Description

Enjoy the day Kristen’s home and studio workshop in Kamogawa, Chiba. The property includes forest and orchards, gardens with outdoor seating spaces, and lots of fresh air.

Drawing sessions generally take place indoors where tea, coffee, and snacks will be available. If the weather is pleasant, we may work outside. Please note that in addition to human inhabitants, there are also indoor cats. You may be lucky enough to meet and greet Fritter, Beryl, and Maura. If you have allergies, this may be unlucky.

Lunch is available at Gombei cafe a short walk from the venue. Gombei specialises in chikko, a traditional Japanese cheese (also called “milk tofu”) paired with local produce and rice grown in the paddies of Oyama Senmaida across the street. It’s hyper-local food. Meal prices range from 800 – 1500 yen. If you have dietary restrictions, please bring your lunch from home. There are no shops or convenience stores near the venue.

Nature walk after lunch may take us along the country roads up the hill to Oyama-ji, a temple celebrating its 1300 year anniversary. There is a beautiful view from the hilltop. If the weather is too inclement for walking, we will gather in Kristen’s atelier for a demonstration of botanical color-making.

What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing for the weather and shoes you feel comfortable walking in for an hour. All art supplies needed for the retreat are provided; you are welcome to bring your own sketchbook or supplies if you wish.

Schedule

exact timing of activities is subject to change

9:50 pickup at Nagasa Community Center bus stop, transfer by car
10:30 Drawing Meditation: pattern-making & relaxation
12:30 lunch at Gombei
13:30 Nature walk
14:30 Drawing Meditation: insights from art
16:30 departure from Nagasa Community Center bus stop

Cost & Registration

5000 yen includes two Drawing Meditation sessions, guided nature walk, art materials, coffee, tea, snacks, and car transfer to/from bus. Does not include lunch or bus fare.

Participation limited to 8 people
Car transfer limited to 4 people – please note if you require pickup
Details will be sent upon confirmation of your registration.

Access

By car:
~90 minute drive from Tokyo. Limited parking available. Please arrive around 10:00 to settle in before the first session at 10:30.

By bus from Tokyo:
A new bus route opened this year that puts a bus stop very close to the studio! So if you are coming by public transportation, here is how to arrive:

Akushi-Goアクシー号

to Kamogawa
8:10 dep Tokyo Yaesu Bus Center, B area (gate B11)/ ＢＴ東京八重洲地下B (map)
9:49 arr Nagasa District Community Center 長狭地区公民館
Travel time: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Fare: 2500 yen

to Tokyo
16:37 dep Nagasa District Community Center 長狭地区公民館
18:16 arr Tokyo Yaesu Bus Center ＢＴ東京八重洲地下B
Travel time: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Fare: 2500 yen

Art & Design

Nov 14 2026. Art & Nature Retreat #8