The Craft & Culture Tour
Are you ready for a trip of a lifetime?
Choose Your Tour
15-day Japan Adventure Tour October 24th – November 8th, 2026 – 1 open spot
Email Adrienne Gaskell for pricing information and detailed itinerary
14-day Japan Adventure Tour October 10th – October 24th – NEARLY FULL
This tour’s itinerary includes: Kyoto, Naoshima Art Islands and Hiroshima
Email Adrienne Gaskell for pricing information and detailed itinerary
Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through Japan!
Step off the beaten path and uncover Japan’s hidden treasures rarely seen by tourists. Japanese crafts have played a vital role in shaping the nation’s culture. This journey lets you experience that deep connection through immersive, hands-on encounters with Japan’s living traditions. In addition to the destinations listed we’ve kept a few delightful surprises up our sleeve – ensuring this adventure is not only unforgettable, but truly unlike any other tour!
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, creating an intimate and personalized experience. With such a small group, you’ll enjoy access to exclusive activities that ensures every moment is truly unforgettable!
15-day Tour Overview – October 24th – Nov. 8th
12 Nights in KYOTO
Spend 12 unforgettable days in Kyoto—the heart of Japan’s traditional crafts! Kyoto will be our hub for hands-on classes, inspiring day trips, delicious food, and the very best shopping. Plus, we have a few surprises in store for you to make this journey truly special.
3 Nights in TOKYO
After Kyoto we’ll travel to Japan’s most famous and largest city. We have packed a lot into our three days here including a day trip to Nikkō plus two great walking tours. We will dive into the energy of bustling Tokyo, combined with a visit to TeamLab Planets Museum, an immersive art experience that’s magical, unforgettable, and truly one-of-a-kind! Check it out: https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets/ Our Asakusa location gives us the fastest route to visit Nikko City, allowing us to arrive ahead of the tour buses. On the last day our walking tour will take us to sites close to our hotel; Japan’s oldest temple, Sensoji, and the Tokyo Skytree are just a few minutes away. You will have the afternoon free to explore all the fantastic shopping in the area, this is a renowned wholesale district.
Optional ADD-ON – 3-Night HIROSHIMA Excursion: These extra 3-days will be at the beginning of the trip. You will get behind the scenes tours of two factories as this is a city known for its manufacturing. We will also visit a famous castle, and learn first hand about the cities role in history as the site of the first Atomic Bomb.
Recognizing diverse traveler interests, we provide two full days for independent exploration, coupled with some leisurely afternoon free time. Evenings are typically unstructured, allowing for personal pursuits, or to convene for delightful dinners and social interactions with your fellow travelers.
Classes Include: Kumihimo classes will be led by the renowned instructor Makiko Tada, held over two full days at the esteemed Kyoto Institute of Technology. Enjoy hands on attention from Makiko-sensei during the sessions, while concurrently, members of the Kumihimo Society (Japan) will engage in classes instructed by Adrienne Gaskell.
Craft Classes include: Washi (paper), Sashiko Stitching, Manyo Dyeing, Temari Ball creation, and making your own Onigawara souvenir (a small clay tile with a demon face). In addition to these inspiring classes you will be guided to some of Kyoto’s best fabric, yarn, needle and craft supply shops.
Excusions & Day Trips: In addition to the trips listed we will visit many important cultural properties in the Kyoto area. These excursions involve a moderate amount of walking, with planned breaks to ensure a relaxed pace. Our itinerary allows for unhurried exploration, with time to savor a leisurely group lunch. The full-day outings are designed to deepen your appreciation for Japan’s rich history and learn the importance of Japanese traditional crafts. While in each city we will explore local sites, and be immersed in Japanese culture by traveling on trains, city buses, and walking on centuries old cobblestone streets
GION – Kyoto’s famed Geisha district, is known for its well-preserved wooden machiya (merchant houses) and charming cobblestone streets. We’ll begin our exploration with a peaceful morning stroll through the enchanting Higashiyama District, visiting Kiyomizudera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. We will also visit Kodaji and Kennenji, two of Kyoto’s oldest Buddest Temples. To make the most of our day we will head out early and enjoy the serene ambiance, visiting these popular attractions before they become too crowded.
UJI – More than a millennium ago, the magnificent Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine (the oldest surviving shrine in Japan) were built. The Phoenix Hall of the temple is original, making it one of the few wooden structures to survive from the Heian Period. The beautiful vermilion colored Uji Bridge is well known for its frequent mention in The Tale of Genji, an 11th century work of fiction that is argued to be the world’s first novel. The bridge is just one of many sites that are mentioned in the novel. The city is marked by statues and plaques to indicate locations where the novel’s events occurred. Uji is also renowned for its exquisite green (matcha) tea, but this remarkable city also hosts a significant kumihimo center. During our visit we will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a commercial kumihimo workshop.
OMI HACHIMAN – In the late 1500s, this town flourished as a vital commercial center, strategically positioned along two major trade routes: the highway connecting Kyoto to Tokyo, and the maritime route linking the Sea of Japan to Kyoto via Lake Biwa. Today, it is a tranquil place. We will enjoy a scenic ropeway ascent up Mount Hachiman, offering stunning views of Lake Biwa below. Upon descending, a visit to the Himure Hachimangu Shrine will add a touch of spiritual tranquility to our day. The town’s rich mercantile past is preserved in the old town area. The restored merchants’ homes will transport you back over 500 years. Additionally, the Kawara (roof tile) Museum, with its exquisite collection of ancient Japanese roof tiles, tells the story of their historical and cultural importance.
ECHIZEN A city of artisans and traditional crafts most famous for the many small family run workshops that make beautiful washi paper. We will learn how washi paper is made during our class at Papyrus House, an activity center and shop. Our visit will include a demonstartion at the Udatsu Paper and Craft Museum, providing an intimate glimpse into the skilled craftsmanship of washi artisans. We will also visit the Echizen Knife Village where you can see craftsmen at work and be able to purchase quality Japanese knives. Echizen is also famous for the Okamoto Shrine, the only shrine in Japan dedicated to the god of paper. Its interesting overlapping roof design and intricate wood carvings make this a place you will want to linger.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Antique & Flea Market: This is one of our favorite Kyoto shopping experiences so we will be heading out early to be sure and find the best treasures. With over 1,000 stalls spread throughout the shrine grounds, offering a incredible variety of antiques, kimonos, gorgeous obis, and an eclectic mix of street food. The market is a haven for unique items that you will not find anywhere else. I am always on the lookout for another old Noh mask and more temari balls.
NIKKO Day Trip – Nikkō is the home Toshogu Shrine, Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine, built in the 1600s. Nikkō is truly awe-inspiring, with over 103 cultural treasures and World Heritage sites, many adorned with some of the most intricate woodwork imaginable, all nestled among towering ancient cedar trees and framed by breathtaking mountains and stunning landscapes. We’ll also visit the iconic Shinkyo Vermilion Bridge and the stunning Kegon Falls. Keep an eye out for the mischievous monkeys! We’ve saved Nikko for the end of the tour, as its northern location and higher elevation increase our chances of experiencing the beauty of the vibrant fall colors.
Hiroshima Add-On – We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, site of the first Atomic Bomb, before taking a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island, home to the iconic Great Torii, ranked among Japan’s top three views. We’ll also explore the historic town of Iwakuni, crossing the elegant Kintaikyo Bridge and visiting the hilltop castle with its remarkable samurai armor collection. To round out the Hiroshima experience, you will enjoy VIP behind-the-scenes tours of both the Toho Bead Factory and Tulip Needle Factory, where you’ll get an up close view of the full production process and gain rare insider access.
The Japan Adventure Tour price includes:
- Transportation (while on tour activities)
- 15 nights lodging
- Craft classes and demonstrations
- Guided tours
- Entrance fees to temples, shrines and museums
- Meals: Daily breakfast, 8 lunches including a farewell lunch with Makiko & Shinsaku Tada
- 24/7 on-ground support
Meals: Included with the Tour
Breakfast – A daily buffet is provided at our hotels with western and Japanese offerings
Lunches – Eight lunches: On most of our Day Trips, the Gion Walking Tour and on Kumihimo class days
Farewell Lunch – A celebration lunch with Makiko and Shinsaku Tada
Not included: Airfare to or from Japan, travel insurance, medical insurance and medical expenses, free day travel and associated costs, any meals not listed.
Additional hotel nights can be arranged for an additional charge and must be requested at time of registration.
Occasionally, itinerary adjustments may be made due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Rest assured, we are dedicated to ensuring a memorable trip by incorporating activities that enhance your experience, often leading to unexpected adventures.
Because this tour is limited to just 10 travelers – it sells out fast! Don’t delay, sign up today!
Japan Adventure Tour Representatives:
Adrienne Gaskell, [email protected], 305-301-4976
Carl Israel, [email protected], 305-297-4057
Please direct inquiries to Adrienne or Carl
These events will take place while we are in Kyoto and, while not part of the tour itinerary, we’ll gladly provide all the information and guidance needed for anyone interested in visiting during their free time.:
Oct. 3 & Nov. 2 – Umikoji Handicraft Market, 9:00 -16:00, 300 stalls
Oct. 4 & Nov. 3 – Toji Temple Antique and Handicraft Market, 7:00 -16:30, 350 stalls
Oct 22 – Jidai Matsuri Festival (Parade)
Oct 25 – Dec 15 – Kodai-ji Temple Autumn Illumination, 17:00 – 21:30
Oct 25 – Kamigano Handicraft Market, 9:00 -15:00, 200 stalls
Oct. 28 – Kiyomizudera 1,000 Market, (In front of Temple), 9:00 -16:00
