Travel with Ekno’s expert guide, Sharon Thrupp and Learn to Create owner and chief creator Amanda Jayne for this bespoke craft tour of Japan.
Experience the magical world of textiles and craft that Japan has to offer against the stunning colours of autumn. The tour will be a mix of culture while learning from Masters of their craft while exploring ancient cities of the Edo era, which remain steeped in timeless traditions.
We start in Tokyo with a visit to their famous flea markets where you may strike a bargain. Our first hands on experience comes with our unique kimono-making class using beautifully preserved vintage kimonos, you’ll learn to create your own two-piece kimono. Save up for a visit to Nippori Textile Town, with a savvy English speaking local where street after street is filled with fabric shops, trims, buttons, baskets, sewing tools, and textiles of every imaginable style. Some shops overflow with modern prints while others carry traditional fabrics that feel almost impossible to find anywhere else. Even those who do not sew often find themselves inspired simply by walking through the area and taking in the creativity surrounding them.
As we continue to Takayama and Shirawago both places which are unique and significant for ancient traditions including sashiko and paper making. After we head to Nagoya to visit the historic district of Arimatsu, life slows a little. This charming area is known for its centuries old shibori tradition, and walking its streets feels like stepping gently back in time. Here we will learn about the remarkable artistry behind Japanese tie-dyeing techniques while creating pieces of our own during a hands on workshop experience.
Kyoto offers an entirely different perspective busier yet deeply connected to tradition and beauty. Textile artistry is woven naturally into the city’s culture, from kimono traditions to dyeing techniques perfected over centuries.
Beyond arts and crafts , Kyoto invites us to experience moments of quiet beauty, lantern lit streets, temple gardens, hidden pathways, and long held customs that continue today much as they have for generations. Here we will experience the art of a traditional tea ceremony dressed in kimonos. In the historic Gion district, we look forward to enjoying traditional Geisha found along the main avenues and backstreets.
Throughout the journey there will be time to shop for beautiful fabrics and handcrafted treasures, participate in specially arranged workshops, visit inspiring museums, and explore places many travellers never see. There will also be moments simply to pause and take it all in, the careful attention to detail found everywhere in Japan.
More than anything, this tour is about connection, connection to creativity, to tradition, to culture, and to our fellow travellers who share a love for artistry and making things by hand. You will return home not only with fabrics and photographs, but with inspiration and memories that remain with you for years to come.
As with all our experiences, we select our accommodation and locations with an eye on combining comfort and simplicity into one unique experience.
Come along and experience the magic of textiles and crafts and the colour of autumn and get a taste of ancient and modern Japan.
TOUR DATES |
23 October – 2 November, 2027
Naoshima ‘Art’ Island Extension Add on tour: 2-4 November 2027 |
TOUR COST |
$7,950 twin share, $9,995 single supplement Add on Tour – $1450 per person twin share $1,795 single supplement Airfares extra – Brisbane-Tokyo, Osaka- Brisbane approximately A$1500 return |
DURATION |
12 days, 11 nights |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS |
|
TOUR ROUTE |
Tokyo – Takayama – Shirakawa-go – Nagoya –Tokoname-Arimatsu- Kyoto – Osaka |
Tour Leader:
Sharon Thrupp
Sharon’s first introduction to Japan was she was young having a pen pal from Japan, however she didn’t travel to Japan until 2003 when she worked in northern Honshu as an English teacher. That year gave her a taste of what Japan has to offer, and she has since returned many times.
Since 2018 she has been leading tours, mainly Cultural Tours and Buddhist pilgrimages. She has an interest in Japanese culture and art and indulges her interest in Japanese fabrics by sewing and stitching (Sashiko and Boro) with Japanese fabric (under the guidance of Amanda).
Sharon started Ekno Travels in 2006 and has led many tours throughout India and the subcontinent and Japan. She continues to share her love of travel as an insider guide and as Ekno’s business manager.
‘One of the things about being an insider is that it creates lifelong memories of the people you meet along the way and the places you bond with. These are the experiences that help you delve deeper into another destination and create the memories that will last for a lifetime.’
Amanda Jayne
Amanda has always had craft in her blood, learning to sew from her Grandma and Aunt from a young age. Those early days spent stitching, experimenting with fabric, and making things by hand laid the foundation for a lifelong love of creativity. Her interest in Japanese sewing and textile traditions began when a neighbour introduced her to traditional embroidery techniques, including Sashiko and Boro. The patience, storytelling, and beauty of those methods made a lasting impression and became an important influence on her creative journey.
She never forgot those lessons and went on to study fashion and art, developing both technical skills and a deeper understanding of design, textiles, and creative expression. Over the years she explored many forms of making, always returning to the idea that crafting is not just about the finished piece, but also about the process, the learning, and the connection it creates.
Today Amanda runs Learn to Create on the Sunshine Coast, where she shares her passion for sewing, textiles, and handmade arts with students of all skill levels. Through her workshops she encourages people to slow down, try something new, and discover their own creative voice. Whether teaching a beginner how to use a sewing machine, guiding students through traditional hand stitching techniques, or helping someone turn a pile of fabric scraps into something beautiful, Amanda’s goal is to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a love of making.
Her teaching combines traditional skills with a modern, relaxed approach, creating a welcoming space where creativity can flourish. Amanda believes that everyone has the ability to create, and she delights in helping her students expand their own creativity one stitch, one project, and one workshop at a time.
23 Oct 2027
Arrive in Tokyo and check in at the hotel. No activities are planned for the rest of the day, but perhaps you’d like to soak up some of Tokyo’s vibrant sights and enjoy some traditional Japanese cuisine.
We will all meet up for a traditional welcome Japanese dinner.
Overnight:, The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, Tokyo or similar
Activities: Welcome Dinner
24 Oct 2027
This morning we will head to the Tokyo City Flea Market at Oi Racecourse. This is one of Japan’s largest market featuring up to 600 stalls. It is the best place to hunt for cheap second-hand clothing, toys, kitchenware, and random bargains. Try your luck.
In the afternoon we head to the Oedo Antique Market. Japan’s largest outdoor antique market. A premier spot to find vintage kimonos, old maps, samurai swords, and authentic Japanese ceramics.
Later this evening, we’ll visit a historic district home to the Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest and most popular Buddhist sanctuary in Asakusa. We’ll also visit the Asakusa-jinja Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Tokyo. This area is also famous for the uniquely Japanese souvenir stalls that line the street leading to the temple.
Overnight: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, Tokyo or similar
Meals: breakfast
Transport: Train
Activities: Entrance fees
25 Oct 2027
Today’s destination is Nippori Fabric Town is a wholesale textile district in Tokyo and this private walking tour will take you to see textiles, crafts and sewing. Our guide will be a sewing enthusiast and will find you the right bargain amongst the vast number of shops and a wide selection of fabrics.
As you move through the streets of Nippori, your guide will point out notable shops and give insights into the town’s fabric culture. We’ll be shown around specific stores and be assist with shopping at own pace. Along the way you’ll learn more about the variety of materials on offer and may discover your favourite fabrics at great prices.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, Tokyo or similar
Meals: breakfast
Transport: Train
Activities: English-speaking guide, entrance fees
26 Oct 2027
Today experience the art of traditional Japanese fashion in a modern and inclusive way with our unique kimono-making class. Using beautifully preserved vintage kimonos, you’ll learn to create your own two-piece kimono, designed for effortless wearing and a perfect fit for all body types.
Select from a vintage collection featuring handmade silk kimonos in excellent condition, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship of Japanese tradition. This is an opportunity to own a truly special piece for yourself or as a gift.
By simplifying the design into a two-piece style and removing the complex folding process, we ensure that anyone can enjoy wearing this iconic garment with ease.
No Tokyo sightseeing experience is complete without visiting the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of people cross every minute, creating one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
This evening, we take a stroll around the streets of Shibuya and Ginza (time permitting).
Overnight: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, Tokyo or similar
Meals: breakfast
Transport: Train
Activities: Make a Kimono Workshop, entrance fees
27 Oct 2027
We’ll leave Tokyo in the early morning, travelling by fast train to Takayama. Takayama is a charming Edo-period town located in the Japanese alps, famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village.
After checking in to our accommodation, we’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the quaint streets filled with traditional thatched roof buildings and merchant homes and visit Hida Sashiko – the Japanese traditional embroidery culture, “Sashiko.” Sashiko is specialized in sewing each simple stitches by hands.
Rest of the afternoon you are free to explore this beautiful ancient town with is narrow streets filled with flowering pots.
Overnight: The Residence, Takayama or similar
Meals: breakfast
Transport: train
Activities: entrance fees
28 Oct 2027
In the morning we’ll leave by bus to visit Shirakawa-go, a charming historical village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fairytale-like village is known for its unique style of architecture, Gassho-zukuri, where houses are constructed without nails and metal. Located at the foot of Mount Hakusan, one of Japan’s holy mountains, the setting is especially stunning during the autumn months. Here we will enjoy a paper making class in a beautiful setting.
There will be time to wander the streets and check out the charming gift shops.
In the late afternoon we’ll travel back to Takayama and take the train to Nagoya, arriving early evening. Check into our hotel.
Overnight: Daiwa Roynet Hotel,Nagoya
Meals: breakfast
Transport: bus, train
Activities: Paper Making Class, entrance fees
29 Oct 2027
Today we will explore Japan’s rich craftsmanship on day tour where we head Tokoname, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, and discover the history of traditional pottery. Stroll the Tokoname Pottery Path, where winding pottery lined streets filled with traditional houses, artisan shops, and cafes await. Marvel at the intricate porcelain tiles, step inside a historic kiln, and enjoy the quirky exhibits—including a museum dedicated to toilets.
Next, head to Arimatsu, a village renowned for its labour-intensive indigo-dyeing technique, Arimatsu Shibori. Watch skilled artisans create stunning textiles, and shop for one-of-a-kind hand-dyed fabrics. The area became famous during the Edo period for shibori, Japan’s traditional tie-dye textile art. Today will offer a unique blend of history, artistry, and local charm.
Overnight: Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Nagoya
Meals: breakfast
Transport: bus, train
Activities: Shibori Class, entrance fees
30 Oct 2027
After breakfast we’ll leave Nagoya and travel to Kyoto by train. This ancient Japanese city, home to countless temples and centuries of religious practice, is the perfect setting for soaking up Japan’s ancient culture. After checking in to our hotel, we will make our way to our first Kyoto workshop which takes place in a historic Kyoto building in an active artist district, providing a focused environment where you can work on stitching while observing local artists.
By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a handmade Sashiko memento, a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, and the knowledge to continue exploring Sashiko on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel New Hankyu, Kyoto or similar
Meals: breakfast
Transport: train
Activities: Sashiko Workshop, entrance fees
31 Oct 2027
Today we’ll experience the beautiful colours of autumn whilst taking in the stunning sights of Kyoto. We’ll visit the famous red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and marvel at the towering bamboo of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. We’ll visit the Yasaka Shrine and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, learning about the symbols and practices of Japanese religions along the way.
We’ll also explore some of Kyoto’s hidden gems, including Ninna-ji Temple, a World Heritage site with a long history, and Jojakko-ji Temple, which stands at the foot of Mount Ogura. We will also visit the small but impressive Kimono Forest on the way out.
We’ll stop at a Japanese restaurant where you can sample Japanese dishes like Kyoto-style ramen and curry rice.
Rest of the afternoon to explore the local area.
Overnight: Hotel New Hangkyu or similar
Meals: breakfast
Transport: train
Activities: English-speaking guide, entrance fees
1 Nov 2027
Today make our way to our Japanese tea ceremony but first we are dressed in a traditional Kimono (shoes and all). It is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea typically in a traditional tearoom with tatami floor. Beyond just serving and receiving tea, one of the main purposes of the tea ceremony is for the guests to enjoy the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinct from the fast pace of everyday life.
This afternoon we will experience making a “Temari”, a traditional Japanese handcrafted decoration in the heart of Kyoto’s sightseeing area, at a newly renovated traditional Japanese antique boutique store. Temari” are used as interior ornaments and for various celebrations throughout Japan. Something to take home with you.
Rest of the afternoon we head to Nishiki Market and do some last-minute fabric shopping at Nomura Tailor’s three-story store packed with Japanese-made fabrics and tools.
Overnight: Hotel New Hangkyu, Kyoto Station
Meals: breakfast
Transport: train
Activities: Japanese Tea Ceremony, Kimono Dressing up, Temari class, entrance fees
2 Nov 2027
Take a morning train to Osaka, check in and make our way to the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum for our Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience. Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e art with a hands-on printing experience at the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum.
In the evening we visit the famous Donotori – the night area of Osaka at night for a final dinner.
Overnight: New Hangkyu, Osaka
Meals: breakfast , dinner
Transport: train
Activities: Woodblock Printing, entrance fees
3 Nov 2027
Today our tour ends. After breakfast the day is free up until it is time to transfer to the airport for your return flight
INCLUDE
Met on arrival at the airport by an Ekno representative
Fully escorted from Tokyo to Osaka by Sharon Thrupp and Amanda Denning
English-speaking local guides and tours on days 3, 6, 7 and 9
11 nights’ twin share accommodation with breakfast
All transfers and transportation from Tokyo to Osaka as per the itinerary (transportation costs during scheduled free times are the tour member’s responsibility)
Entrance fees to all sights and monuments as per the itinerary
Workshops – Make a Kimono, Paper Making, Shibori, Sashiko, Temari ( a traditional Japanese handcrafted decoration) and traditional Kimono Fabric, Goshuin (Temple Stamp) Book Making Workshop
Traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto
Two dinners (welcome and farewell)
Information pack (including packing list)
EXCLUDE:
Return airfares to Japan
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Occasional optional activities and transport not identified in itinerary description
Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary)
Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs
Admission fees to the destinations and activities not listed in the itinerary
Camera and video entry charges at local sights and monuments
Tips (not required in Japan)
Notes:
The transport that has been included are local trains, buses and ferries.
Please keep luggage around 15kgs in a small to medium size suitcase (with wheels) as there are many stairs, buses and trains to navigate.
Fitness: You will need to be fit to do walking tours with the rest of the group and be able to climb stairs with your suitcase (for train stations).
Come off the beaten track for an extra experience to explore Naoshima ‘Art’ Island. Naoshima, the home of the magical red and yellow outdoor pumpkins and the infamous Benesse museum is a not to be missed visit for any art lover and those interested in amazing locations.
Once a rural island on the verge of becoming a ghost town, Naoshima is now a world-class center for contemporary art due in large part to contributions from Japan’s top architects, including museums, a boutique hotel, and bathhouse. The area features a captivating result of avant-garde blending with rural natural beauty.
A very special way to end your Japan experience on an island with natural beauty, amazing architecture and the contemporary art.
TOUR DATES |
2-4 November 2027 |
TOUR COST |
$1450 per person twin share $1,795 single supplement |
DURATION |
3 days, 2 nights |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS |
|
TOUR ROUTE |
Tokyo |
2 Nov 2027
After breakfast and after farewelling part of the group, we will head late morning to Naoshima Island by train and then ferry arriving by late afternoon.
Check into our lodge and spend the evening relaxing watching the sunset and tucking into some of the island’s famous seafood.
Overnight: Guest House, Naoshima.
3 Nov 2027
After breakfast, we meet our local English guide who will spend the day helping us to discover the art and natural beauty of Naoshima. The day is designed to be a combination of a walking tour and public transport to get around the island while we explore the Chichu Art Museum, stroll through the Benesse House Museum, and experience the many outdoor art installations including the red and yellow pumpkins.
Relax after a full day with another sunset overlooking the Seto Islands.
Overnight: Guest house, Naoshima
4 Nov 2027
Today we will have a late morning breakfast before heading back to Osaka for our evening flight back to Australia. Thank you for travelling with us, we hope that you have had a fulfilling and enlightening journey.
INCLUDE
Fully escorted by Sharon Thrupp
Transportation from Osaka to Naoshima Island and return to Osaka Airport
2 nights’ accommodation in a Japanese Lodge
Local English speaking guide for one day
All transportation costs when travelling with the group (transportation costs during scheduled free times are the tour member’s responsibility)
Admission fees to destinations listed in the itinerary
EXCLUDE:
International Flights
Admission fees to any destinations and activities not listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, shopping)
All meals (except breakfast)
Passport & visa costs
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Tips & gratuities
ACCOMMODATION
| Place | Name of Hotel/ Guest House or similar | Nights |
| Nashoma Island | My Lodge | 2 |
