11 Days World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop

  • From Tokyo To Kyoto(Osaka)
  • Updated
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Izumo Museum of Quilt Art
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Izumo Museum of Quilt Art
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Izumo Museum of Quilt Art
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Izumo Museum of Quilt Art
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Kyoto Shishu Restoration Studio
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Kyoto Shobori Museum
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Fabric / Textile Shopping
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Kyo-Yuzen Workshop at Marumasu-Nishimuraya
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Asakusa Sensoji Temple
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Bullet Train Ride Experience
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Kytoto Golden Pavilion
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Rickshaw Ride Experience
World Quilt Festival Tour & Kimono Quilt Workshop
Craft Workshops

Tour Descriptions

Tour Japan with stopping by great quilting sites with this fully escorted Japan Quilt Tour package. This Quilt tour focuses on spots related to stitch art and unique hands on experiences. One of the hilights is the exclusive workshop by famous kimono quilter Mutsuko Yawatagaki and visit the Yokohama World Quilt Festival. This Quilt vacation is ideal for arts & craft lovers looking to see something new and gain great inspirations.

Itinerary

Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo

The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!

Near by.......
-Tokyo Skytree
-Edo-Tokyo Museum
-Asakusa Nakamise & Sensoji Temple
-Arcakit Kinshicho Shopping Plaza (Uniqlo, Daiso, MUJI, Eddie Bauer, etc.)

View Hotel Detail

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Tokyo | Yokohama World Quilt Festival

Breakfast

Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo

The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!

Near by.......
-Tokyo Skytree
-Edo-Tokyo Museum
-Asakusa Nakamise & Sensoji Temple
-Arcakit Kinshicho Shopping Plaza (Uniqlo, Daiso, MUJI, Eddie Bauer, etc.)

View Hotel Detail

Tokyo | Premier Quilt & Crafts Shopping

Breakfast Lunch

Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo

The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!

Near by.......
-Tokyo Skytree
-Edo-Tokyo Museum
-Asakusa Nakamise & Sensoji Temple
-Arcakit Kinshicho Shopping Plaza (Uniqlo, Daiso, MUJI, Eddie Bauer, etc.)

View Hotel Detail

Today, we'll show you what traditional Tokyo has to offer and the premier destination for quilters.

In the morning, we are visiting Quilt Party established by Yoko Saito, one of the world's top quilters. She revolutionized Japanese quilting with her bold use of exquisite designs and brilliant blend of taupe color in her artwork.

Next stop is Ozu Washi, Founded in 1653, Ozu Washi carries traditional Japanese Paper (Washi). We will learn the process of making washi paper and see a beautiful array of washi there. It will be a great inspiration for your next quilting project.

After the workshop, let's take a break at the Sensoji temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest and most popular Japanese temple in Tokyo. The iconic red lantern will welcome you and enjoy the local crafts and sweets at the lively traditional shopping street.

We will finish our day shopping at the famous Nippori Textile Town. You can find stores like Tomato, Mihama and so many more. This district is lined with numerous fabric shops, selling a wide assortment of beautiful fabrics often at discounted, affordable prices.


Tokyo & Yamanashi | Traditional Arts at the Kubota Art Museum

Breakfast Lunch

Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo

The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer. The Arcakit Kinshicho is conveniently located by the JR station nearby, perfect for shopping, lunch, snacks, daily goods, clothing, and more!

Near by.......
-Tokyo Skytree
-Edo-Tokyo Museum
-Asakusa Nakamise & Sensoji Temple
-Arcakit Kinshicho Shopping Plaza (Uniqlo, Daiso, MUJI, Eddie Bauer, etc.)

View Hotel Detail

We will explore some of Japan's most astonishing fabric related museums in the suburbs of Tokyo today.

Our day begins with a trip to the Sashikokan in Hinohara Village, located in the western part of Tokyo. Home to Sashiko artist Akie Ginza's exhibition of Sashiko art, this quaint museum housed in a 200-year-old farm house showcases the Little Stabs style of sashiko stitch art.

Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. Hoto is a noodle soup filled with lots of local fresh vegetable, like daikon and kabocha, with miso based flavor and is a comfort food especially during the winter.

Then we will visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. With western buildings built in a serene Japanese garden over looking Mt. Fuji, you will surely find this site a magical place. Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric tie dye technique. Many of his works are on display at this museum. Browse through the extensive collection of Kimonos decorated in this traditional Japanese art.


Shimane | Visit three-star site in the Michelin Green Guide Japan

Breakfast
Featured Destinations & Experiences
or similar
Airplane | Fly to Shimane Prefecture Adachi Museum of Art | Check into a hotel

Today, we are taking a flight to Shimane prefecture, located in the Chugoku region and is Japan’s second least populated prefecture.

The Adachi Museum of Art is a museum known for its great collection of artwork and celebrated Japanese gardens. Founded in 1980 by Adachi Zenko, the museum was created with the belief that a Japanese garden should be seen as a living painting. The museum features renowned works of art by famous Japanese artists, including Taikan. Enjoy the works from Yokoyama Taikan, one of the founders of the Nihonga style of painting. His works, as well as other well-established Nihonga painters like Uemura Shoen, who was born in Kyoto. She painted noble and elegant women in Kimono and she made endeavors to express the inner depth in addition to those features.


Izumo | Kimono Quilt Workshop with Quilter Mutsuko Yawatagaki

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
or similar

Today, we participate in the exclusive quilt workshop presented by Mutsuko Yawatagaki.

Known as one of the most renowned artists of Japanese style quilting, Mutsuko Yawatagaki has been creating amazing works including embroidery, woven, dyed, and quilt. She put American quilting and Japanese traditional culture together in a beautiful way using the 100-300 years old kimono as materials, and her works have been showcased in major exhibitions inside and outside of Japan. In 2006, she opened The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art as her permanent exhibition. We are delighted to offer an opportunity to participate in Mutsuko Yawatagaki's workshop just for our quilt tour. There will surely be something for everyone to enjoy during Mutsuko Yawatagaki's special kimono quilt workshop.


Okayama | Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quater

Breakfast

Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA

Located in Higashikujo Nishisannocho, the Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a comfortable hotel to relax during your Japan tour featuring numerous Kyoto landmarks nearby. Higashi Honganji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple are within walking distance, as is the convenient Kujo Station.

Near by.......
-Kyoto Tower
-Toji Temple
-Nijō Castle

View Hotel Detail

Today we will take a train to the next destination, Kurashiki.

Kurashiki is a city known for the centuries-old buildings and shops of the Bikan Historical Quarter. It is the birthplace for "Washi Paper". You can find these colorfully designed washi tapes all over Japan and around the world today. Some of the shops are offering on site craft workshops using this colorful washi tapes. It will be the perfect souvenir from your Japan trip.

Kurashiki is also the birthplace of the domestic jeans industry and t it is a paradise for denim enthusiasts from all over the world. There is a shopping alley called "Kurashiki Denim Street" with Japanese denim brands gathering along. You will have a chance to find this rare original high-quality offcuts as well as the various products.

Then, we are headed to Kyoto, Japan's old capital and the birthplace of kimono fabric.


Kyoto | Stunning Japanese Craft Arts Workshop

Breakfast Lunch

Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA

Located in Higashikujo Nishisannocho, the Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a comfortable hotel to relax during your Japan tour featuring numerous Kyoto landmarks nearby. Higashi Honganji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple are within walking distance, as is the convenient Kujo Station.

Near by.......
-Kyoto Tower
-Toji Temple
-Nijō Castle

View Hotel Detail

Today we will start with Kyo-Yuzen workshop. Kyo-Yuzen is one of traditional dyeing technique of Kyoto, and the dye is directly applied to the fabric and the designs often depict nature and animals of the different seasons with vivid and vibrant colors. You will learn how to use / wrap the "Furoshiki" (square shaped cloths used in Japan to wrap items and carry the personal belongings) and dye your own Furoshiki. You can even take your work of art home for a perfect souvenir to remember the unique experience.

After lunch, we will head to the Kyoto Shibori Museum. The museum has various masterpieces created by shibori for you to gain lots of quilt inspirations.

Last stop is Yuzawaya craft shop in Kyoto. Yuzawaya is one of the famouse craft chain stores in Japan. You can find wide variety of Japanese craft supplies.


Kyoto | Craftman's Work & Specialities Shopping

Breakfast

Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA

Located in Higashikujo Nishisannocho, the Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a comfortable hotel to relax during your Japan tour featuring numerous Kyoto landmarks nearby. Higashi Honganji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple are within walking distance, as is the convenient Kujo Station.

Near by.......
-Kyoto Tower
-Toji Temple
-Nijō Castle

View Hotel Detail

Here, we will take you to the most amazing places that produce and restore Japanese traditional crafts.

The Kyoto Shishu Restoration Studio is dedicated to repairing embroidery and traditional Japanese cloth pieces.. The embroidery that comes through the doors are sometimes 100, 200, and even up to 300 years old. Therefore, the Kyoto Embroidery Restoration Studio employs only skilled embroidery specialists to restore the works in order to bring them back to life. We will get to see the artists in action and ask questions while taking a tour of the site.

We will then visit Nishiki Market, Kyoto's popular marketplace filled with fresh flavors and culinary treats. Often called Kyoto's Kitchen, Nishiki Market is located in an arcade shopping area which hosts popular craft stores like Nomura Tailor, Misuya Needles, and SouSou. Nomura Tailor carries dazzling fabrics and materials perfect for your crafts when you get back home. Be sure to sample the selection of Misuya Needles. These special needles are of high-quality and produced in the Matusbara district of Kyoto. Known for their strength, flexibility, and quality, these are a must for any sewing fan. SouSou offers several stores that each specialize in different themes. Some have fabrics and Tenugui towels, Japanese traditional kitchen clothes, while others sell socks and small gift items.

It's time to get kimono remnants. We will explore the kimono stores which has a great selection of unique Japanese cotton fabric scraps, kimono fabric offcuts, traditional floral pattern etc. They will be the perfect material to review the workshop.


Kyoto | Rickshaw ride through Bamboo Forest & Hand-weaving Experience

Breakfast Dinner

Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA ( Western Style )

  • Expedia Rating
  • Trip Advisor Rating
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA

Located in Higashikujo Nishisannocho, the Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a comfortable hotel to relax during your Japan tour featuring numerous Kyoto landmarks nearby. Higashi Honganji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple are within walking distance, as is the convenient Kujo Station.

Near by.......
-Kyoto Tower
-Toji Temple
-Nijō Castle

View Hotel Detail

We will enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama, the Bamboo Groove Forest. You will be welcomed by friendly smiles of Rickshaw drivers who are both entertaining and very knowlegable. They will also take you amasing picures in the Bamboo forest that you want to show all your friends back home. You have time to enjoy visiting many traditional-style shops and grab some food for lunch after the rickshaw ride.

We will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a must see Kyoto attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the pond adds to the stunning sight.

Next destination will be the Nishijin textile center where you can learn about the pure Japanese silk. After understanding how the silk is extracted with vidoes as well as dioramas, now it's time to try handweaving. You will see the dazzling kimono show at the end.

Our final stop of this tour is the Gallery of Kyoto Traditional Arts & Cratfs. It is a showcase for local artists practising in traditional genres. The museum also has a great collection of arts and crafts for you to gain inspiration for your next project after your vacation ends.

Enjoy the last group dinner together with your tour group and share your favorite memories with your guide of your experiences travelling Japan.


Kyoto | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Breakfast

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. Your quilt tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy an extended stay vacation in Japan.

▪Important Notice▪
*JDT Recommends Experiences are not included with your tour package.
*Group Tour Participants (Not applicable to Private Tours) - Your group may be joined with other groups during the tour. If so, your tour guide and bus may be changed during your tour.
*Any special request(s) must be submitted when booking your tour (meals, accommodations, etc.). Note: Not all requests can be fulfilled.
*Itinerary, hotels, and meals are subject to change or cancellation without notice. No refund will be owed for any changes or cancellations if the tour still occurs.
*This tour includes 1.5~2 hours of walking on sightseeing days. Tour Participants are expected to be of moderate fitness, keep up with the pace of the group, and can climb stairs with no difficulty.
*B : Breakfast   L : Lunch   D : Dinner
*Please be advised that Maiko performances are not available on their designated days off or on days when special Maiko events are taking place.

Tour Departure and Prices 1) Price per person.   2) Airfare is not included.  

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11 DAYS

10 nights accommodation


16 MEALS

10 breakfasts
4 lunches
2 dinners


TRANSPORT

Bus, Bullet Train, Public Transportation
Japan Quilt Tour 11 Days Map

Tour Includes


10 nights Western hotel

Daily Breakfast-Buffets, 4 Lunches, and 2 Dinners included

All ground transportation in Japan during the tour

Complimentary Airport Transfers (see details)

Admission Fees, Tax & Gratuities at all included Destinations

Full time service of licensed English speaking tour guide & separate bus driver

Bullet train ride with Mt. Fuji view

Japan Deluxe Tours Handbook and Tour Goods Package

Free Wi-Fi in Bus & Most hotels

Not Included
  • - Airfare
  • - Travel Insurance
  • - Optional Excursions

Travel Highlights


Admission to the Izumo Museum of Quilt Art

Visiting the first Yokohama World Quilt Festival

Nippori Textile Town, Quilt Part Retail Shop, & Other Fabric retailers

View Japanese Shibori Kimono Arts at the Itchiku Kubota Museum

Traditional Arts at Gallery of Kyoto Traditional Arts & Crafts

World Famous Kyoto destinations including Golden Pavilion

Kyoto's traditionally preserved bamboo forest Arashiyama

Time spent at the rustic Sashiko Museum

Tour Tokyo's historic Asakusa Sensoji Temple

Experience Kyo-yuzen dyeing and Furoshiki Wrapping

Quilt Workshop with famous quilter Mutsuko Yawatagaki*

Important Information


The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room.

Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.

All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.

All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport.

We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure. You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.

We understand sometimes unanticipated situations may arise before or even during your Japan tour. In order to best assist you when things don't go as planned, Japan Deluxe Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance offered through Travel Guard® Insurance.

Travel Guard® Insurance offers coverage for: Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay, Medical Expense (deductible required), Emergency Medical Transportation, and an Exclusive Family Protection Plan: One child 16 or under will receive coverage at no additional cost for every adult that purchase a protection plan. Every Travel Guard policy includes 24-hour emergency travel assistance services for emergencies or last-minute travel changes, such as re-booking flights, hotel reservations or ground transportation, tracking lost luggage, and more!
For more information about coverage, view our Travel Insurance Page.

travel guard logo

Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.

Day
Day 1

Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Day 2

Tokyo | Yokohama World Quilt Festival

Breakfast

Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar

Day 3

Tokyo | Premier Quilt & Crafts Shopping

Breakfast Lunch

Today, we'll show you what traditional Tokyo has to offer and the premier destination for quilters.

In the morning, we are visiting Quilt Party established by Yoko Saito, one of the world's top quilters. She revolutionized Japanese quilting with her bold use of exquisite designs and brilliant blend of taupe color in her artwork.

Next stop is Ozu Washi, Founded in 1653, Ozu Washi carries traditional Japanese Paper (Washi). We will learn the process of making washi paper and see a beautiful array of washi there. It will be a great inspiration for your next quilting project.

After the workshop, let's take a break at the Sensoji temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest and most popular Japanese temple in Tokyo. The iconic red lantern will welcome you and enjoy the local crafts and sweets at the lively traditional shopping street.

We will finish our day shopping at the famous Nippori Textile Town. You can find stores like Tomato, Mihama and so many more. This district is lined with numerous fabric shops, selling a wide assortment of beautiful fabrics often at discounted, affordable prices.


Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar

Day 4

Tokyo & Yamanashi | Traditional Arts at the Kubota Art Museum

Breakfast Lunch

We will explore some of Japan's most astonishing fabric related museums in the suburbs of Tokyo today.

Our day begins with a trip to the Sashikokan in Hinohara Village, located in the western part of Tokyo. Home to Sashiko artist Akie Ginza's exhibition of Sashiko art, this quaint museum housed in a 200-year-old farm house showcases the Little Stabs style of sashiko stitch art.

Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. Hoto is a noodle soup filled with lots of local fresh vegetable, like daikon and kabocha, with miso based flavor and is a comfort food especially during the winter.

Then we will visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. With western buildings built in a serene Japanese garden over looking Mt. Fuji, you will surely find this site a magical place. Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric tie dye technique. Many of his works are on display at this museum. Browse through the extensive collection of Kimonos decorated in this traditional Japanese art.


Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar

Day 5

Shimane | Visit three-star site in the Michelin Green Guide Japan

Breakfast
Airplane | Fly to Shimane Prefecture Adachi Museum of Art | Check into a hotel

Today, we are taking a flight to Shimane prefecture, located in the Chugoku region and is Japan’s second least populated prefecture.

The Adachi Museum of Art is a museum known for its great collection of artwork and celebrated Japanese gardens. Founded in 1980 by Adachi Zenko, the museum was created with the belief that a Japanese garden should be seen as a living painting. The museum features renowned works of art by famous Japanese artists, including Taikan. Enjoy the works from Yokoyama Taikan, one of the founders of the Nihonga style of painting. His works, as well as other well-established Nihonga painters like Uemura Shoen, who was born in Kyoto. She painted noble and elegant women in Kimono and she made endeavors to express the inner depth in addition to those features.


TBA or similar

Day 6

Izumo | Kimono Quilt Workshop with Quilter Mutsuko Yawatagaki

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today, we participate in the exclusive quilt workshop presented by Mutsuko Yawatagaki.

Known as one of the most renowned artists of Japanese style quilting, Mutsuko Yawatagaki has been creating amazing works including embroidery, woven, dyed, and quilt. She put American quilting and Japanese traditional culture together in a beautiful way using the 100-300 years old kimono as materials, and her works have been showcased in major exhibitions inside and outside of Japan. In 2006, she opened The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art as her permanent exhibition. We are delighted to offer an opportunity to participate in Mutsuko Yawatagaki's workshop just for our quilt tour. There will surely be something for everyone to enjoy during Mutsuko Yawatagaki's special kimono quilt workshop.


TBA or similar

Day 7

Okayama | Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quater

Breakfast

Today we will take a train to the next destination, Kurashiki.

Kurashiki is a city known for the centuries-old buildings and shops of the Bikan Historical Quarter. It is the birthplace for "Washi Paper". You can find these colorfully designed washi tapes all over Japan and around the world today. Some of the shops are offering on site craft workshops using this colorful washi tapes. It will be the perfect souvenir from your Japan trip.

Kurashiki is also the birthplace of the domestic jeans industry and t it is a paradise for denim enthusiasts from all over the world. There is a shopping alley called "Kurashiki Denim Street" with Japanese denim brands gathering along. You will have a chance to find this rare original high-quality offcuts as well as the various products.

Then, we are headed to Kyoto, Japan's old capital and the birthplace of kimono fabric.


Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar

Day 8

Kyoto | Stunning Japanese Craft Arts Workshop

Breakfast Lunch

Today we will start with Kyo-Yuzen workshop. Kyo-Yuzen is one of traditional dyeing technique of Kyoto, and the dye is directly applied to the fabric and the designs often depict nature and animals of the different seasons with vivid and vibrant colors. You will learn how to use / wrap the "Furoshiki" (square shaped cloths used in Japan to wrap items and carry the personal belongings) and dye your own Furoshiki. You can even take your work of art home for a perfect souvenir to remember the unique experience.

After lunch, we will head to the Kyoto Shibori Museum. The museum has various masterpieces created by shibori for you to gain lots of quilt inspirations.

Last stop is Yuzawaya craft shop in Kyoto. Yuzawaya is one of the famouse craft chain stores in Japan. You can find wide variety of Japanese craft supplies.


Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar

Day 9

Kyoto | Craftman's Work & Specialities Shopping

Breakfast

Here, we will take you to the most amazing places that produce and restore Japanese traditional crafts.

The Kyoto Shishu Restoration Studio is dedicated to repairing embroidery and traditional Japanese cloth pieces.. The embroidery that comes through the doors are sometimes 100, 200, and even up to 300 years old. Therefore, the Kyoto Embroidery Restoration Studio employs only skilled embroidery specialists to restore the works in order to bring them back to life. We will get to see the artists in action and ask questions while taking a tour of the site.

We will then visit Nishiki Market, Kyoto's popular marketplace filled with fresh flavors and culinary treats. Often called Kyoto's Kitchen, Nishiki Market is located in an arcade shopping area which hosts popular craft stores like Nomura Tailor, Misuya Needles, and SouSou. Nomura Tailor carries dazzling fabrics and materials perfect for your crafts when you get back home. Be sure to sample the selection of Misuya Needles. These special needles are of high-quality and produced in the Matusbara district of Kyoto. Known for their strength, flexibility, and quality, these are a must for any sewing fan. SouSou offers several stores that each specialize in different themes. Some have fabrics and Tenugui towels, Japanese traditional kitchen clothes, while others sell socks and small gift items.

It's time to get kimono remnants. We will explore the kimono stores which has a great selection of unique Japanese cotton fabric scraps, kimono fabric offcuts, traditional floral pattern etc. They will be the perfect material to review the workshop.


Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar

Day 10

Kyoto | Rickshaw ride through Bamboo Forest & Hand-weaving Experience

Breakfast Dinner

We will enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama, the Bamboo Groove Forest. You will be welcomed by friendly smiles of Rickshaw drivers who are both entertaining and very knowlegable. They will also take you amasing picures in the Bamboo forest that you want to show all your friends back home. You have time to enjoy visiting many traditional-style shops and grab some food for lunch after the rickshaw ride.

We will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a must see Kyoto attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the pond adds to the stunning sight.

Next destination will be the Nishijin textile center where you can learn about the pure Japanese silk. After understanding how the silk is extracted with vidoes as well as dioramas, now it's time to try handweaving. You will see the dazzling kimono show at the end.

Our final stop of this tour is the Gallery of Kyoto Traditional Arts & Cratfs. It is a showcase for local artists practising in traditional genres. The museum also has a great collection of arts and crafts for you to gain inspiration for your next project after your vacation ends.

Enjoy the last group dinner together with your tour group and share your favorite memories with your guide of your experiences travelling Japan.


Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar

Day 11

Kyoto | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Breakfast

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. Your quilt tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy an extended stay vacation in Japan.

Dining Experience

Hoto Udon

Hoto

Hōtō is a popular dish in Yamanashi made using miso soup and flat udon noodles. While some may consider Hōtō a variant of udon, locals consider this a unique dish separate to the popular thick noodles.

See Details >
Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties.

See Details >

Cultural Experience

Quilt Workshop

Kimono Quilt Workshop

Create your own Japanese-style tapestry by using the various fabrics of an antique kimono that is 100-200 years old with Quilter Mutsuko Yawatagaki.

See Details >
gold leaf art

Traditional Japanese Craft Workshops

Discover the traditional craft-works of Japan during a hands on workshop experience. Learn the techniques of traditional Japanese arts & crafts to create stunning unique arts.

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Image of Kimono Show

Nishijin Kimono Show

Look, learn and listen at Nishijin Textile Center dedicated to textile and kimono manufacturing. You will learn how to do hand-weaving in traditional way.

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Riding Experience

Bullet Train

Bullet Train

World known as The Bullet Train, The Shinkansen fascinates foreign tourists. Shinkansen runs average 300kmh, about 186mph, and they depart every 10 minutes in rush hours very punctual.

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Rickshaw

Rickshaw

Rickshaw (Jinrikisha) is two-wheeled cart that is pulled by a single person and carries one to two passengers at a time.

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Customer Reviews


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All small-group journeys are guaranteed to operate with just 6 guests.


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Tour Standard

  • All ground transportation
  • All admission fees as listed
  • Gratuities & Local Taxes
  • Round-trip airport transfers
  • licensed tour guide throughout
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