11 Days Yokohama World Quilt Festival Tour

Welcome to Japan. Japan Deluxe Tours has arranged transportation services to meet you at your airport's arrival lobby and will take you to your hotel. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

Today, we will delve into the heart of Tokyo's renowned textile scene, beginning our journey in the bustling Nippori Textile District. Known as a paradise for fabric lovers, this area offers an array of shops selling everything from vintage kimonos to modern textiles.

Our first stop is Tomato, a famous fabric store within the district, celebrated for its extensive selection of materials at wholesale prices. Whether you're looking for delicate silks or vibrant cottons, Tomato offers an inspiring array of fabrics that cater to all sewing enthusiasts.

Next, we will head to Mihama, another key spot in the Nippori Textile District, known for its specialized stores featuring unique textiles and craft supplies. This is a perfect opportunity to find rare and high-quality materials that are seldom available elsewhere.

After exploring the fabric shops, we will visit Enneste, a charming café that doubles as a creative space for textile artists. Here, you can relax and enjoy a coffee while surrounded by contemporary textile art and handcrafted goods. It's a wonderful spot to reflect on the creative inspirations from today's shopping adventures.

This day promises to be a fulfilling experience for anyone passionate about textiles and the art of fabric making, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo's famed textile district.

Today, we will continue our exploration of Tokyo's rich textile and craft culture with a day filled with traditional art and culinary experiences.

We will begin our day at Ozu Washi, a store and workshop specializing in traditional Japanese paper, known as washi. Established over three centuries ago, Ozu Washi offers not just a chance to purchase beautifully crafted paper but also workshops where you can learn about the intricate process of washi making and create your own paper crafts.

Next, we will dive into the culinary arts with a hands-on temari sushi making workshop. Temari sushi are small, ball-shaped sushi that are as beautiful as they are delicious. This workshop will not only teach you how to prepare these delightful bites but also offer insights into the aesthetics of Japanese cuisine, emphasizing the importance of presentation.

Our final stop will be at Quilt Party, the renowned store of Yoko Saito, a famous figure in the world of quilting. Here, you can admire and purchase a variety of quilting supplies, including fabrics, patterns, and kits designed by Saito herself. This is a fantastic opportunity for quilt enthusiasts to gather unique materials and gain inspiration from one of Japan’s quilting masters.

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.

Today, our journey through Japan's vibrant craft scene reaches a colorful pinnacle with a visit to the World Quilt Festival in Yokohama. This prestigious event gathers quilting enthusiasts, artists, and crafters from around the world to showcase a dazzling array of quilt artistry.

The festival is renowned for its exhibitions featuring both traditional and contemporary quilt designs. As we explore the venue, you'll have the opportunity to view intricate quilts that incorporate a variety of techniques and materials, reflecting both Japanese and international quilting styles.

Today's itinerary includes free time for individual exploration. Optional tours are available both in the morning and afternoon, should you wish to participate.

We embark on a thrilling journey that combines high-speed travel with an exploration of traditional Japanese crafts. Our day starts with a quick ride on the Shinkansen, Japan's iconic bullet train, known for its efficiency and speed, providing a seamless transition to our cultural destinations.

Our first stop after the exhilarating train ride is the Craft Center at the Noritake Museum. Here, you can delve into the fascinating world of Noritake porcelain, which has been synonymous with sophisticated Japanese ceramics since the late 19th century. The museum not only showcases exquisite Noritake designs but also offers a glimpse into the meticulous process of porcelain making, from shaping to painting and glazing.

Next, we will visit the Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Kaikan, a museum dedicated to the traditional art of shibori (tie-dyeing), which has been practiced in the Arimatsu and Narumi areas for over 400 years. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the intricate techniques and patterns of shibori, displaying a variety of beautifully dyed fabrics. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a shibori workshop, where you can try your hand at creating your own tie-dyed masterpiece.

Today offers a blend of leisure and immersive cultural experiences in the heart of Kyoto. Begin your morning at your own pace, exploring the nearby sights, trying local cafes, or simply relaxing and absorbing the serene atmosphere of this historic city.

In the afternoon, our cultural exploration begins at the Kyoto Embroidery Restoration Studio. This studio specializes in the meticulous art of restoring ancient and modern embroidered textiles, preserving a craft that has adorned Kyoto's garments and fabrics for centuries. Witness the delicate skills and precision required to bring aged fabrics back to their former glory.

Next, we will visit the Kyoto Shibori Craft Museum, dedicated to the traditional Japanese art of shibori tie-dyeing. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on workshop where you'll create your own shibori scarf. Learn about the various techniques used to manipulate fabric into beautiful patterns, and take home a personal souvenir crafted by your own hands.

We start our day with a visit to a Gold Leaf Craftsmanship Studio, where you will have the opportunity to engage in a unique workshop experience. Here, you'll learn about the delicate process of applying gold leaf, and try your hand at creating your own gold-leaf artwork, which you can take home as a stunning souvenir.

Following the gold leaf experience, we'll proceed to the Orikaikan, a celebrated venue dedicated to the preservation and display of local weaving techniques. Explore exhibits detailing the intricate processes and historical significance of textile production in the region, and witness live demonstrations by skilled artisans.

Next on our agenda is a visit to Nomura Tailor, a famous fabric store known for its vast selection of high-quality materials. Whether you're looking for traditional patterns or contemporary designs, Nomura Tailor offers a wide range of fabrics that cater to all tastes and needs, making it a perfect spot for both casual visitors and serious crafters.

Our final stop of the day will be at Misuya Needle, a specialty shop that provides an array of traditional Japanese sewing needles. These finely crafted needles are celebrated for their quality and durability, essential for intricate sewing projects. Here, you can learn about the art of needle-making and select from various types designed for different textile arts.

Our day begins with a visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This exquisite temple, covered in brilliant gold leaf, reflects beautifully on the pond before it, offering a spectacular view that embodies the peaceful Zen Buddhist philosophy.

Next, we will venture to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to ride in a traditional rickshaw, allowing you to experience the towering green stalks of the bamboo from a new perspective as your guide shares insights into the area's history and significance.

Following our stroll through the bamboo, we'll head to a Kyoto Yuzen Workshop, where you will learn the art of Yuzen dyeing—a technique used for decorating elaborate kimono fabrics. Additionally, you'll learn how to wrap gifts in a Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, which is both beautiful and eco-friendly.

Afterwards, we'll explore the charming streets of Ninenzaka. This historic district offers a step back in time with its preserved machiya (townhouses) and traditional shops, perfect for enjoying a leisurely walk and perhaps picking up some local handicrafts.

We will conclude our day with a Maiko dinner, where you can enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine while being entertained by a Maiko. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Kyoto’s living culture as you interact with the Maiko and enjoy traditional dances and performances.

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.