10 Days Essence of Spring | Quilt Festival Tour

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From KIX Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 70 mins (Bus)
From ITM Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 30 mins (Bus)

Today will be dedicated to exploring the city of Kyoto sightseeing. Our Quilt Tour will start at UNESCO world heritage site Golden Pavilion. The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji temple, is a Japan's must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. This gorgeous temple is sure to leave you speechless.

After that, our Quilt Tour will make a stop at the Nishijin Textile Center, where you can witness the creation of a traditional kimono. The center offers courses in hand-weaving, trying on elegant kimonos, and, if you like it, you can purchase it. You will be invited to see dazzling arrays of kimonos in a fashion show.

We will then head to the Kyoto Shibori Workshop & Museum, where the talented experts will guide you through making your very own, original shibori. You can even take your work of art home for a perfect souvenir to remember this unique experience. The museum has a great collection of shibori for you to gain inspiration from.

Before our day ends, we will head to Ninenzaka, an ancient street that feels as if you were still in the olden days of Japan. Enjoy plenty of sightseeing and shopping before we return to the hotel.

We will start our morning in Kyoto with a visit to Kyoto Museum of Traditional Craft - Fureai-kan. Fureai-kan is a great informative museum with several exhibition halls that exhibit 77 kinds of traditional crafts. This exhibition hall has approximately 500 exhibits, many of which you can purchase. The Gallery of the museum is another interesting part of Fureai-kan, changing the exhibit on display every month. The works displayed in the gallery are usually of great historic value. Fureai-kan is a comprehensive museum where you can learn about various kinds of traditional Japanese craft including ceramics, woven textiles, doll making, lacquer ware, and more. While here, you will have a chance to create your own original handkerchief using the colorful Yuzen dyeing technique.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center to browse around the unique works of Kyoto traditional crafts. In order to get the best look at Japanese indigo dyeing, we will visit the the Aizenkobo Stuido where you can view and purchase completed works of Japanese indigo dyeing. Browse through various kinds of fabrics such as scarves, causal ware, dresses, etc.

We will then move over to Nomura Tailor for some last minute gift and fabric shopping for the day. A popular craft store, Nomura Tailor carries dazzling fabrics and materials perfect for your crafts when you get back home. Be sure to sample the selection of Misuya Needles. These needles are a special, high-quality needles produced in the Matusbara district of Kyoto, Japan. Known for their strength, flexibility, and quality, these are a must for any sewing fan. We then proceed to the hotel.

This morning we will visit the KOHO Japanese Traditional Weaving Studio and Kyoto Shishu Restoration Studio. Enjoy learning about Nishiki-ori while we watch master craftsmen create stunning works before moving over the the Shishu Restoration Studio to learn more about the process involved revitalizing old pieces. Then, it's off to the KOHO Japanese Traditional Weaving Studio. The weaving studio is a research and restoration facility for ancient textiles and traditional weaving techniques.

In the afternoon, we will then head to the Arimatsu Tokaido Old Town to visit the Arimatsu Narumi Tie Dyeing Museum. Tie dyeing or shibori has a long history in Arimatsu, dating back to 1608. Here you can learn about the over 400 years of history of shibori and view and purchase these beautiful shibori works. Enjoy the traditional atmosphere and architecture of the city while at the Tokaido Old Town before we proceed to the hotel.

We will begin our day with a bullet train to Hakone. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

We have a special workshop lined up at the Hakone Yosegi Zaiku waiting when we get off the bullet train. Yosegizaiku is a world-renowned style for Japanese wooden mosaic works. Learn how to combine various types of wood to produce wonderful Japanese decorative patterns. You can also purchase some of the works for sale at the gift shop in case you wanted a more intricate design.

It's then off to Hakone Gora Park, Japan's first French-style garden. Relax among the scenery and be sure to visit the Rose Garden, green houses, and tea-house to see the Spring flowers in bloom!
We then proceed to the hotel.

Today our day begins with a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. This museum is filled with works from Itchiku Kubota, a textile artist that revitalized the Tsujigahana style. Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. A hybrid of miso soup and flat udon noodles, this dish is truly a local Japanese specialty.

In the afternoon, we will visit one of Japan's most astonishing fabric related museums in the suburbs of Tokyo. Our Japan quilt tour will go to Sashikokan in Hinohara village in the western part of Tokyo. This is the place of Sashiko artist Akie Ginza’s exhibition. Enjoy the numerous works of Sashiko art at this vibrant museum before we make our way to the hotel!

Our day begins in Asakusa, the town that maintains a traditional Japanese feel. We will also squeeze in some shopping at Nakamise street which leads to the temple including the popular craft candy store Ameshin for Amezaiku candy. After our time in Asakusa, it's off to see Edo Kiriko Glass to learn more about this popular glass goods from Tokyo. The unique cut of the glass results in stunning colors and patterns that captivate fans from around the world. Close by is the Ozu Washi store for traditional Japanese paper goods. Then, we will visit Tokyu Hands, one of the long-established department stores for handicrafts in the all nation for some more shopping. Make great finds as you enjoy the store, or head to Takashimaya for more shopping nearby! We then return to the hotel.

Today is the day for you to enjoy the Spring Quilt Market at your leisure. Feel free to do some shopping or go out and explore the city of Tokyo! Feel free to explore the vibrant districts of Harajuku or Shinjuku on your own for some fun, or relax at the market. Your guide can provide directions if needed to ensure you enjoy the most of your Japan tour!

Today will be spent visiting some of the essential shopping spots for craft lovers in Tokyo. We will begin our day visiting the famous quilt artist Yoko Saio's retail store Quilt Party. You can expect to find great fabrics and more goods perfect for your next project. Then, we will head to Nippori Textile Town for more shopping and inspiration. The stores Mihama Clothes and Tomato are just two of many great choices you can expect!

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast.
Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins(Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins(Bus)