The Journey of Japan's Three Great Primitive Textiles: Tour Prospectus
Tour Overview

  • Tour Name: The Journey of Japan's Three Great Primitive Textiles
  • Capacity: Limited to 8 participants (a small group designed for personalised instruction directly from artisans)
  • Dates: 7th – 16th September 2027 (9 nights, 10 days)
  • Price: £5,500 per person (based on twin/double occupancy, tax included)
  • Language: English and Japanese (A professional English-speaking guide will accompany the tour throughout)
  • Starting/Ending Points: Meet in Tokyo (city centre hotel) / Disband in Tokyo

Itinerary
DayLocationProgramme HighlightsAccommodation

Day 1

Tokyo13:00 Meet at the Tokyo hotel.
　　　14:00 Visit the Japan Folk Crafts Museum for a close inspection of the three great　primitive textiles.
Orientation and welcome dinner.
Tokyo　Hotels

Day 2

Tsuruoka
Morning: Domestic flight to Shonai Airport.
[Shina-fu] Visit Chido Museum to view Shonai's natural textiles.
Tsuruoka
(Onsen Ryokan)

 

Day 3

Tsuruoka[Shina-fu] Hands-on bark stripping, thread-making, and weaving trial at Sekikawa Shina-fu.Tsuruoka
(Onsen Ryokan)


Day 4

Shimada[Shina-fu] Lecture and weaving demonstration/trial on a traditional backstrap loom.

Evening: Flight and Shinkansen transfer to Shimada, Shizuoka.
Shimada
(Japanese Ryokan)


Day 5

Shimada[Kuzu-fu] Forage for kudzu vines along the Ohi River, followed by washing and a kuzu-musubi (thread knotting) workshop.Shimada

(Japanese Ryokan)


Day 6

Shimada[Kuzu-fu] Continue the workshop. Weave a tapestry runner blending silk and kudzu fibres.Shimada

(Japanese Ryokan)


Day 7

Shimada / Okinawa[Kuzu-fu] Finishing touches and feedback.

Afternoon: Direct flight from Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport to Naha, Okinawa. Transfer to the hotel.
Nago

(Resort Hotel

Day 8

OkinawaMorning: Transfer to Kijoka, Ogimi Village.

Afternoon: Orientation and preparation for the Basho-fu workshop.
Northern Okinawa

Day 9

Okinawa[Basho-fu] U-biki (fibre extraction), U-nmi (thread spinning), and a natural dyeing workshop.Northern Okinawa

Day 10

Okinawa / Tokyo[Basho-fu] Weaving trial on a traditional high loom.

Afternoon: Transfer to Naha to visit a Ryukyu Bingata workshop.

Evening: Domestic flight back to Tokyo and conclude the tour.
-Tour Highlights

  • Intimate & Immersive Experience: Restricted to just 8 participants, ensuring detailed, hands-on instruction. The tour is uniquely guided throughout by a Kuzu-fu Master Craftsman.
  • Rooted in Nature: Experience the crucial first steps of drawing life from raw materials—stripping lime tree bark, harvesting kudzu vines, and extracting banana fibres straight from the earth.
  • Seamless Logistics: All long-distance travel and luggage transfers are fully supported via private vehicles and domestic flights, allowing you to focus your energy entirely on the craftsmanship.

What is Included

  • All domestic transport (Domestic flights, Shinkansen tickets, and private chartered vehicles)
  • Accommodation for 9 nights (carefully selected traditional ryokans, a resort hotel, and city hotels)
  • Meals (9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners)
  • All workshop fees, material costs, and facility admission fees
  • Full-time English-speaking guide accompanying the group throughout the journey

Standard Web Form (Professional & Welcoming)

Expression of Interest: Tour 2027 Thank you for your interest in our tour! Please fill out the form below if you would like to participate.
 
Please Note: - Tour dates and full details will be finalized in January 2027. -
This is an interest form. Official registration will open once the details are announced. - All future updates will be sent primarily via email. Please ensure you provide an address you check regularly. [ Participant Information ] Full Name: [ ] Address: Country: [ ] Street Address: [ ] Email Address: [ ] Confirm Email Address: [ ] How did you hear about this tour? [ ]