Threads of Japan, An Intimate Artist-Led Tour from Tokyo to Kyoto
Threads of Japan, An Intimate Artist-Led Tour from Tokyo to Kyoto
Savor the Beauty and Culture of Japan with WMQFA and Artist Sarah Nishiura!
May 6–21, 2027
Total Cost: $8,950.00, registration closes 11/1/2026, or when full.
Airfare to/from Japan is at your discretion and cost and not included.
The first 50% ($4,475) of the fee is due upon sign-up and is non-refundable. The remaining 50% ($4,475) is due by January 1, 2027.
Travel insurance with emergency medical coverage and evacuation is required. Japan may require you to show proof of ability to pay for any medical expenses you incur.
The trip is limited to 15 people, plus the 3 staff/artists.
Included in the trip cost:
Single accommodation
Chartered bus use
Workshop fees, and admissions to museums and cultural sites
Meals as specified
Not included in the trip cost:
International airfare to/from Japan (flying to Haneda is more convenient than flying to Narita)
Taxi or bus fare between airport/hotel for arrival/departure
Bullet Train fare from Kyoto to Tokyo after the tour
Personal transportation (e.g. subways) during free time
Travel insurance
Alcohol beverages
Optional gratuities (generally not expected in Japan)
Personal expenses
Anything not mentioned above
Two-week Itinerary (Please note, this itinerary is subject to change)
- L – lunch, D – dinner, PYO – Pay Your Own meal (Please note, alcohol is not included in the meals)
Chartered bus with a driver is our main transportation.
Activity level of this trip:
Moderate amount of walking daily which involves stairs, uneven sidewalks and cobble stones, busy train stations, from bus to destination.
Must be able to handle your own luggage.
*We may not always be able to accommodate your food allergies. We cannot honor “food preferences.” PLEASE communicate with the Museum Director before signing up to determine if this trip is for you.
Day 1 - Thursday, May 6 (Dinner included) - Tokyo
1900 (7:00PM) Welcome Dinner
Overnight at Hotel East 21, Tokyo
Day 2 – Friday, May 7 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Tokyo
Sarah Nishiura Lecture - “An Introduction to Japanese Aesthetic Design”
Individual design consult and activities led by Sarah
Japan Craft Museum (Mingei)
Itajime Workshop
Overnight at Hotel East 21, Tokyo
Day 3 – Saturday, May 8 (Lunch included; PYO dinner) - Tokyo
Japan Hobby Show (tentative, dates to be announced)
Free Afternoon (Optional Fabric Shopping - NUNO)
Overnight at Hotel East 21, Tokyo
Day 4 – Sunday, May 9 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Tokyo
Tomioka Hachimangu Antique Market (tentative)
Oedo Antique Market (tentative)
Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience
Overnight at Hotel East 21, Tokyo
Quilt by Kumiko Fujita.
Day 5 – Monday, May 10 (Lunch included; PYO dinner) - Tokyo
Quilter and Designer Kumiko Fujita – Lecture & Workshop
Free Evening (Optional Fabric Shopping - Okadaya)
Overnight at Hotel East 21, Tokyo
Representative quilt from Tokushima Quilter.
Day 6 – Tuesday, May 11 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Tokyo/Fuji Kawaguchiko
Leave Tokyo
Arrive in Fuji Kawaguchiko
Onsen Experience (Optional)
Overnight at Hotel Regina Lake Kawaguchi
Day 7 – Wednesday, May 12 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Fuji Kawaguchiko/Matsumoto
Leave Fuji Area
Arrive in Matsumoto
Overnight at Hotel Buena Vista, Matsumoto
Day 8 – Thursday, May 13 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Matsumoto
Quilter Yoshie Tokutake - Lecture & Workshop
Overnight at Hotel Buena Vista, Matsumoto
Day 9 – Friday, May 14 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Matsumoto/Takayama
Leave Matsumoto
Arrive in Takayama
Overnight at Hida Hotel Plaza
Day 10 - Saturday, May 15 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Takayama
Sashiko Expert Teacher Keiko Futatsuya - Workshop
Overnight at Hida Hotel Plaza
Day 11 - Sunday, May 16 (PYO Lunch; Dinner included) - Takayama/Kyoto
Hida Sightseeing and Free Time
Leave Takayama
Tajimi Minoyaki Ceramic Museum
Arrive in Kyoto
Overnight at Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Day 12 – Monday, May 17 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Kyoto
Quilter Sayoko Hayashi - Lecture
Overnight at Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Day 13 – Tuesday, May 18 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Kyoto/Tokushima
Meet Tokushima Quilters
Shijira Weaving Studio
Cable Car Ride
Overnight at JR Hotel Clement Tokushima
Day 14 – Wednesday, May 19 (Lunch and Dinner included) - Tokushima
Tokushima Sightseeing
Overnight at JR Hotel Clement Tokushima
Day 15 – Thursday, May 20 (PYO Lunch; Dinner included) - Tokushima/Osaka/Kyoto
Leave Tokushima
Hankyu Department Store (Kokka Fabric and Ito-ya) in Osaka
Leave Osaka
Arrive in Kyoto
Free Afternoon in Kyoto
Farewell Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Granvia Kyoto
