Rebeccu Workshop

write to book or ask questions
write to book or ask questions

Tokyo is massive, no doubt about that. Yet despite its size, it’s surprisingly great for exploring on foot. A lot of the most interesting areas are just a short walk from each other, and, as is often the case, the spaces in between can lead to some of the most rewarding discoveries.

After nearly two decades of living, walking, and photographing in this city, I can confidently say I know Tokyo well. That means I know where to go—and, more importantly, where not to go. I’ve also discovered plenty of side streets and hidden alleys that, in a city this size, can easily slip by unnoticed.

To share this knowledge, I’m offering photowalk tours of Tokyo. But what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another, so every tour is fully customized. It could be a wander through the quieter streets of well-known neighborhoods or a more offbeat route away from the usual crowds. The options are almost limitless.

While there will be a focus on photography, and I’ll happily share tips and advice along the way (there’s a video that shows how I work HERE), the real emphasis is on exploration. It’s a chance to see new places with your own eyes and, hopefully, come away with some unforgettable shots. A glimpse beneath the shiny surface of modern Tokyo to reveal the older, often grittier and less-seen city beneath.

Giorno 1 — Intenzione + raccolta + primo editing

10:00–10:20Arrivo + set-up (accoglienza, regole pratiche)
10:20–11:10Presentazione (slides): chi sono, cosa faccio, come lavoro; dal singolo scatto alla sequenza
11:10–11:30Brief operativo: missione del giorno + vincoli (tema, area, obiettivo scatti)
11:30–13:00Uscita 1: osservazione guidata + riscaldamento
13:00–14:00Pausa pranzo
14:00–15:45Uscita 2: raccolta mirata per costruire una mini-sequenza
15:45–16:15Rientro + import / workflow
16:15–17:30Editing 1: selezione (15) → candidate (8) + primi feedback
17:30–18:00Debrief + compito per il Giorno 2

Orario: 10:00–18:00

Giorno 2 — Sequenza + revisione + restituzione finale

10:00–10:15Check-in + obiettivi del giorno
10:15–11:00Mini-lezione: come funziona una sequenza (apertura/chiusura, ritmo, immagini ponte)
11:00–12:30Revisione 1: round rapido (sequenza provvisoria 6–10)
12:30–13:00Pausa breve / spostamento
13:00–14:30Uscita 3: scatti “di riparazione” (mancanze della storia)
14:30–15:00Rientro + import
15:00–16:30Editing 2: sequenza finale + titolo + 3 righe
16:30–17:45Presentazioni finali + feedback guidato
17:45–18:00Chiusura + next steps

Orario: 10:00–18:00

Some Reviews:

  • Laura

    Giovanni was my photographic expert for the night tour and I had really good time with him. First we discussed the plan for the night and then he took me to some places I didn’t even know that these could exist. As we walked around he suggested me different locations that could be interesting for me to see and they all were. As I am not beginner as a photographer I did not need very much technical advise but he sure was very competent. I asked about different tours he takes people and I would like to go on a longer trip with him outside Tokyo - I am very convinced he knows the country and he knows photography.

  • Jonathan

    During a week in Tokyo, we booked two tours; one in the early morning and the other at night. Giovanni was our guide for both and he is a very cool guy; knows Tokyo extremely well, a fluent Japanese speaker and a highly accomplished photographer too. His tours were both enjoyable and informative; we found all kinds of places that we would never have discovered on our own, and learned a lot of tips to improve our photo skills. All done in a relaxed, friendly and flexible style. 
    I highly recommend Aperture and Giovanni for anyone interested in becoming a better photographer and looking to get more out of their visit to this magnificent city.

  • Lee

    I did the 3 hour photography tour with Giovanni. We met up just before the appointed time and had a quick beer while Giovanni checked my knowledge and importantly, what I wanted to get out of the session. As I am just starting to get into Street photography that is what we focused on (excuse the pun) and Giovanni took me to some ideal locations and helped develop my eye and improve both my composition and my technical knowledge. We visited about 5 different locations, all of which were interesting in their own right but more importantly excellent for street photography. Giovanni was very knowledgable, patient and helpful and I learnt loads and came away with some good pics, but more importantly improved technique which helped me the next day when I put into action what I had learnt at the Tokyo fish market. I would not hesitate to recommend this tour, it was good fun, good learning and good value.

  • Keith and Amy

    I lead photo tours. There are good tours and not so good tours. In my opinion what makes a good tour is a leader who can adapt to the participants. Knowing which participants want to simply shoot in their style and what participants need assistance and photographic training. Gio was a master at both.

    As part of reddotbluedot.com we are on a worldwide trip that is focused on photography. It was great to have Gio discuss his work as well as show us some really great spots to get images at night in Tokyo. Great tour.

  • A woman dressed in traditional Japanese kimono walking on a wet street holding a transparent umbrella, with a bicycle parked against an orange wall and a box with Japanese writing.
  • A man in business attire walking down a colorful sidewalk while talking on his cellphone, holding a notebook, with closed shop fronts in the background.
  • An elderly man stands outside a Japanese restaurant, talking on his cellphone. The restaurant has red hanging lanterns, a red sign with Japanese characters, and curtains with a leaf pattern at the entrance.
  • A person in a suit and face mask walking past a small restaurant with orange decorations, including paper lanterns and crates, on an urban street.
  • An elderly person with a bandage on the head sitting in a small cart on a sidewalk, making a peace sign with their hand. The background includes graffiti on a wall and a 'no smoking' sign.
  • An older man with short gray hair, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, is talking on a cellphone on a city street. He looks slightly confused or concerned.