Japan Craft Tour 2026
an enthusiastic small group tour of Japan exploring modern interpretations of traditional Japanese craft
Two tours for the fall of 2026:
October 27- November 4 or November 5 -13
About the trip
October 27-November 4 OR November 5-15, 2026
We meet in the late afternoon on our first day at our Tokyo hotel and begin the journey together in Nihonbashi, a historic neighborhood where tradition and modern life intersect. Over two days, we explore the area, visit Cohana, and take part in hands-on workshops including temari and wagashi making.
We then travel by bullet train to Kyoto, our home base for the remainder of the tour. Here, workshops are balanced with visits to cultural landmarks and a full-day indigo-dyeing excursion to Tokushima. In both cities, shared meals at our makers’ favorite restaurants offer time for deeper learning, conversation, and cultural exchange.
Craft Workshops
Our workshops are led by Japanese artisans who make their living through the very crafts you’ll be learning—temari, sashiko, indigo dyeing, knitting, and more. These are not demonstrations, but immersive, hands-on experiences rooted in generations of practice and dedication.
Our makers are known not only for their skill, but for their generosity and warmth. They welcome us into their studios with open hearts, sharing techniques, stories, and the quiet philosophy that shapes Japanese craft. Each workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from those who live their craft every day.
Read about last year!Cultural Exploration
No journey to Japan is complete without time spent at its renowned temples and shrines. Throughout the tour, we weave these iconic cultural sites into our days, often pairing them with visits to lively temple markets where local vendors sell food, textiles, tools, and everyday wares.
Along the way, we also seek out quieter, unexpected gems—places that don’t always make it into guidebooks but leave a lasting impression. These moments of discovery add depth and texture to the journey, offering a richer understanding of Japan beyond the workshops.
Tell me more...
Our Japan Craft Tour is built around the premise that relationships build a deeper understanding. We already share the appreciation and language of craft, what else we can learn about each other?
Our workshops are taught by skilled professional artisans, craftspeople, and business owners. They represent the best of their trades and years of practice, but are also some of the most heart-felt, generous and down-to-earth people you would ever hope to meet.
Our group is kept small on purpose (8 or fewer), to facilitate communication, hands-on learning, and one-on-one attention, and the occasional special request.
What our travelers have to say
If you have the opportunity to visit Japan with Paige, do not hesitate!
This was our first trip to Japan and we were so glad that we were introduced to it this way. To experience the beauty and techniques of the various craft forms hands on in such a personal way made the experience so much more meaningful.
We were treated as honored guests and often served delicious meals along with our tours. It is impossible to choose a favorite craft tour or lesson. They all had something to add to our experience. I came home with new skills and appreciation for the culture and love of making.
Having Paige and Tetsuya as Japanese interpreters, made our visit so much easier and fun! The group size was perfect! My husband came along as a plus one and was able to go off and entertain himself if he wasn’t going to join our activities.
All in all, a perfect introduction to Japan!--Benita S. (Mass)
I completely enjoyed all aspects of the tour, from the unique craft workshops, to the hotels, the dining, and the sightseeing. The tour was well organized and the small size of our group allowed to get to know each other and to interact with the artisans in the workshops with ease. This was a travel experience that I remember and treasure for years.--Stefanie L (Cal)
See what's in store...
Indigo dyeing at Watanabe's
one of Japan's few indigo farms and dye-houses
Sashiko Stitching with Sashiko Lab
a lesson in both stitching and the cultural impact of sashiko.
Fushimi Inari Shrine & Other Sites
visits to Japan's iconic and peaceful shrines
The Details & More
You will receive a detailed itinerary prior to departure. Additional group activities may be added, as well as opportunities for solo exploration.
Days 1-3/Tokyo:
arrive in Tokyo, optional Nihonbashi walking tour & welcome dinner;
Visiting Cohana
Temari workshop with Nona Temari
Wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshop/or visit to Nippori Fabric Town
Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto
Days 3-9/Kyoto with a side trip to Tokushima. Activities include:
Sashiko workshop
Furoshiki (textile gift wrapping)
Wood block printing
Yubi-nuki (Japanese thread thimble) workshop
Kumihimo (silk braiding)
Open Air maker's market
Craft store walking tour of Kyoto
Sightseeing of major cultural sites
Indigo-dyeing day trip to Tokushima
Activities from year to year may change based on our artisans' schedules
How many people will be on this trip?
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.
How do I get 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.
When making your reservation, keep in mind that our tour starts in Tokyo, but ends in Kyoto. You can choose to return home directly from Kyoto (KIX) or via Tokyo (NRT/HND).
What happens after I arrive 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.
If you arrive at Haneda airport, we recommend hailing a taxi to get to our hotel. If you arrive at Narita, we recommend taking the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station and then hailing a taxi to get to our hotel. You will receive specific instructions as to how to reach our hotel after registering for the trip.
Japan has excellent and safe public transportation, but there are lots of stairs and not many escalators or elevators. Consider this when packing.
My Japanese is a bit rusty…
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.
What if I’m not interested in a specific activity for the day?
That happens! 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.
My craft skills are, let’s say, meager…
It’s not about perfection! Our workshops instructors expect us to have little to no experience. 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!
Are we sleeping on futons on the floor?
While I personally love a good ryokan (Japanese style inn), we've opted for 4-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.
What’s the weather like?
Fall in Japan is delightful--high temps are typically in the mid to upper 60s. We'll be there at the start of leaf-peeping season, which is such a treat!
How fit do I need to be for this trip?
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 email Paige at hello@mabelstyle.com.
And the food…?
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.
I’m in, how do I sign up?
You can register with a deposit here.
Final payments are due August 15, 2026. If you prefer to pay in installments, email Paige at helllo@mabelstyle.com
What if I need to cancel?
Keep scrolling for our COVID policies.
We want to make things as simple as possible for anyone who wants to travel with us. We understand that unexpected events pop up, and that may prevent your attending the tour you’ve signed up for, requiring the need to cancel your reservation.
While the deposit is non-refundable, if you have to cancel and we are able to fill your spot, we will do right by you and return the deposit. If we are unable to fill your spot, we will refund any monies that have not yet been expended on your behalf (for example, hotel stays, transportation, etc.).
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance, with cancellation and curtailment provisions, including medical provisions with specific clauses for Covid-19 issues. Please read and understand the cancellation policy before you book your reservation, to avoid any disappointment.
Non-COVID cancellation
Non-COVID related cancellations more than 60 days from the start of the event may result in a partial refund (amount paid - deposit and any expenses already committed on your behalf) if we are able to fill your spot. There is no refund for cancellations less than 30 days before the start of the event.
COVID Cancellation
If you need to cancel your trip within 10 days of the event due to COVID-related issues, we will require proof of a positive PCR test. We will refund you less any expenses already committed by us, including but not limited to your room fees, any food/beverage commitments, and sundries already purchased.
You are responsible for any cancellation or change fees related to pre- or post- trip flights, rental cars, hotels, etc.
Should you develop COVID-19 symptoms while on our trip, we will assist you with testing and receiving medical attention to the best of our ability. We urge all guests to purchase travel insurance; we recommend that you buy a policy that includes coverage for expenses should you fall ill from COVID-19, as you are responsible for any fees incurred due to testing, hospitalization, treatment, or quarantine. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a retreat early.
If your tour is canceled due to Japan closing its borders to travelers, a full refund (minus your deposit) will be made which constitutes a full settlement. Your deposit will be applied to a future trip. In the event of a tour cancellation, m.a.b.el is not responsible for any additional expenses prepaid by you, such as airline tickets, passport fees, or visa fees.
If your tour, or portion of it, is forced to cancel due to inclement weather, or any other occurrence beyond our control, including but not limited to fire, flood, natural disaster, or if the venue and/or location of the event is closed or provides notice to m.a.b.e.l of its inability to hold the event, or if a local government declared emergency status or regulation is in effect for the location of the event, or in the event that our force majeure clause is initiated, every attempt will be made to reschedule the tour, or that particular portion , and your reservation costs paid will be applied to the rescheduled event date at the rate you locked into when you registered.
For 2026, m.a.b.e.l's Japan Craft Tour is $7000. Save $500 with early bird pricing (now through March 15). This includes:
- eight hotel nights,
- all ground transportation
- private bus to Tokushima
- all scheduled activity and entrance fees,
- breakfast and either lunch or dinner every day.
It does not include your airfare to Japan, your transportation from Kyoto to your departure airport, and incidentals along the way.
The non-refundable deposit is $800; the remainder is due August 15, 2026. If you prefer to pay in installments, email Paige at hello@mabelstyle.com.