Cost

• $5800 per person based on double occupancy

• $6200 per person based on single occupancy

Group Size

• Eight or fewer. This is truly a small-group trip, for many reasons but primarily because we are visiting working studios, and like many places in Japan, they are small. We are being invited in and we don’t want to overwhelm.

Travel to Japan

• There are non-stop flights to Japan from most major US cities on most US carriers. We are partial to flying ANA (All Nippon Airways) which is in Star Alliance with United Airlines. If you’re unsure of how you’d like to get there, contact us for recommendations.

Arrival in Tokyo

• Tokyo has two airports—Haneda which is more centrally located—and Narita, which is about a 90 minute train ride from Tokyo. Both airports are well marked and easy to navigate through immigration and customs and onto public transportation. You will receive specific instructions as to how to reach our hotel after registering for the trip.

Language

• No worries! If you’re out and about on your own, most signage in Tokyo and Kyoto is also in English (and a few other languages). All our workshops and visits come with English-speaking interpreters. And if all else fails, a big smile and a laugh go a very long way.

Activity Preferences

• If you’re not interested in a specific activity for the day, we’ve planned thoughtful options for our plus ones—at any time you can opt for that day’s activity. Upon registering, you’ll be sent a complete itinerary along with options. No need to make any choices though until the day arrives.

Craft Skill Level

• It’s not about perfection! Our workshop instructors expect us to have little to no experience (with the exception of the knitting workshop—that requires knowing both knit and purl stitches, as well as cast on/bind off). The experiences are designed to teach not only the skill but also provide a cultural context for the tradition. Bring your positive attitude and all is good!

Accommodation Style

• While I personally love a good ryokan (Japanese-style inn), it’s not for everyone. During our trip (and in the interest of being well-rested), we’ll be staying at comfy 3-star hotels with familiar amenities. The hotels may be western in style and name, but the level of service and care is most definitely Japanese.

Weather

• Early November is lovely in Japan, and we’ll be in Kyoto for prime fall foliage (second only to cherry blossom season).

Fitness Level

• We will be exploring cities, and that includes a lot of walking between venues or to/from public transportation. Keep in mind, Japan’s cities are built up, and stairs are the norm. If you have questions about your ability to get around, please contact us.

Dietary Considerations

• Japan, rightly so, is very proud of its culinary heritage. In both cities, we’ll explore regional dishes and traditional favorites. If you have any dietary restrictions, let us know. Japan can be very vegetarian-friendly, but if you have severe food allergies or restrictions, please assess your comfort level eating in a different culture with a language barrier.