How to Live — In Practice
Five-day immersive Field School : November 10–14, 2026 · Fujino, Japan
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How to Live — In Practice is a five-day immersive Field School taking place November 10–14, 2026, in Fujino, a rural mountain community approximately one hour by train from Shinjuku, Tokyo. Organized by International Potato Institute, an artist-run nature and art platform, the Field School explores how we might live differently with the land through art, craft, ecology, food, materials, and shared daily practice. A small international group learns directly with local artists, farmers, craftspeople, chefs, and ecological practitioners. Across five days, participants harvest and cook yuzu with a local grower, explore natural dyeing with seasonal plants, work with Japanese clay and natural custom glazes, and learn about community-based approaches to sustainable and creative living. Food experiences include traditional methods of Japanese pickling and fermentation, an irori grilling dinner, and a shōjin ryōri cooking workshop with a local chef. The program also includes zazen with a local Buddhist monk, learning about ancient monk cuisine Shojin Ryori, a guided hike on Mount Jinba, and time for reflection, writing, conversation, and shared meals. No particular professional background is required. The Field School welcomes anyone who brings curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn alongside local practitioners and fellow participants. Workshops are conducted in English or supported by English interpretation. The program fee includes the full five-day Field School, private-room accommodation at a family-run mountain ryokan, all meals and snacks, workshops, tuition, materials, and class tools. The group is intentionally limited to a maximum of 10 participants. The Field School is designed for participants aged 12 and older. We’re unable to accommodate children under 12, including as accompanying guests. Participants aged 12–17 are welcome when attending with a parent or legal guardian.
How to Live - In Practice Fall 2026
Booking Policy
BOOKING, PAYMENT, AND CANCELLATION POLICY The total program fee for How to Live — In Practice Fall 2026 is US$2,000 per participant. A US$500 deposit is required to reserve a place. The deposit is non-refundable. Participants may pay the complete US$2,000 fee when registering if that option is available at checkout. The remaining US$1,500 balance must be paid by October 10, 2026. Registrations completed on or after October 10, 2026 require payment in full. If a participant cancels before October 10, 2026, any program fees paid beyond the US$500 deposit will be refunded. From October 10, 2026 onward, all payments are non-refundable. Cancellation requests must be submitted to IPI in writing. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 10 participants. A place is reserved only after the registration form has been completed and the deposit or full payment has been successfully received. A minimum of three participants is required for the Field School to take place. If IPI cancels the program, all program fees paid to IPI, including the deposit, will be refunded. IPI cannot reimburse flights, transportation, accommodation booked separately, insurance, or other personal travel expenses. All participants must arrange appropriate travel and medical insurance. Participants are responsible for reviewing the program information and for notifying IPI of any food allergies, dietary requirements, accessibility considerations, or other needs relevant to safe participation. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND SAFETY The five-day program includes full days of hands-on craft and cooking workshops, open-fire cooking, and walking and hiking on rural and mountain terrain. Participants must follow the safety guidance provided by IPI, instructors, and local practitioners throughout the program. AGE REQUIREMENT The Field School is designed for participants aged 12 and older. We’re unable to accommodate children under 12, including as accompanying guests. Participants aged 12–17 are welcome when attending with a parent or legal guardian. By completing a booking, the participant confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted this policy.
