Japan Tour

Threads of Tradition: Northern Japan Textile Tour

Japan - Land of Contrast

11 MAY 2026

12 days

$6,270

per person, twin share (land tour only).
$730 supplement for single room.


Tour Leader

Kris Vierra

Tour Info

 

OVERVIEW 

Map Japan Kris 2026Discover the soul of Japanese textile craftsmanship on this special 12-day journey through Japan's enchanting northern regions. Follow ancient traditions from Tokyo to the cultural havens of Morioka, Hirosaki, and Tsuruoka where you’ll experience the unique charm of the country’s less-traveled north. With the guidance of master artisans, your hands will learn the rhythms of traditional techniques passed down through generations. This journey is perfect for quilters and fiber arts enthusiasts seeking authentic textile traditions while exploring Japan's diverse regional cultures.

HIGHLIGHTS

Northern Japan's Textile Treasures

  • Learn traditional embroidery techniques from a well-known artist in Morioka.
  • Discover new skills through traditional kogin embroidery.
  • Experience Sakiori weaving with recycled fabrics in Towada.
  • Discover unique shinaori bark-cloth weaving in Tsuruoka.
  • Explore the 400-year-old tradition of ojiya chijimi fabric making in Ojiya.
  • Participate in a unique workshop using geothermal steam for a beautiful natural dyeing experience.

Treasured Japanese Cultural Experiences

  • View masterpiece kimonos at the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum near Tokyo
  • Tour the historic Aoyagi Kimono Factory in Tokamachi
  • Visit the impressive and historic Matsumoto Castle
  • Visit Tokyo's iconic Meiji Shrine and Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa
  • Enjoy shopping for unique fabrics at the sprawling Nippori Fabric Town and beloved Quilt Party

 

Detailed Itinerary

Threads of Tradition: Northern Japan Textile Tour

START & FINISH

The tour begins at 6.00 pm at Keio Plaza Hotel or similar l in Tokyo, on Day 1, Mon, May 11; the tour concludes after breakfast at Keio Plaza Hotel, on Day 12, Fri, May 22.

Shared arrival and departure transfers are included. Some conditions apply - transfers are valid between our designated hotels and airports during available transfer service hours.

Itinerary

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Please contact our office for more information

Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Threads of Tradition: Northern Japan Textile Tour

 

Tour Leader

 

Kris Vierra

Kris Vierra has been sewing or quilting for over 20 years. She loves sharing her passion for quilting and all things related to fabric, believing that quilting should be fun and not stressful. Kris teaches at national shows and guilds across the country, and has won numerous national awards for her machine quilting skills over the years. Most recently, Kris won the Best Long Arm Quilting award at AQS Quilt Week Paducah and the PFAFF Master Award for Machine Artistry at the International Quilt Festival Houston. Two of her quilts, Tiger, Tiger and Star of India, are part of the permanent collection at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. Kris is also the author of the Stress Free Quilting® book series. She loves traveling and meeting quilters from around the world. Kris believes that no matter what language you speak fabric is universal.

View Bio and Upcoming Tours

Inclusions

 

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What is included in the tour price?

  • Transportation in Japan by coaches
  • 11 nights twin-share accommodation at well-appointed hotels with breakfast daily
  • 6 dinners, workshops and entrance fees as stated in the itinerary
  • An English-speaking guide throughout the trip in Japan

What is not included in the tour price?

  • International airfares to Japan
  • Travel insurance
  • Porterage at hotels & personal expenses
  • Gratuities, as desired
  • Anything not mentioned

  

Hotels

 

HOTELS

Please contact our office for more information

Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tour Details

Status

icon available1 Spaces Available

Fitness Requirements

 

 


Bookings

To book a place for this tour, you may choose to hold a spot using the option above and submit a booking form with deposit of $800 or contact us for more information:

877 235 3767
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 


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