Join us for a week-long Street Photography adventure across 3 cities in the most fascinating country I have ever visited - Japan.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Duration: 8 Days
Dates: 9th – 16th of November 2026
Locations: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto – Japan
Price: £1800 GBP
Photography Skill Level: All
Number of Attendees: 6
Magna cafes, electric districts, vibrant fashion, cute box houses along winding alleys, seas of suits during the morning commute and colourful traditional kimonos backdropped against neon lights city nightscapes. Welcome to Japan!
I’d wanted to visit Japan since I was a kid, and it turned out to be one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever spent time in. The country is a real mix of the old and the new, and a true playground for street photography. Japanese hospitality, known as “omotenashi,” is legendary, and did I mention the food? From sushi and sashimi to ramen and tempura, Japanese cuisine is a real treat for the tastebuds.
I’ve chosen Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto for the amazing street scenes they all offer and also the contrast between the three of them (more on this below), to give you a real flavour of Japan.
The Workshop Schedule
Tokyo
The capital city, where we’ll spend the first half of the workshop, offers a very photo-friendly environment with a blend of traditional and modern architecture and bustling streets. From the narrow alleys of traditional neighbourhoods like Asakusa to the futuristic architecture of districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, there’s no shortage of visual elements to play with.
Tokyo has a vibrant street culture and fashion scene, with people expressing themselves through unique styles and trends. You could be walking a street filled with black & white suits and then turn a corner and bump into Harajuku youths rocking outfits straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Osaka
We’ll then hop on a 2-hour ride on the legendary Bullet Train to Osaka, with stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way.
Osaka has a very different energy to Tokyo. Known for its gritty charm, retro vibes and lively street life, Osaka offers a more raw and unfiltered experience. Districts like Shinsekai and Namba are full of character, with neon signs, narrow laneways, retro storefronts and street food stalls that light up after dark. It’s a place where the old rubs up against the new in interesting, often surprising ways.
Osaka’s people are famously friendly and expressive, which makes street photography very approachable. The character-filled city provides endless opportunities to capture both bold visuals and human moments.
Kyoto
Using Osaka as a base (only a 20 minute train journey away), we’ll spend a day or two exploring Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, which is steeped in history and tradition.
The narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses and mountainside temples makes for a stark contrast to Tokyo and Osaka’s urban scenes.
We will also visit the famed Nara Deer Park. The mixing of the deer and people provides quite fun and chaotic scenes for street photography.
Curious to see behind the scenes of my recent trip to Japan? You can check out the Instagram Stories here.
What to Expect from this Workshop?
This workshop isn’t a laid-back holiday. The days will be full and focused and you’ll be encouraged to push yourself creatively and step outside your comfort zone. But the rewards, both in terms of your growth as a photographer and the richness of the experience, will be more than worth it.
You can expect a mix of theory, critique and a lot of shooting the streets in three of the most unique and fascinating cities in the world. Throughout all of our photo walks, I will be around to provide guidance. The only skill-level requirement is that you feel comfortable with the camera you will be using. By limiting my workshops to 6 participants, I can provide plenty of 1-2-1 guidance with critiques and advice tailored to your challenges, interests and goals.
Having spent time in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto myself, plus working with local photographers, I will take you to the most photographically interesting locations these cities have to offer.
Most of our time will be spent focused on the art form of Street Photography, which takes a creative candid approach to photographing in public. This approach trains your eye to see so much more of the world around you and offers a richer way to explore and photograph Japan. I will also be happy to provide some guidance on Street Portraiture and a more documentary form of storytelling if these are disciplines you would like to explore.
One day, a local street photographer will be joining us to give a talk, offering you a unique insight into life in Japan, from someone who lives there.
We’ll often spend time in the evenings as a group reviewing and editing the day’s photos. These relaxed sessions usually take place in the hotel restaurant, where you’ll have the chance to get my feedback on your images.
What will you learn?
- ⇒ Street Photography Compositions and Themes
- ⇒ Overcome the fear of shooting in public
- ⇒ Take impactful images that stand out
- ⇒ Shoot with respect for your subjects
- ⇒ Recommended Camera Settings
- ⇒ Night-time shooting
- ⇒ How to Build Complex Layers
- ⇒ Develop your own voice/style
- ⇒ Culling and Editing Tips
What is included?
- ⇒ Matt as Your Guide
- ⇒ Guided Photo Walks
- ⇒ Daily 1-2-1 Critique Sessions
- ⇒ Connect with an amazing group who share your passions/interests
What is not included?
- ⇒ Your travel expenses (flights, visas, travel insurance etc)
- ⇒ Your expenses during the workshop (accommodation, meals, transport etc)
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I’m Matt. I’m a full-time photographer, Street Photographer, and educator. I run Street Photography Workshops and experiences worldwide and am excited to launch my next street adventure in Japan – the most fascinating country I have ever visited.
I am married to a fellow photographer who I am fortunate to share many photography adventures with. I am passionate about photography, travel, and education. I care about treating people with respect, especially while a guest in their country. Over the past decade, I have spoken at dozens of photography events and had my work featured in a handful of global publications, including the BBC, Fstoppers and PetaPixel.
“Matt’s depth of knowledge and passion for street photography makes him a ridiculously inspiring & talented educator. His morals & ethics also shine through in his street teachings.” – Kevin Kheffache
“Matt creates a great feel-good atmosphere with his patient and humorous manner, which makes learning easy and his honest criticism was constructive at all times.” – Nadine Lotze
Testimonials
“I haven’t stopped raving about ‘Street with Matt’ since I returned. What a Street Photography Wizard this man is!”
– Becci Wiles –
“Getting a glimpse into Matt’s mind and how he visualises the world before creating the picture is fascinating.”
– Carla Banc –
“I’ve been doing street photography for a long time and thought I knew quite a lot but Matt taught me so much more. He is patient, kind, caring and knowledgeable and his method of teaching is suitable for all types of learners. I have already signed up for his next workshop.”
– Philip Wark –
“I have recommended Matt’s workshops to every photographer (professional and hobbyist) I know, and everyone comes back saying how great it was!”
– Erica Hawkins –
“Matt breaks the practice down to a really easy-to-understand level that would suit photographers of all abilities and backgrounds. It was a perfect mix of theory and practical and his constructive feedback was incredibly helpful.”
– Danny Jack –
“Plus, Matt and his lovely wife Corina found some local gems for our food and drink – we ate and drank so well in some really cool and intimate bars and restaurants and I’d recommend this trip just for that!”
– Jo Quint –
“His obvious passion for, participation, experience and talent for shooting the street arm him with a wealth of information that even seasoned street photographers can learn from.”
– Denise Slark –
“I’m a full-time photographer and have shot street with Matt around the world over the years, and I still learned SO much from Matt on this workshop!”
– Anna Pumer –
“Matt really gives you the confidence to go out there and shoot street, which I’d never done before, at all. I was nervous for sure, but Matt really helped calm any anxieties, both from what he teaches and from his calm and friendly demeanour. He was also never far away, so if I needed some tips or advice, or just some moral support, he was always there.”
– Alan Law –
“The information Matt provided was so valuable and I could transfer the new knowledge far beyond photography and it already helped me a lot in my daily life.”
– Ludmilla Parsyak –
“Your presence and your advice during the workshop were a real game changer for my photographic vision.
I can’t wait to participate in your next workshop!”
– Alexis Pauwels –
“One of the best workshops I’ve ever attended – highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn street photography no matter what skill level you’re at with your camera!”
– Rahul Khona –
“I felt refreshed and left itching to apply what I had learned in my future photography.”
– Soven Amatya –
“Thanks Matt! You’re a fountain of knowledge and the streets are definitely the photographer’s best playground!”
– Becky Wood –
Ready to Secure Your Place?
Only 6 Attendees Per Workshop
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto | Japan Workshop
£1,800
If sold out, email matt@streetwithmatt.com to join the wait list
Japan Workshop FAQs
What is included in the price?
All educational elements, including theory sessions, critiques and 1-2-1 mentoring during the trip are included. I will also be taking you to the best street locations and restaurants/bars/cafes in the city, which have been researched in advance. You will receive a presentation from a local street photographer, which is also included.
You are responsible for all of your own expenses during the trip, including flights, travel, visas, accommodation, travel insurance and meals.
Will we stay at the same hotel?
Yes, I do recommend a hotel for us all to stay in. You will be responsible for making your own reservation. Recognising that people’s budgets and preferences can vary, you are welcome to choose a different accommodation if you prefer, but I would recommend staying close to the group.
During the 8 day workshop we will book accommodation in Tokyo and Osaka. We will be visiting Kyoto from Osaka as it is only a 20-minute train journey away.
What gear do you recommend for street photography?
When it comes to gear with street photography, less is generally more. So I always recommend one body and one prime lens. It’s also good to have a relatively wide lens. Personally, I always shoot with a 35mm or 28mm prime lens (full frame). The quality of the lens or camera isn’t important as long as you are comfortable using it.
How long are the workshop days?
It varies, but some days will start as early as 6am to make the most of the best light and most interesting scenes.
What skill level is required for this workshop?
This workshop is for all skill levels. The only requirement for attending this workshop is that you are comfortable using your camera (I do not recommend buying a new camera, which you are not familiar with, for this trip).
The first day will cover an intro to street photography theory and fundamentals, along with some mini assignments on the street to help train your eye to see more of the world around you.
The rest of the week will focus on helping you discover your own street photography style and exploring the exciting city we found ourselves in. With only 6 attendees per workshop, you will receive a significant amount of 1-2-1 time with me.
How many people will be on the workshop?
My 7-day workshops are limited to 6 attendees. The smaller number allows us to blend in more with our environment on the streets when we’ve got our cameras out. It also allows me to target the content more towards your ability, especially during the 1-2-1s.