How to Live — In Practice
November 10–14, 2026
This fall, our artist-run community gathers in Fujino for How to Live — In Practice, a five-day immersive workshop exploring new ways of living in relationship with the land.
Japan’s reverence for the natural world has shaped its culture for centuries. This relationship can be found in its crafts, cuisine, agricultural traditions, and everyday practices, where nature is understood not as a resource, but as something living, interconnected, and worthy of care.
Drawing inspiration from these traditions, the program takes place in Fujino, a rural satoyama community known for its long-standing culture of sustainability, creativity, and alternative living. Here, ancient wisdom, local knowledge, traditional crafts, ecological thinking, and contemporary practices coexist and continue to evolve.
Through hands-on experiences with local artists, farmers, craftspeople, chefs, and educators, participants engage with land, material, food, and community—moving from knowledge as information toward knowledge as lived experience. Over five days in the mountains of Fujino, we explore how art, craft, food, ecology, and contemplative practice can deepen our relationship with place and inspire more sustainable, creative, and connected ways of living.
Fujino is located approximately one hour from central Tokyo and is easily accessible by local train.
Before registering, please carefully read all the information below to ensure full understanding and commitment.
Payment term and Cancellation policy
To secure your spot in our workshop, please complete your registration and payment before June 30th, 2026.
Due to limited spaces, registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we reach maximum capacity, a waiting list will be established for those still interested in participating.
We carefully prepare workshops, meals, and materials, so last-minute cancellations will impact our preparations significantly. As a result, we will find it extremely difficult to provide a full refund.
Please ensure you understand all the details about the workshop and are committed to attending.
Please note that we are not responsible for travel cancellations due to weather conditions or sickness. We recommend that participants consider travel insurance to cover unforeseen personal circumstances that may prevent attendance.
Accommodation
Participants stay at Ryokan Jinkeien, a charming family-run small traditional Japanese inn close to the workshop venue, Najikubo (a 150-year-old farmhouse known as Kominka).
The inn offers a cozy, tranquil retreat nestled in the peaceful woods, where the soothing sounds of nearby springs and rivers create the perfect ambiance for relaxation after a busy day.
It features private rooms with key-locked doors, tatami floors, futons, and AC/heater.
Shared toilets are on each floor, and a large rock bath with shower on the ground floor can be reserved for private use.
Valuables can be securely locked in the office.
Workshop
All workshops are taught in English (with a translator).
The number of participants is limited to a minimum 3 and maximum of 10 people.
If the minimum number of participants is not met, we may have to cancel the workshop.
This workshop is suitable for individuals aged 12 and older.
Culinary Experience
During your stay at our workshop, all meals and snacks, along with non-alcoholic beverages, are included.
You'll enjoy healthy traditional Japanese cuisine that embodies the “chisan chishou”地産地消 - philosophy of local production for local consumption, prepared by licensed professional local chefs using fresh, seasonally harvested ingredients. This sustainable and luxurious approach supports local agriculture and enhances your dining experience.
Cooking classes also allow you to engage directly with the local culinary culture, learning traditional techniques and recipes passed down through generations.
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. However, if you have a medical condition or strict dietary requirements, such as vegan or gluten-free diets, please contact us before registering so we can discuss whether the program will be suitable for your needs. While vegetarian options are available, strict vegan and gluten-free diets may be challenging to accommodate due to the frequent use of ingredients such as dashi (fish-based stock), soy sauce, miso, udon/soba in traditional Japanese cuisine. To fully enjoy the culinary aspect of the workshop, we encourage participants to be open to experiencing local seasonal foods and regional food traditions whenever possible.
November Weather & What to Bring
November in Fujino is typically cool, with daytime temperatures around 10–17°C (50–63°F) and mornings and evenings often dropping to 5°C (41°F) or lower, especially in the mountains. Temperatures can vary considerably throughout the day. For your comfort during the workshop, please bring clothing suitable for outdoor activities and hands-on work that may get dirty. We recommend:
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Comfortable layered clothing
- Warm sweater, fleece, or pullover
- Light insulated jacket for mornings and evenings
- Waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Sturdy hiking or walking shoes
- Hat and sun protection for daytime outdoor activities
- Reusable water bottle
- As many of our activities take place outdoors, layering is essential. The mountain weather can shift throughout the day, and warm clothing will help you stay comfortable during early morning meditation, evening gatherings, and outdoor workshops.
- Please bring a personal first-aid kit containing essentials such as painkillers, treatments for insect bites, and medication for gastrointestinal or other personal issues. Keep in mind that the nearest pharmacy has limited hours and is only accessible by car. Local resources are also limited and may not have specific medications readily available. If you suffer from pollen allergies, include your allergy medication.
Please carry some Japanese Yen in cash for small purchases like extra drinks from vending machines or shopping at local stores, as credit cards may not be widely accepted in smaller establishments.
Insurance and medical guideline
Participants must arrange their own international insurance coverage for the workshop, including accident, liability, health (with evacuation), and theft insurance for personal effects. The organizer is not liable for any related costs or damages.
The organizer is not liable for damages or issues stemming from acts of nature, government actions, or third parties.
Bring sufficient medication if you are on a special regimen, and a personal first-aid kit containing pain relievers, and medications for insect bites, gastrointestinal issues, allergic, asthma. Note that the nearest pharmacy has limited hours and access and local resources are limited and may not have specific medicines readily available.
Please notify us of any food or general allergies beforehand.
