EBHQ Quilters Textile Tour to Japan with Janet McDonald

Tour Info

OVERVIEW 

Experience the vibrant tapestry of Japan's textile heritage on our Spring Textile Tour. Embark on a captivating journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Matsue, exploring traditional crafts, artistic techniques, and cultural landmarks. Delve into the world of fabric at Nippori Fabric Town and learn the art of Furoshiki wrapping. Immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich history with visits to iconic temples and vibrant markets. Discover the intricate beauty of shibori in Arimatsu. Indulge in hands-on workshops including shibori, rocketsu, and indigo dyeing. Enjoy tranquil gardens and a variety of artwork at the Adachi Museum of Art, and relish exquisite kimono at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. In Matsue explore history, quilt art, and papermaking traditions. From panoramic city views to serene onsen experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of textile exploration and cultural immersion in the Land of the Rising Sun.

START & FINISH

The tour begins at Keio Plaza Hotel on Day 1, Wednesday, May 7 after 3 pm; the tour concludes after breakfast at Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu on Day 12, Sunday, May 18 after breakfast.

Airport arrival transfer in Tokyo: Flight arrival between 05:00am -20:30pm (Haneda Airport); 06:00am-20:30pm (Narita Airport); shared transfer is included. Outside this time frame, additional cost applies.

Itinerary

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1      Wednesday, May 7                                 Arrive Tokyo

Begin your textile journey in Tokyo, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history. Check into your hotel and unwind after your journey. Take some time to explore the surroundings and get a taste of the bustling atmosphere of Tokyo's streets. In the evening, enjoy a group get together buffet dinner at the hotel, where you can connect with fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2     Thursday, May 8                                       Tokyo

After breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the beautiful Imperial Palace East Garden before heading to Nippori Fabric Town, home to nearly 100 shops carrying all sorts of fabric and notions. Enjoy lunch on your own and then participate in a Furoshiki workshop at Karakusaya, where you'll learn the art of wrapping objects with cloth in a sustainable and elegant manner. (B)

Day 3      Friday, May 9                                               Tokyo

Delve deeper into Japanese craftsmanship with visits to the Japan Folk Crafts Museum and Nona Temari. Explore the intricate folk art and traditional crafts that showcase Japan's rich cultural heritage. Later, wander through Asakusa and visit Senso-Ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, before preparing for an overnight stay in Kawaguchiko. Enjoy dinner on your own in the area. (B)

Day 4      Saturday, May 10                                   Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

Embark on a journey to Hinohara-mura to explore Akie Ginza’s Sashiko Museum, dedicated to the beautiful art of Japanese embroidery. Then, travel by coach to Kawaguchiko, a serene town nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji. Along the way, stop for lunch at a rest area and visit the Kubota Museum of Art to admire the exquisite kimono. Check into your onsen hotel and savor a delightful dinner. (B D)

Day 5      Sunday, May 11                                         Kawaguchiko to Kyoto

Check out from the hotel in Kawaguchiko and board a coach to Arimatsu. The journey takes several hours, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Upon arrival in Arimatsu, participate in a hands-on shibori workshop to learn the intricate art of fabric dyeing. Explore the Arimastu Narumi Shibori Museum to gain insights into the history and significance of shibori in Japanese textile culture.

After the workshop, transfer by coach to Nagoya and board a train to Kyoto. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner on your own, perhaps exploring Kyoto's culinary scene. (B)

Day 6      Monday, May 12                                        Kyoto

After breakfast, explore Kyoto's iconic landmarks, starting with the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Continue to Ryoanji Temple, famous for its Zen rock garden. Then explore Nomura Tailor for traditional fabrics.

In the afternoon, engage in a Roketsu workshop, where you'll have the opportunity to experiment with wax resist dyeing. (B)

Day 7      Tuesday, May 13                                       Kyoto

Start your day by visiting the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and explore the winding paths lined with thousands of vibrant torii gates, later head to the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design. Delve into the world of traditional and contemporary Japanese crafts, showcasing the intricate skills and creativity of artisans. Conclude your day with a stroll through the historic Gion District, home to charming old fabric stores like Nakamura Chingireya. (B L)

Day 8      Wednesday, May 14                              Kyoto to Matsue

Following breakfast, we'll travel to Matsue via coach. En route, we'll make a detour to visit a textile factory, with the possibility of a brief stop at Matsue Castle if time allows. Once we arrive, you can check into your hotel and unwind after a day of exciting exploration. (B)

Day 9      Thursday, May 15                                    Matsue

Discover the unique art at the Izumo Museum of Quilt Art, showcasing intricate quilt designs inspired by Japanese culture and textiles. Pay a visit to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, before enjoying a leisurely sightseeing boat ride in the historic canals surrounding Matsue Castle. Dinner is on your own, offering the chance to explore Matsue's culinary delights. (B)

Day 10   Friday, May 16                     Matsue

Embark on a creative journey at the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, renowned for its stunning garden and impressive collection of contemporary Japanese art. Afterwards, participate in an indigo dyeing workshop at Amano Kouya Indigo Dyeing Studio, where you'll learn traditional dyeing techniques. Conclude your day with a visit to Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall and the nearby papermaking village, where you can try your hand at making Japanese paper. (B)

Day 11   Saturday, May 17                 Matsue

Delve deeper into Matsue's history with a visit to the Matsue History Museum, offering fascinating insights into the city's past. Experience the art of wagashi (Japanese sweets) making at the museum café, where you can observe skilled artisans crafting intricate confections. Spend the rest of the day exploring Matsue's neighborhoods and enjoying personal time with newfound friends from the tour. Gather in the evening for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey. (B D)

Day 12   Sunday, May 18                    Matsue

Bid farewell to Matsue after breakfast and embark on your journey homeward, carrying cherished memories of your textile exploration through Japan. Travel to the airport (Yonago or Izumo) at your own pace, reflecting on the experiences and connections made during your time in this enchanting land. (B)

Tour Leader

JANET MCDONALD

Janet McDonald began quilting in 2011 when a friend gave her a copy of Roberta Horton’s book An Amish Adventure. She enjoys all aspects of quilting, even binding, and loves to learn new techniques. She hand quilts with Dorcas Quilters in San Francisco on Wednesdays and works part-time at New Pieces Quilt Shop in Berkeley. She so much enjoyed her trip to Japan in 2019 that she has begun exploring some of the things that inspired her including shibori, dyeing with indigo and kakishibu (persimmon), and sashiko and kogin (counted sashiko). Outside of the quilting world she still works part-time in her profession as a librarian.

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Inclusions

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What is included in the tour price?

• Accommodation: 4 star hotels throughout the tour.
• Meals: Daily breakfast, welcome dinner, and farewell dinner; lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary.
• Transportation: Shinkansen, coach, and local transportation as per itinerary.
• Activities: Entrance fees to museums, workshops, and attractions as specified in the itinerary.
• Guided Tours: Guided tours by experienced local guides at various sites.
• Workshops: Participation in textile workshops such as Furoshiki, Shibori and Roketsu
• Support: Assistance from tour guides and support staff throughout the journey.

What is not included in the tour price?

• International Flights: Airfare to and from Japan.
• Meals: Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary.
• Personal Expenses: Expenses for souvenirs, additional activities, and personal items.
• Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included but recommended.
• Optional Activities: Any optional activities not included in the tour itinerary.
• Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
• Visa Fees: Costs associated with obtaining visas or entry permits, if required.

Hotels

HOTELS

Please contact our office for more information

Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
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