Japan Photoshoot Event 2026

The Event

Art, culture & the Japanese countryside

In November 2026, I am organising my first Japan photoshoot event — and I want it to be something truly unforgettable. Five days, one extraordinary location, and a small, carefully curated group of photographers ready to create magic.

This experience is set in the stunning Yamanashi countryside, just over an hour from central Tokyo — a world away from the city, yet never far from it. Autumn in Japan is extraordinary: golden light, crimson foliage, mild temperatures and none of the spring crowds.

We are joined by all-round photographer and seasoned Japan traveller Ofir Abe, who knows this country inside out.

5 days of
shooting

Our Base

A 150-year-old Edo Period farmhouse

Our creative base for the week is something quite special. Built over 150 years ago using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques and sustainably harvested local materials, this fully renovated traditional farmhouse in the Yamanashi countryside is a rare find. Photographers stay at a comfortable nearby hotel and are transported to and from the farmhouse each day.

The open-plan ground floor — warm wooden beams, tatami textures, timeless atmosphere — makes it the perfect canvas for creative photography. Farm-to-table meals, clean countryside air and the kind of silence that inspires.

The house dates back to the late Edo Period — fully insulated and renovated while preserving every detail of its original soul. The expansive open floor plan on the ground floor invites natural light from every direction, and becomes our studio, our dining room and our living room all in one.

As seen in

VICE Asia Business Insider

What We'll Shoot

Five days of curated locations

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The Farmhouse — Traditional & Art Nude

The architectural soul of our base becomes a studio in itself. Traditional Japanese themes, fine art nude, and the textures of 150-year-old timber and paper screens. Full-day access, complete privacy, infinite creative possibilities.

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Yamanashi Nature

The surrounding countryside — forests, rivers, misty mountain valleys — is pure visual magic in autumn light. Early starts, golden fog, and a landscape that feels like it belongs in a film.

👘

Traditional Outdoors — Kimono

Curated styled shoots in authentic Japanese outdoor settings. Traditional kimono look, carefully chosen locations, classic Japanese imagery brought to life.

🌆

Tokyo — Neon & Street

Modern editorial in the electric glow of the city. One evening, we head into Tokyo for a high-energy urban session under neon lights.

✨

Surprise Location

There may or may not be one extra surprise location. We'll leave this one for you to discover in person.

Food & Culture

Japan deserves to be tasted, not just photographed

We believe in full cultural immersion. Throughout the week, food is part of the experience — real Japanese flavours, local spots, and one very special evening that you'll be talking about for years.

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Farm Breakfasts

Self-catered mornings at the farmhouse. Local produce, fresh ingredients, the kind of breakfast that sets you up for a full day of shooting.

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Lunches at the House

Midday meals back at the farmhouse — relaxed, convivial and fuelled by the Japanese countryside.

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Local Restaurant Dinners

Every evening at a real neighbourhood Japanese restaurant. Authentic regional cooking, local sake and zero tourist traps.

👨‍🍳

Private Chef Dinner at the Farmhouse

One special evening, a local chef comes directly to us. A private farm-to-table dinner prepared in a 150-year-old dining room — seasonal, intimate and truly one of a kind.

🏮 Last Night: Authentic Tokyo Izakaya

We close the week the only way that makes sense: a proper, immersive experience at a very photogenic Tokyo izakaya. Lively, convivial, loud in the best way, and deeply, authentically Japanese. Bring your camera — the atmosphere alone is worth photographing. The kind of night that makes you want to come back.

The Schedule

Five days, carefully crafted

Shoots are organised in rotating pairs: two photographers work with one model at a time, so you always have focused, unhurried access. Days 2, 3 and 4 are your main shooting days; Days 1 and 5 are travel and experience days. Schedule subject to changes.

01 Arrival

Welcome to Japan

We pick you up from your hotel in Tokyo and travel together to the farmhouse in Yamanashi. Settle in, get comfortable and share a first dinner together as a group. The adventure begins.

Group Pick-up Farmhouse Arrival Welcome Dinner

02 The House

Art Nude at the Farmhouse

A full day at our extraordinary base. Morning and afternoon are dedicated to art nude photography inside the farmhouse, using natural daylight at its most beautiful. After an early lunch or dinner, the evening opens into a nude night shoot — atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Art Nude Shoot Natural Light Nude Night Shoot

03 Into Nature

Breakfast and the Park

Start the morning with a relaxed breakfast at the farmhouse before heading out to a nearby nature park. Open skies, autumn foliage and wild Japanese landscapes give you a completely different creative palette to work with.

Farmhouse Breakfast Nature Shoot Outdoor Locations

04 New Ground

A Different World

A full nature day at a second distinct location. New scenery, new compositions, new energy. Japan's countryside holds so many layers and this day is dedicated entirely to exploring them with your camera.

Full Nature Day New Location Japanese Countryside

05 Farewell

Tokyo Neon & Sayonara

Morning at the farmhouse before we drive back to Tokyo and drop everyone at their hotels. Later, we reunite for the grand finale: a street neon shoot in the electric heart of the city. The evening closes at a very photogenic Tokyo izakaya — keep your camera close — with celebratory drinks and a farewell dinner none of you will forget.

Return to Tokyo Street Neon Shoot Izakaya Farewell Dinner

The Models

Carefully chosen, beautifully diverse

Every shoot is on a 2:1 ratio — two photographers to one model — ensuring focused, unhurried creative time with each model.

Sara Scarlet

Organiser and lead model. International experience across Europe and beyond. Confident with art nude, kimono and editorial — and the creative vision behind this whole event.

Kim

Luxembourg-based model and shibari practitioner. Kim will be both modelling and guiding shibari tying sessions throughout the week — adding a rare, hands-on dimension to the art nude shoots.

? To Be Announced

Third Model

A third model is being confirmed and will be announced soon. Expect the same standard: carefully chosen, experienced, and a perfect fit for the creative direction of the event.

Photographers ready for a next-level experience

This retreat is created for enthusiastic photographers — from ambitious beginners to seasoned semi-professionals — who are ready to blend art, Japanese culture and unique creative inspiration into something truly extraordinary.

Portrait Photographers Fine Art Enthusiasts Ambitious Beginners Semi-Professionals Japan Lovers Cultural Travellers

More than a shoot — a creative masterclass on location. Ofir will be actively guiding you throughout the week: how to read and work with natural light as it changes through the day, how to find and use the elements a location offers you, and how to shift the way you look at a space so it stops being a backdrop and starts becoming part of the image. Whether you are just building your eye or deepening an existing practice, you will leave with new instincts you will use on every shoot after this.

Everything else is taken care of: transport between all locations, most meals included, and the extraordinary setting. You bring your camera and your creativity — we handle the rest.

A Participant's Words

Everything was perfect. From the locations and beautiful settings to the food and the travelling — I had a wonderful experience. Shooting was fantastic; magic happened when Sara and her co-model posed together. Erik was a quiet force in the background, helping to find good spots and stepping in with a great suggestion when needed. Sara made sure everyone was comfortable, and they were great company during the whole event — as well as the other participants and the crew. I totally recommend this experience."

Rob Polder

via Purpleport.com · Previous photographic event organised by Sara Scarlet

Investment

€4,950

per person · all-inclusive

5 days of shooting Accommodation at a nearby hotel Transportation to all locations Most meals Private chef dinner Tokyo izakaya evening 2:1 shoot ratio Welcome & farewell

Securing Your Spot

€2,475 deposit

A 50% deposit is required to confirm your place. This deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation on your side. Should we cancel, you will be fully refunded.

Not Included

Your flights to and from Japan · Travel insurance · Alcoholic beverages

An optional post-event tourism extension may be added. Details to follow.

Reserve Your Spot

Ready to create magic in Japan?

Spots are strictly limited to ensure exclusivity and personal attention.

4 of 6 spots filled · only 2 remaining

Get in Touch

sara.scarlet.model@gmail.com

🇯🇵

We can't wait to create magic with you in Japan.

JapanPhotoshootEvent