No. Epochish is not a tour company. We are an architectural study platform that curates immersive programmes for practicing professionals. The difference is in who leads the sessions — not guides, not academics, but the architects who designed and built the buildings you are standing inside. Every programme is built around that access, which cannot be replicated by any conventional tour.

Epochish programmes are built for architects, interior designers, urban designers, landscape architects, and spatial practitioners who are actively practising — whether leading their own studio, working within a larger firm, or building an independent body of work. We welcome professionals at all career stages, provided they bring genuine curiosity and a serious engagement with the built environment. This is not designed for students, though exceptional postgraduate practitioners may apply.

The Japan Chapter 2026 is the only programme currently open for registration. It runs from 21 to 28 October 2026 across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka — eight days with Riken Yamamoto, Kengo Kuma, Naoko Horibe, and FujiwaraMuro Architects, alongside twelve architectural sites, curated city experiences, and a cohort of thirty selected peers. Visit japan.epochish.com for the full itinerary.

The Japan Chapter 2026 is priced at USD $7,500 per participant. This covers seven nights of accommodation, all internal transport including the Shinkansen, guided architectural analysis at every site, all entry and access fees, welcome and closing dinners, all programme meals, a private tea ceremony, evening seminars and roundtable discussions, and the printed pre-departure research dossier. International flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.

No two days are identical, but the structure is consistent: mornings begin with architectural site study — often in the direct company of the architect who designed the building. Afternoons blend further site sessions with curated city exploration, heritage visits, and free time for independent wandering. Evenings are for food, conversation, and the kind of roundtable discussion that only happens between thirty professionals who’ve spent the day looking at something extraordinary together. Every day has space to breathe.

Both are inseparable from the programme. Japan’s temples, bamboo groves, river valleys, food culture, and cities at night are not incidental — they are the context from which its architecture emerged, and they are woven into every day. The itinerary includes the Sagano scenic railway and Hozugawa river boat, the Fushimi Inari torii walk, Nara’s deer park, Dotonbori by night, a private tea ceremony, and a gala closing dinner. You will return with a full sketchbook and a full memory card.

Submit your interest at epochish.com/register with your practice background, a link to your portfolio, and a short note on what draws you to this programme. There is no formal interview. We review applications on a rolling basis and assemble each cohort to ensure a balance of disciplines, geographies, and scales of practice. You will hear from us within 3 working days of submitting.

A 50% deposit upon acceptance secures your place in the cohort. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Payment details are sent with your acceptance confirmation. We accept bank transfer and major card payments.

All cancellations must be notified in writing (email is acceptable) and refunds are processed within 14 business days of written notice. Cancellations made 30 or more days before the programme start date incur a 10% cancellation fee, while a no-show on the programme date results in 100% forfeiture of the full fee. Should Epochish cancel the programme due to insufficient enrolment, a full refund is provided. Independent travel insurance is strongly recommended regardless of when you book. Full terms and conditions are available at https://epochish.com/terms-and-conditions/

Yes, and this is one of the ways we work. Architecture firms, real estate developers, hospitality groups, and material companies regularly reserve blocks of seats — either for their own senior professionals as structured professional development, or to gift to architect clients and collaborators as a sponsorship investment. If you are interested in a block booking or a sponsorship arrangement, contact us directly at contactepochish@gmail.com and we will walk you through the options.
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Yes. Japanese and international companies whose products, materials, or services are relevant to the architectural profession can partner with Epochish as programme sponsors. Sponsorship typically involves reserving a number of participant places, which the company distributes to architects from their target markets, in exchange for product showcase time during the programme. This gives sponsors direct, curated access to an international audience of design decision-makers in a live, in-building context. Contact us to discuss what a partnership could look like for your organisation.

All sessions and communications run in English. Where a host architect presents in Japanese, professional interpretation is provided. Participants do not need any knowledge of Japanese.

Citizens of most countries — including the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, India, and most of Southeast Asia — can enter Japan visa-free or on arrival for stays of up to 90 days. We provide an official invitation letter to support any visa application where required. Please confirm your specific eligibility with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country well before your travel date.

This is not a coach-window experience. You should expect 8,000 to 12,000 steps a day across urban streets, temple grounds, and the occasional hillside approach. Some sites involve stairs, uneven surfaces, or extended periods of standing. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. If you have specific mobility requirements, contact us before applying and we will advise on suitability.

Yes. The cohort does not dissolve at Osaka airport. Epochish maintains an ongoing professional network connecting all programme participants across chapters and years. Alumni receive early access to future programmes, invitations to Epochish events, and access to a private peer group.