Traveling Through Watercolor: Japan
Apr 15 - 22 2026
Experience Japan through watercolor sketching in this weeklong immersive art workshop!
Held at Seikei University in Tokyo, the program combines studio instruction, local excursions, and cultural discovery — a journey designed to inspire artists of all levels.
The workshop offers three ways to join: from a full 7 day immersive experience, or 1 day and 3 day options.
Local Japanese artists are welcome as well. Japanese information page available here.
日本在住のアーティストの方も大歓迎です。
※すべての指導は英語で行われます。
Jun-Pierre Art Workshops
TRAVELING THROUGH WATERCOLOR : JAPAN
April 15-22, 2026
Overview
Over the course of 7 days, participants will explore a range of watercolor sketching techniques while capturing Japan’s rich landscapes, architecture, and atmosphere.
Sessions include both studio-based instruction and guided excursions to Kamakura and Hakone, with all transportation and museum costs included.
The workshop will begin with a welcoming meal for all participants and concludes with a farewell meal.
Instruction is in English.
Includes
- Art studio space for participants
-Organized excursions
- Individualized instruction
-Welcoming and Farewell Meals
Painting Experience: All levels welcome
Jun-Pierre Art Workshops
TRAVELING THROUGH WATERCOLOR: JAPAN
April 15-22, 2026
Watercolor painting is an ideal medium for creating images when traveling to a beautiful, new places. In April 2026, I am delighted to offer the second Traveling through Watercolor: Japan workshop, this year based in Kichijoji, Tokyo!
The program will be based on the campus of Seikei University, Tokyo situated in the lively and peaceful neighborhood of Kichijoji, Tokyo. Classes will range from watercolor technique and sketching to plein-air painting and will also include excursions to sites nearby, including Tokyo, Hakone, and Kamakura.
Painting during our excursions will include visits to the Lake Ashinoko in Hakone, the Kamakura Daibutsu and Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo.
Students will learn the fundamentals of watercolor in a variety of settings ranging from the busy streets of Tokyo to the peaceful calm of a bamboo garden. With an emphasis on experiencing a place through painting and drawing, the workshop aims to be a record to capture the entirely unique and special experience as an introduction to Japan.
Workshop Schedule
Wednesday, April 15: Welcome and orientation; Color Washes and Tone
Welcoming Dinner
Thursday, April 16 : Line and Mass in simplified landscapes
Friday April 17: Cityscapes
Saturday April 18: Kamakura
Excursion to Kamakura
Sunday April 19: Tokyo
Excursion to Meiji Jingu
Monday, April 20: Hakone
Excursion to Hakone
Tuesday, April 21: Expression and Abstracion
Farewell Dinner
Wednesday, April 22: Final Works
Farewell Dinner
Typical Daily Schedule of Courses and Activites
Morning: Meet for watercolor classes in shared studio space at Seikei University or planned excursion
Afternoon: class or excursion on site as well as demonstrations, presentations and feedback
A complete materials list will be sent to participants prior to the workshop. Here is the basic list to have a sense of the supplies needed.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Watercolor Paper (recommended 300g/140lb cold pressed)
Watercolor Paint (in tube or pan)
Paper towels
Palette (a white ceramic plate would do fine)
Pencil
Eraser
Optional
-Masking fluid,
-White gouache
-Ink
-Black permanent ink pen
Traveling through Watercolor: Japan April 15 - 22, 2026
Participation Options
Full Program
Ideal for participants traveling from abroad who wish to experience the complete cultural and artistic immersion.
7 days | €1650
Register now with a 550€ deposit
Includes:
Full workshop tuition and classroom access at Seikei University
Excursions to Kamakura and Hakone (transport and museum fees included)
Welcome and farewell meals.
THE FEE DOESN’T INCLUDE: Flight Ticket and Transfers from and to the Airport, lodging, transport to excursions to Tokyo, meals during the excursions, art materials.
Deposit is non-refundable
Once your deposit is made you will be asked to pay two subsequent payments of 550€ due 2 and 4 months later
3-Day Intensive
Perfect for those with limited time who still want an in-depth, focused experience.
3 days | €725 / ¥135,000
Includes:
Tuition for 3 consecutive days
Excursion participation if scheduled
during those days
1-Day Experience
An ideal introduction for anyone who would like to experience a day of watercolor painting in Japan.
1 day (6 hours) | €240 / ¥33,000
Includes:
Full-day tuition and classroom access
Art materials provided (no meals or excursions)
Who Can Join
All levels are welcome — from beginners eager to explore watercolor sketching to experienced artists seeking new inspiration and cultural perspective.
Spaces are limited to ensure individual feedback and personalized instruction.
In signing up for the Traveling through Watercolor: Japan Workshop you have agreed to the Waiver of Liability Agreement
For cancellations received in writing 6 weeks before the scheduled workshop, a 1000 euro cancellation fee will be applied. Cancellations made after that date may result in the forfeiture of your registration fee if we're unable to fill your reserved seat with a standby applicant from the waiting list
For cancellations received in writing 6 weeks before the scheduled workshop, a 1000 euro cancellation fee will be applied. Cancellations made after that date may result in the forfeiture of your registration fee if we're unable to fill your reserved seat with a standby applicant from the waiting list
Testimonials
Amanda
“I’m so glad that I went to this workshop. I feel like my skills in watercolor grew so much thanks to your guidance.” ”
Agnès
“You have such a quick eye and identify how to make improvements while being encouraging. So grateful for your guidance.””
Testimonials
By the end of the week I had a much better understanding of how to paint the cherry blossoms and garden scenes, trying to capture the way the light comes through the petals/leaves that makes the views so beautiful and inspiring.
-Sarah
“This workshop had an amazing mix of instruction, individual support and art lectures. You are so knowledgeable and made every lesson/presentation very enjoyable. Thank you!”
-Lo
Each topic was relevant and useful. I particularly liked the connections made with Japanese subjects such as sakura and Japanese art expression.
-Agnès
“I have taken away a different way if seeing the landscape in front of me in order to both simplify and better capture its mood.”
-Paula
"Jun-Pierre is masterful. It is rare to find an instructor who excels at both his craft as well as a strong passion to teach what he knows in such a motivating and comfortable way. He genuinely honors the varied interests and advances the varied skills levels of each participant. He presents interesting techniques and relevant information in a way that makes art accessible and motivating. His kindness and generosity put me at ease immediately. I am a more comfortable and confident artist because of him."
-Michelle
"Jun is a remarkable teacher, bringing to everything he teaches a breadth of knowledge that meets each student where they are. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned painter he is always able to challenge and encourage and teach to any question that emerges, taking the time to demonstrate technique, construction of an image and beautifully illustrate and underline the necessary skills needed for painting with watercolor and ink."
-Cassie
“Jun-Pierre is great!”
-Karin
"Jun is not only an excellent artist, but also an insightful person and instructor. He can make the most out of different personalities from around the world, so they work full time in and outdoors, as if they just enjoy life through their brushstrokes, no matter how mature these strokes can be."
-Eleni
“I am still amazed by the idea that it is possible for a complete beginner like I was (I never painted nor drew before) to learn to get confident with the watercolour and drawing within such a short period.
I give this course my best recommendations.”
—Jona
" Jun's inspiring and motivating summer workshop which combines studio practice and painting trips to different places on such a beautiful island gave me a powerful head start in pursuing my studies in painting."
-Nausicaa
"Jun's a fabulous artist, a fabulous draftsman and a fabulous teacher (and a great guy too). He guided us step by step through the watercolor techniques. He teaches in a crips clear, well-structured, methodical way. His classes are packed with information, knowledge and inside tips, everything adjusted to the level and demands of the individual student, and at the same time they are great fun. Jun's always going the extra mile and super generous in sharing his skills and experience."
-Anna