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Join me in a drawing retreat across Japan, exploring Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi with the majestic view of mount Fuji, and Kyoto.
Begin in Tokyo, sketching the contrast between vibrant city life and the ancient temples. Then slow down at a traditional Japanese village near Lake Kawaguchi, where views of Mount Fuji inspire peaceful landscape drawing and reflection. The journey ends in Kyoto, surrounded by historic architecture, gardens, and timeless atmosphere – perfect for more detailed, contemplative work.
With guided sessions, personal feedback, and time to explore, this retreat is designed for all levels, offering a unique way to deepen your creativity while experiencing Japan’s most inspiring settings.
Trip Overview
Inclusions
4 Stars Hotels with options for shared room and single room
7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 3 Dinners
Local guide for the duration of the drawing retreat
Private transportation for Fuji trip and all public transportations
More than 25 hours of lessons spread over 8 days
2 Month Online Sketch Club Workshops included for practicing before and after the trip
Special Drawing Retreat Handbook
Activities Included
Fuji: Visit the traditional village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba and meet a local artist in her atelier.
Tokyo: Visit the Temple of Zojo-Ji beneath the Tokyo Tower. Experience the contrast between Modern and Traditional architecture.
Stationary shopping in one of the biggest shops in Japan.
Kyoto: Tea ceremony in the beautiful setting of a private temple. Visit one of the oldest temple complex in Kyoto.
Ink and Watercolor sessions guided by Andrea Deng, open to all levels
Cultural immersion, creative sharing, and relaxing moments. This workshop is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced painters, and offers the opportunity to deepen your artistic vision while enjoying the beauty of Japan in Autumn.
Exclusions
Roundtrip flights to Japan
Visa and Travel Insurance
Painting equipment
Entrance fees to monuments (other than the ones mentioned)
Cocktails or alcoholic drinks (other than the ones mentioned)
Price & Registration
Double Occupancy
€3,099
Single Occupancy
€3,799
* Spots are based on first come first serve bases
Retreat Status:
When we receive your deposit, we will email you to confirm your reservation and payment.
Once the retreat becomes Confirmed (minimum of 6 participants), we will contact you to confirm your reservation and arrange payment of the balance if only the deposit was paid at registration.
If, for any reason, the retreat does not become Confirmed, any funds paid (deposit or total amount) will be fully refunded.
⚑ After the Retreat gets confirmed:
✦ Cancellation is not applicable and the deposit or the full payment will not be refunded
✦ Itinerary, schedule, instructor, venue, or dates remain unchanged.
✦ Minimum group size requirement has been fulfilled
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 - 25th October
Arrival In Tokyo – Yokoso!
Be prepared to meet in the Lobby of our Hotel at 17:30. We will get to know each other and I will provide you more information about the retreat. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) airports. The airport transfer is not included, so please organize your transfer from your arrival airport ahead.
We will meet again in the evening for our welcome dinner (included) at a local Japanese restaurant.
DAY 2 - 26th October
Capture Mount Fuji’s reflection by the Lake Kawaguchi
Breakfast at the Hotel.
We will leave Tokyo in our journey toward the Fuji Five Lakes on our 18-seater bus. Arrive to the quiet morning light and enjoy Mount Fuji reflected on still water as mist gently lifts from the shoreline. In this beautiful setting we will do a short introduction workshop to celebrate the beginning of the drawing retreat.
Lunch (included) consists of a Japanese traditional set meal including tea or water.
After Lunch and with the sketchbooks in hand we will explore Oshino Village and Fuji Sengen Shrine with our local guide.
In the evening we will head back to our Hotel and prepare ourselves for dinner (included). Also you can enjoy and relax at the hotel’s open air Onsen (hot spring) afterwards.
Overnight in Kawaguchiko.
DAY 3 - 27th October
Sketch a Traditional Japanese Village at Lake Saiko
Breakfast at the Hotel.
The second morning begins in silence at Lake Saiko, where mist drifts across the lake and the meeting of water, forest, and sky becomes your first study of the day. From there, continue to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a traditional village of thatched rooftops, weathered wood, and quiet pathways that feel untouched by time. After lunch (Included) we will return to our favourite viewpoint of the village to create one larger drawing capturing it on our sketchbook.
We will visit a local artist at his atelier where we will have the chance to share our works together and visit the space.
The day ends with our trip back to Tokyo and you will have the rest of the evening free.
Overnight in Tokyo
DAY 4 - 28th October
A day exploring Tokyo
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Start the morning at Zojo-ji, where the quiet of early hours settles between temple gates, rows of stone Jizō statues, and the striking presence of Tokyo Tower rising just beyond the grounds. Spend the morning sketching the contrast between old and new, incense drifting through wooden halls, architectural lines shifting with light, and still moments of prayer and passage as the city slowly wakes around you.
After lunch (included) let’s go to draw some maple trees at the adjacent Maple Valley Park. During Autumn this is the perfect place to draw the red maple leaves with the Tokyo Tower in the background.
In the late afternoon we will head to Shinjuku where we can visit one of the largest stationary shop in Japan and do some supply shopping before heading to our second part of the trip.
Overnight in Tokyo
DAY 5 - 29th October
From Tokyo to Kyoto
Breakfast at the Hotel
We will go to Tokyo station and board our Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) to Kyoto. On the way we can buy a bento box for lunch to be eaten on board.
Free afternoon in Kyoto.
Overnight in Kyoto
DAY 6 - 30th October
Drawing in a traditional temple in Kyoto
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Begin our drawing day at Kennin-Ji, where early morning light filters through sliding doors and quiet courtyards, setting a calm rhythm for a sketching workshop about traditional Japanese architecture. Spend time studying the Zen rock gardens, sliding shoji screens, and the subtle geometry of temple halls, letting your drawings focus on negative space, texture, and silence as much as form.
Lunch (Included) in a local Japanese restaurant.
In the afternoon experience an Intimate Tea Ceremony at the smaller temple of Reigen-In and enjoy the beautiful inner Japanese garden. Here we choose a view we like and draw it in a complete watercolour sketch, under the supervision of the tutor.
Free evening
Overnight in Kyoto
DAY 7 - 31st October
Sketch walk in the heart of Kyoto Townhouses
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Spend a day sketching in the heart of Kyoto, surrounded by the quiet charm of traditional Kyoto townhouses, narrow stone lanes, and hidden courtyard gardens. We will visit a traditional Machiya where we will have some coffee and learn the tips and tricks to draw a traditional urban scenery in Kyoto.
After lunch (included) we will find a quiet place in the neighbourhood to complete our final drawing, capturing the vibrant
In the evening we head to the restaurant for our final dinner of the retreat (included) and sharing our sketches and stories about the trip.
Overnight in Kyoto
DAY 8 - 1st November
End of the retreat
All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Join me in this epic adventure and let’s draw Japan together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Attending at the full drawing retreat is mandatory to ensure the best experience, even if you are already in Japan. So it will not be possible to attend only part of the trip.
Too keep the size of the group small and to offer a better travel and learning experience, this retreat is limited only for people who are actively participating at the drawing workshops. You are welcome to bring an accompany person and share the room, although, they will need to arrange for their own transportation, meals and access to sites.
The cost for the hotel arrangement of the additional person will be discussed at the registration.
The Retreat cost includes the hotels with shared or single occupancy, local tourist guide, meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners), air-conditioning 18-seater vehicle with driver for the Fuji trip and all the public transportation during the retreat, all workshops and 2 months of Online Sketch Club workshops.
The retreat does not include roundtrip flights to Japan, travel insurance, visa fees, painting equipment, activities outsides from the ones stated, cocktails or alcholic drinks.
Absolutely yes and it is encouraged. We will start with the basics of ink drawing and architecture perspective before guiding you step by step into the drawing itself. If you are complete beginner you will be required to follow a series of online workshops to be prepared. All the participants will get 2 months of online workshops on Zoom, so we will get to know each others and refresh the foundations of drawing before the trip.
Every artist has his own distinct way to approach to urban sketching. The beauty of this drawing retreat is also to offer you a fresh way to observe the world through my ink drawing and watercolor style. Drawing together and travel together will also give you new inspirations and shared drawing experience to further enrich your art journey.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and common areas.
It is strongly recommended to bring your preferred fountain pens, ink, sketchbooks and watercolours with you. This will keep your drawing experience consistent. Below is the list of material I use when I am travelling. During the workshops limited amount of these materials can be provided if required (excluding watercolors, brushes and stool).
You can also find all the materials in the link here
- Pen: Fountain Pen with M or F nib (recommended) or Waterproof Fineliners 0.5mm and 0.1mm – black
- Ink: Carbon Platinum or equivalent waterproof ink – Colour: Black
- Sketchbook: with at least 250 g/ms hot pressed white pages and hardback. Size A5 or A4 (recommended) or equivalent loose paper
- Watercolor set with main Primary and secondary colors ( Standard set of 12 colors will be enough)
- Large, medium and fine waterbrushes
- Small sprayer
- Portable Stool (recommended)
- Tissues
- Paperclips
- Pencil (B or 2B)
- Ruler
- Eraser
Through this series of workshops and sketch walks, we will cover the foundations of darwing, like perspective, composition and shading. Then we will explore various drawing techniques and creative processes to better turn our observations into a memorable sketches. The sketch walks are moments where workshops where you are invited to push your creativity and find your own creative style.
We will have more than 25 hours of lessons spread over 8 days for a maximum group of 12 drawing participants.
Overall the trip involves a moderate level of physical activity, including city exploration and sketch walks. Also, we will be mainly drawing on the spot, so participants should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods. If you have any specific concerns, please let me know in advance.
Of course, the itinerary is designed with moments of downtime, I know how important is to have enough time for solo exploration. We will be in touch with a group chat so you will always know where the rest of us are.
Yes. Please inform us of dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. We cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests.
We recommend flying into Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) airports. The airport transfer is not included, so please organize your transfer from your arrival airport ahead.
Appropriate clothing for mid season in Japan, which could be still hot during the day but cooler in the evening, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication.
To ensure a personalized experience and facilitate one-on-one interactions, our group size is limited to a small number of participants. Minimum 6, maximum 12 drawing participants.
Participants must be aged 18 or above.
Pack easy layers: T-shirts or long sleeves, a sweater/cardigan, and a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings. Tokyo and Kyoto are usually mild during the day, but Mount Fuji will feel much colder and windier, so bring a fleece or warmer jacket for that day. Wear jeans or trousers, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a compact umbrella just in case.
Yes, travel insurance is required for all participants. This ensures you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Absolutely yes, you are welcome to extend your stay before or after the trip. Please let us know if you need any assistance with additional accommodations or recommendations for things to do.
To register follow the following registration steps by clicking on ‘Register Now’.
Retreat Status:
When we receive your deposit, we will email you to confirm your reservation and payment.
Once the retreat becomes Confirmed (minimum of 6 participants), we will contact you to confirm your reservation and arrange payment of the balance if only the deposit was paid at registration.
If, for any reason, the retreat does not become Confirmed, any funds paid (deposit or total amount) will be fully refunded.
⚑ After the Retreat gets confirmed:
✦ Cancellation is not applicable and the deposit or the full payment will not be refunded
✦ Itinerary, schedule, instructor, venue, or dates remain unchanged.
✦ Minimum group size requirement has been fulfilled
If you have any further questions or need more clarifications, please contact:
andreadeng.art@gmail.com
Join me in this epic adventure and let’s draw Japan together!
Andrea Deng
Architect | Illustrator
Drawing has always been an important part of Andrea’s life since childhood.
As a professional architect he often need to express ideas using hand drawings, and so his drawings became more informative and visually appealing in order to catch the audience’s interest.
In parallel Andrea started to use sketchbooks to keep track of his personal works.
He is also a passionate drawing teacher with the goal to let people discover the world through hand drawings and urban sketching.
Reviews
Cristina G2024-07-01Molto soddisfatta della mia prima lezione online! Andrea è davvero bravo a spiegare, è molto gentile e mi ha messa subito a mio agio. Sicuramente parteciperò ad altre lezioni in futuro. Consigliatissimo!
Daniele Atzeni2024-06-09Andrea è un artista che sa il fatto suo e insegna in maniera chiara e precisa, molto alla mano e con il fatto che i workshop sono a numero ristretto si può avere un rapporto 1:1. Aperitivo post sessione per chiacchierare e spendere un paio d'ore in compagnia. Top!!
Lucrezia Alfieri2024-06-04Felicissima di aver partecipato a questo workshop, è stato utile, interessante e divertente. Quattro ore a disegnare con la stilografica, prima volta per me, che sono volate. Andrea è stato molto chiaro e preciso, spiegando e svelando trucchi del mestiere. Adatto a tutti. Esperienza da ripetere, altamente consigliato!
Gladys Escobar2024-06-02Workshop fantastico, spieghi benissimo, ho imparato la tecnica delle linee parallele! È ad approcciarmi con l’ink. Perfetta introduzione alla prospettiva. Altamente raccomandato!
Dario Villani2024-06-02Un workshop chiaro e molto istruttivo. Adatto anche ai principianti. Io sono ancora all'inizio nell'approccio al disegno dal vivo e sento veramente di aver fatto un passo avanti gigantesco!