Culture, Textiles and Crafts in Japan 2027
12 Days Touring Culture, Textiles and Crafts in Japan
Experience the magical world of textiles and craft that Japan has to offer against the stunning colours of autumn. The tour will be a mix of culture while learning from Masters of their craft while exploring ancient cities of the Edo era, which remain steeped in timeless traditions.
We start in Tokyo with a visit to their famous flea markets where you may strike a bargain. Our first hands on experience comes with our unique kimono-making class using beautifully preserved vintage kimonos and learn to create your own two-piece kimono.
Save up for a visit to Nippori Textile Town, with a savvy English speaking local where street after street is filled with fabric shops, trims, buttons, baskets, sewing tools, and textiles of every imaginable style.
Some shops overflow with modern prints while others carry traditional fabrics that feel almost impossible to find anywhere else. Even those who do not sew often find themselves inspired simply by walking through the area and taking in the creativity surrounding them.
As we continue to Takayama and Shirawago both places which are unique and significant for ancient traditions including sashiko and paper making. After we head to Nagoya to visit the historic district of Arimatsu, life slows a little. This charming area is known for its centuries old shibori tradition, and walking its streets feels like stepping gently back in time. Here we will learn about the remarkable artistry behind Japanese tie-dyeing techniques while creating pieces of our own during a hands on workshop experience.
Kyoto offers an entirely different perspective busier yet deeply connected to tradition and beauty. Textile artistry is woven naturally into the city’s culture, from kimono traditions to dyeing techniques perfected over centuries.
Beyond arts and crafts , Kyoto invites us to experience moments of quiet beauty, lantern lit streets, temple gardens, hidden pathways, and long held customs that continue today much as they have for generations.
Here we will experience the art of a traditional tea ceremony dressed in kimonos. In the historic Gion district, we look forward to enjoying traditional Geisha found along the main avenues and backstreets.
Throughout the journey there will be time to shop for beautiful fabrics and handcrafted treasures, participate in specially arranged workshops, visit inspiring museums, and explore places many travelers never see. There will also be moments simply to pause and take it all in, the careful attention to detail found everywhere in Japan.
More than anything, this tour is about connection, connection to creativity, to tradition, to culture, and to our fellow travelers who share a love for artistry and making things by hand. You will return home not only with fabrics and photographs, but with inspiration and memories that remain with you for years to come.
As with all our experiences, we select our accommodation and locations with an eye on combining comfort and simplicity into one unique experience.
Come along and experience the magic of textiles and crafts and the colour of autumn and get a taste of ancient and modern Japan.