Tokyo
Hakone
Nagoya
Kyoto
Small groups, big experiences, independent spirit.
Hotel accommodations, including baggage handling
10 Full Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Guided sightseeing, visits, and admissions as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary
Roundtrip International Airfare from LAX is included
Full-time, English speaking throughout the tour, + National Guide
Your journey begins as you arrive in Tokyo, where ancient tradition and cutting-edge modern life coexist in perfect balance. After meeting your local guide, you’re transferred into the city and settle into your hotel, giving you time to unwind after your flight. This evening, gather for a relaxed welcome dinner and meet your fellow travelers as excitement builds for the creative days ahead.
Today you dive into Tokyo’s layered history, where sacred spaces and bustling streets sit side by side. You explore Asakusa’s iconic Senso-ji Temple and stroll Nakamise Street, a lively shopping avenue dating back centuries and filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs. In the afternoon, step inside a historic dyeing studio for a hands-on kimono dyeing workshop, learning time-honored techniques from skilled artisans. Later, browse Tokyo’s legendary craft destinations—including Yuzawaya—before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, an oasis of calm tucked into the city. You then immerse yourself in Japan’s quilting world with time at Quilt Party, including shopping and a workshop that offers insight into Japanese quilting styles and precision craftsmanship. The afternoon brings you to Nippori Textile Town, where streets are lined with fabric shops offering everything from traditional prints to modern textiles. This evening is free to relax or explore Tokyo on your own.
Leaving Tokyo behind, you travel toward the scenic Mt. Fuji region, watching the landscape shift from city streets to countryside views. Your morning visit to the Ginza Akie Sashiko Museum introduces you to the philosophy and beauty behind this understated yet powerful stitching tradition. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, where dramatic kimono art inspired by nature is displayed as fine art. Tonight, unwind at your lakeside hotel and enjoy a soak in the hot springs with Mt. Fuji nearby.
Today you journey to Arimatsu, a beautifully preserved town celebrated as the birthplace of Japanese shibori. Walking its Edo-era streets, you gain a deeper appreciation for the community that sustained this craft for over 400 years. During a hands-on shibori workshop, you learn resist-dye techniques directly from experienced artisans, creating a unique textile keepsake. By evening, arrive in Nagoya for a comfortable overnight stay.
Travel onward to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and cultural heart. Here, the pace slows and tradition feels woven into everyday life. You visit the iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering against tranquil gardens, before checking into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a guided walk through the Gion District, where lantern-lit streets and wooden townhouses hint at Kyoto’s enduring elegance.
Begin your day at Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site dramatically perched above the city on wooden stilts. After lunch at the vibrant Nishiki Market—often called Kyoto’s kitchen—you explore the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design. Here, you gain deeper insight into the regional techniques and materials that define Kyoto’s artistic legacy. The evening is free to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Today centers on one of Japan’s most iconic and enduring colors. You visit the Little Indigo Museum, a hidden gem devoted to the history and cultural importance of natural indigo dyeing. During an immersive indigo dye workshop, you learn traditional methods and create your own richly colored textile. This hands-on experience connects you directly to a craft that has shaped Japanese textiles for centuries.
You explore another Kyoto specialty today with a roketzu wax-resist dyeing workshop, using molten wax to create bold patterns and expressive designs on fabric. This striking technique offers a contrast to earlier dye methods and expands your creative repertoire. Later, enjoy a walking tour through Kyoto’s local shopping arcades, discovering fabric shops, craft stores, and everyday favorites cherished by locals.
Today is yours to enjoy Kyoto at your own pace—return to a favorite workshop, visit a peaceful temple, or linger in a café. This free time allows you to savor the city in your own way before gathering in the evening. Your journey concludes with a special farewell dinner, highlighted by an elegant Maiko performance that offers a final glimpse into Kyoto’s refined cultural traditions.
After breakfast, say farewell to Japan as you transfer for your onward journey. Whether heading to Tokyo by bullet train or departing via Osaka, you leave with a suitcase filled with textiles and a heart full of inspiration. More than souvenirs, you carry home new skills, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of Japan’s living textile traditions.
Your journey begins as you arrive in Tokyo, where ancient tradition and cutting-edge modern life coexist in perfect balance. After meeting your local guide, you’re transferred into the city and settle into your hotel, giving you time to unwind after your flight. This evening, gather for a relaxed welcome dinner and meet your fellow travelers as excitement builds for the creative days ahead.
Today you dive into Tokyo’s layered history, where sacred spaces and bustling streets sit side by side. You explore Asakusa’s iconic Senso-ji Temple and stroll Nakamise Street, a lively shopping avenue dating back centuries and filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs. In the afternoon, step inside a historic dyeing studio for a hands-on kimono dyeing workshop, learning time-honored techniques from skilled artisans. Later, browse Tokyo’s legendary craft destinations—including Yuzawaya—before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, an oasis of calm tucked into the city. You then immerse yourself in Japan’s quilting world with time at Quilt Party, including shopping and a workshop that offers insight into Japanese quilting styles and precision craftsmanship. The afternoon brings you to Nippori Textile Town, where streets are lined with fabric shops offering everything from traditional prints to modern textiles. This evening is free to relax or explore Tokyo on your own.
Leaving Tokyo behind, you travel toward the scenic Mt. Fuji region, watching the landscape shift from city streets to countryside views. Your morning visit to the Ginza Akie Sashiko Museum introduces you to the philosophy and beauty behind this understated yet powerful stitching tradition. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, where dramatic kimono art inspired by nature is displayed as fine art. Tonight, unwind at your lakeside hotel and enjoy a soak in the hot springs with Mt. Fuji nearby.
Today you journey to Arimatsu, a beautifully preserved town celebrated as the birthplace of Japanese shibori. Walking its Edo-era streets, you gain a deeper appreciation for the community that sustained this craft for over 400 years. During a hands-on shibori workshop, you learn resist-dye techniques directly from experienced artisans, creating a unique textile keepsake. By evening, arrive in Nagoya for a comfortable overnight stay.
Travel onward to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and cultural heart. Here, the pace slows and tradition feels woven into everyday life. You visit the iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering against tranquil gardens, before checking into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a guided walk through the Gion District, where lantern-lit streets and wooden townhouses hint at Kyoto’s enduring elegance.
Begin your day at Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site dramatically perched above the city on wooden stilts. After lunch at the vibrant Nishiki Market—often called Kyoto’s kitchen—you explore the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design. Here, you gain deeper insight into the regional techniques and materials that define Kyoto’s artistic legacy. The evening is free to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Today centers on one of Japan’s most iconic and enduring colors. You visit the Little Indigo Museum, a hidden gem devoted to the history and cultural importance of natural indigo dyeing. During an immersive indigo dye workshop, you learn traditional methods and create your own richly colored textile. This hands-on experience connects you directly to a craft that has shaped Japanese textiles for centuries.
You explore another Kyoto specialty today with a roketzu wax-resist dyeing workshop, using molten wax to create bold patterns and expressive designs on fabric. This striking technique offers a contrast to earlier dye methods and expands your creative repertoire. Later, enjoy a walking tour through Kyoto’s local shopping arcades, discovering fabric shops, craft stores, and everyday favorites cherished by locals.
Today is yours to enjoy Kyoto at your own pace—return to a favorite workshop, visit a peaceful temple, or linger in a café. This free time allows you to savor the city in your own way before gathering in the evening. Your journey concludes with a special farewell dinner, highlighted by an elegant Maiko performance that offers a final glimpse into Kyoto’s refined cultural traditions.
After breakfast, say farewell to Japan as you transfer for your onward journey. Whether heading to Tokyo by bullet train or departing via Osaka, you leave with a suitcase filled with textiles and a heart full of inspiration. More than souvenirs, you carry home new skills, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of Japan’s living textile traditions.
Your journey begins as you arrive in Tokyo, where ancient tradition and cutting-edge modern life coexist in perfect balance. After meeting your local guide, you’re transferred into the city and settle into your hotel, giving you time to unwind after your flight. This evening, gather for a relaxed welcome dinner and meet your fellow travelers as excitement builds for the creative days ahead.
Today you dive into Tokyo’s layered history, where sacred spaces and bustling streets sit side by side. You explore Asakusa’s iconic Senso-ji Temple and stroll Nakamise Street, a lively shopping avenue dating back centuries and filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs. In the afternoon, step inside a historic dyeing studio for a hands-on kimono dyeing workshop, learning time-honored techniques from skilled artisans. Later, browse Tokyo’s legendary craft destinations—including Yuzawaya—before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, an oasis of calm tucked into the city. You then immerse yourself in Japan’s quilting world with time at Quilt Party, including shopping and a workshop that offers insight into Japanese quilting styles and precision craftsmanship. The afternoon brings you to Nippori Textile Town, where streets are lined with fabric shops offering everything from traditional prints to modern textiles. This evening is free to relax or explore Tokyo on your own.
Leaving Tokyo behind, you travel toward the scenic Mt. Fuji region, watching the landscape shift from city streets to countryside views. Your morning visit to the Ginza Akie Sashiko Museum introduces you to the philosophy and beauty behind this understated yet powerful stitching tradition. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, where dramatic kimono art inspired by nature is displayed as fine art. Tonight, unwind at your lakeside hotel and enjoy a soak in the hot springs with Mt. Fuji nearby.
Today you journey to Arimatsu, a beautifully preserved town celebrated as the birthplace of Japanese shibori. Walking its Edo-era streets, you gain a deeper appreciation for the community that sustained this craft for over 400 years. During a hands-on shibori workshop, you learn resist-dye techniques directly from experienced artisans, creating a unique textile keepsake. By evening, arrive in Nagoya for a comfortable overnight stay.
Travel onward to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and cultural heart. Here, the pace slows and tradition feels woven into everyday life. You visit the iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering against tranquil gardens, before checking into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a guided walk through the Gion District, where lantern-lit streets and wooden townhouses hint at Kyoto’s enduring elegance.
Begin your day at Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site dramatically perched above the city on wooden stilts. After lunch at the vibrant Nishiki Market—often called Kyoto’s kitchen—you explore the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design. Here, you gain deeper insight into the regional techniques and materials that define Kyoto’s artistic legacy. The evening is free to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Today centers on one of Japan’s most iconic and enduring colors. You visit the Little Indigo Museum, a hidden gem devoted to the history and cultural importance of natural indigo dyeing. During an immersive indigo dye workshop, you learn traditional methods and create your own richly colored textile. This hands-on experience connects you directly to a craft that has shaped Japanese textiles for centuries.
You explore another Kyoto specialty today with a roketzu wax-resist dyeing workshop, using molten wax to create bold patterns and expressive designs on fabric. This striking technique offers a contrast to earlier dye methods and expands your creative repertoire. Later, enjoy a walking tour through Kyoto’s local shopping arcades, discovering fabric shops, craft stores, and everyday favorites cherished by locals.
Today is yours to enjoy Kyoto at your own pace—return to a favorite workshop, visit a peaceful temple, or linger in a café. This free time allows you to savor the city in your own way before gathering in the evening. Your journey concludes with a special farewell dinner, highlighted by an elegant Maiko performance that offers a final glimpse into Kyoto’s refined cultural traditions.
After breakfast, say farewell to Japan as you transfer for your onward journey. Whether heading to Tokyo by bullet train or departing via Osaka, you leave with a suitcase filled with textiles and a heart full of inspiration. More than souvenirs, you carry home new skills, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of Japan’s living textile traditions.
Per Person/Double Occupancy
A non-refundable $300 deposit per person is required for booking. Before completing your reservation, be sure you read and understand our Cancellation Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Space for this tour is limited. Please contact us to discuss accommodation options and availability.