Sakiori to Sashiko: Japan's Textile Adventure
$6,770
per person, twin share (land tour only)
$850 single supplement for sole use of a hotel room
Tour Leader
Tour Info
OVERVIEW
This 12-day journey through Tokyo and the less-traveled northern regions of Nagano, Niigata, and Tohoku takes you from the fabric-filled streets of Tokyo's Nippori district to the mountain villages of the Fuji region, then northward along an artisan trail that follows centuries-old textile techniques. You'll visit working kimono factories in Tokamachi, learn sakiori rag-weaving at a studio packed with traditional looms in Towada, and practice koginzashi stitching at the Hirosaki Institute where local women still gather to create intricate sashiko pieces.
This route traces Japan's silk and textile heritage, stopping at the country's only operating silk-spinning mill museum, exploring workshops dedicated to Ojiya's famous 400-year-old chijimi fabric tradition, and dyeing with natural indigo in the historic town of Hirosaki. Between workshops, you'll experience the beauty of northern Japan in autumn—from views of Mount Fuji at a traditional onsen hotel to the serene shores of Lake Towada and the elegant grounds of Matsumoto Castle.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hands-on textile workshops
- Discover traditional sashiko stitching and koginzashi embroidery techniques at specialized institutes
- Experience sakiori rag-weaving on traditional looms at a studio in Towada
- Learn kasuri weaving with Ojiya's renowned 400-year-old chijimi fabric
- Practice natural indigo dyeing in historic Hirosaki
- Discover the elegant art of furoshiki cloth wrapping
- Create decorative temari thread balls in Nagano
- Participate in an exclusive workshop with accomplished quilter Ms. Goke Keiko
Artisan Studios & Heritage Sites
- Tour a kimono factory in Tokamachi and witness the masterful creation of beautiful pieces
- Visit Japan's only museum with an operating silk-spinning mill
- Explore the Sashiko Museum in Hinohara Village showcasing intricate stitching traditions
- Marvel at masterpiece kimonos at the Itchiku Kubota Museum
- Experience unique shinaori bark-cloth weaving
- Browse Yoko Saito's renowned Quilt Party shop in Tokyo
- Shop nearly 100 fabric and notion stores at Tokyo's famous Nippori Fabric Town
Cultulral Treasures
- Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's National Treasures
- Wander through Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful gardens
- Discover the iconic Sensoji Temple in Tokyo
- Explore historic Hirosaki Castle and its elegant grounds
- Experience Lake Towada and Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Detailed Itinerary
START & FINISH
The tour begins with a welcome dinner on Day 1, Saturday, Oct 17 at Keio Plaza Hotel or similar in Tokyo. The tour ends after breakfast at leisure on Day 12, Wednesday, Oct 28 at Keio Plaza Hotel.
An airport arrival and departure transfer is included. These transfers are only valid between our designated hotels and airports within specified times. Contact us for additional details.
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.
Tour Leader
Amanda McLaurin
Amanda grew up with a needle and thread always close at hand—she learned to sew in elementary school and picked up knitting as a teenager. In 2015 after a decade in event planning, she left that career to pursue fiber arts full time. Her creative journey took her all the way to Indonesia, where she spent two years immersed in local traditions like batik dyeing and ikat weaving.
Back in the U.S. since 2017, Amanda has shared her love of craft by teaching machine sewing, visible mending, and embroidery workshops. Today, she creates bold fiber art sculptures available through Liz Lidgett Gallery, along with fine art prints and fiber art phone cases available on her website- www.amandamclaurin.com. You can find her on instagram at @amanda_mclaurin_
Inclusions
TOUR INCLUSIONS
What is included in the tour price?
- 11 nights twin-share accommodation at well-appointed hotels with breakfast daily
- Shared arrival & departure transfers (conditions apply)
- Transportation in Japan by bullet train and chartered coach
- Meals, 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 airfare to Japan
- Travel insurance
- Porterage at hotels and personal expenses
- Gratuities and 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
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