TRIP DATES: October 19-28, 2012*
Trip dates, itinerary and logistics are pretty much the same each year in order to catch the two monthly Temple Flea Markets in Kyoto.
*Leave US/Canada on the 18th because of crossing the International Date Line.

Take a look at the slide show of photos from the 2011 trip and email me if you are interested in coming with us in 2012.

BASIC ITINERARY: Nine nights in Kyoto shopping at the temple markets, learning about Japanese textiles and culture, and touring one of the most beautiful and exotic cities in the world. We meet in Kyoto (airfare and transportation to/from the airport is on your own but we can help with recommendations).   And yes, we spend the entire time in and around Kyoto! Is it enough? Barely.

CLICK HERE for itinerary details

Kyoto Kimono owner Nancy McDonough leads each group every year. Nancy lived in Kyoto from 1992-95 and that's where her love of Japanese textiles began. She's looking forward to sharing "her Kyoto" with you.

CLICK HERE for feedback from previous trips.

CLICK HERE for photos from previous trips.

CAUTION! This trip is not for everyone. If you're flexible, healthy, normally not inclined to travel in groups, and eager to visit Japan - this trip could be what you've been waiting for. We provide a great framework from which you can create an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience, but hand-holding is at a minimum. You'll have some free days to be on your own to explore in and around Kyoto, so if you're a hesitant traveller, this may not be the trip for you. Also, if you have dietary restrictions, physical limitations, or a low tolerance for the unfamiliar, this is really not the trip for you.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
The in-country cost of $3000 covers:
-6 nights in a western-style hotel, single room with private bath
-3 nights at a traditional-style Japanese Inn sharing tatami rooms
-3 textile workshops
-Breakfast and one hearty meal per day (except on your two free days)
-Transportation and participation costs for all tour activities
-Gifts for our teachers and guides
-Prep materials and other goodies
-The price is based on eleven people plus Nancy.

COMFORT LEVEL: $3000 is a lot of money, but it does not get us luxury-level comfort in Japan. Accomodation will be clean, convenient and comfortable, but we won't be staying in five-star hotels. The food will be authentic, local, and plentiful, but you'll want to be good with chopsticks. You'll get to know Kyoto from an ex-pat's perspective, and we'll do whatever we can to help you feel comfortable heading out on your free days to pursue your own adventures. The focus of the trip will be to enjoy Kyoto at a reasonable pace - we can't possibly see it all, so lets be in good spirits and well-rested to enjoy what we can see in the time we have.

PAYMENTS: A $500 deposit reserves your slot, and the balance by check or money order is split into two payments due March 15th and June 15th.

REFUND POLICY:  75% back for cancellations made at least six months in advance. 50% back for cancellations made at least three months in advance. 25% back for cancellations made at least one month in advance. We recommend you get traveller's insurance for this or any trip.

To get on the First Dibs List for 2012, email Nancy. To join our mailing list, click here.