of temples outside of Kyoto, and Japan’s most famous garden—Kenrokuen, with its iconic stone lantern and gigantic and ancient Japanese pine trees. Kanazawa also features two distinct teahouse districts (Higashi and Nishi Chaya) and a quiet neighborhood of old samurai mansions. It is also a city of modern architectural marvels, including its modern art museum and the brand new bullet train station, from where we depart for Tokyo on the recently opened Hokuriku bullet train line, of course traveling in the comfort of first class.

eorge Nobechi Bumstead was born in Tokyo and lived there for over 20 years across two different decades. His career in the financial services industry spanned 15 years; before leaving finance for photography his position was as Executive Director and Head of Asian Cash Trading for JPMorgan in New York. He began exploring his dream to become a photographer with the encouragement of his mentors and inspirations, Brett Erickson and Sam Abell. In 2015, he became a Work Study and Course Coordinator seasonal staff member at Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, where he first met Arthur. Fully bilingual and versed in guiding people around his homeland, George has hosted numerous VIPs and clients on their visits to Japan. He is an experienced traveler, having been to 43 countries, and is passionate and knowledgeable about the food at Tokyo’s best restaurants. Recently, George spent two months in Japan, photographing the countryside and scouting locations for this tour.

$5,995; includes eight nights double occupancy (single supplement $1,200); airport transfers and all ground transportation; all breakfasts, one group lunch, and six group dinners; all admission fees, a geisha show and rickshaw ride.

Magical Light, Extraordinary Japan

$5,345; includes seven nights double occupancy (single supplement $800); airport transfers and all ground transportation; all breakfasts, one group lunch, and five group dinners; and all admission fees.

Throughout both weeks, we immerse ourselves in the wonders of Japan, experiencing its beauty, learning about its unique culture, and meeting its extraordinary people. These expeditions offer you the extraordinary opportunity to see and photograph in some of Japan’s best-known locations and also to make images in places that are different. Pack a good pair of boots, winter socks, a warm jacket, your camera, and your sense of adventure, and join us to see the splendor of Japan in Winter Light.

Discounted price for booking both expeditions: $9,990, double occupancy (single supplement $1,800)

Space is limited: Call Santa Fe Photographic Workshops at 505-983-1400 ext. 111 to reserve your space today!