COME TO KYOTO WITH US! October 2023 is sold out (waiting list sign up below). TRIP DATES: October 13 - 22, 2023 May 13 - 22, 2024
CLICK ABOVE to see a short
slide show of our November 2022 trip.
OVERVIEW: This tour is held entirely in Kyoto, where you'll learn about Japanese textiles and culture, shop at the temple markets, meet several traditional artisans, and tour one of the most beautiful and exotic cities in the world. Meet in Kyoto (airfare and transportation to/from the airport is on your own but we can help with recommendations), and yes, the tour is held entirely in and around Kyoto! Is it enough? Nope. Most group members arrive early and extend their stay to explore other parts of Japan.
Itinerary activities: Three textile workshops - try your hand at a traditional technique Five artisan studio visits - an intimate glimpse One handicraft market - inspiring up-cycling One temple flea market – Toji Temple Kobo-San Market Two free days - we can help with arrangements Selected heritage sites
HOW MUCH IS IT? $4900 ($500 deposit and the balance in two payments)
CLICK HERE for the tentative itinerary for the next tour. The activities, dates, pace and schedule are the same for each of our tours. (The 13th-22nd dates are chosen to coincide with the monthly craft and temple markets.)
CAUTION! This trip is not for everyone. If you're flexible, healthy, eager to visit Japan, and normally not inclined to travel in groups (but welcome the chance to meet like-minded others) - this trip could be what you've been waiting for.
You'll have two free days to explore in and around Kyoto on your own, so if you're a hesitant traveler, this is not 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. We can't emphasize enough the need for everyone to be sufficiently physically fit to do the daily walking!
Tour members will be asked to prepare for the trip and to conduct themselves in ways that may sometimes be a challenge:
-- physical requirements: be able to walk unassisted at a standard 3-mile/hour pace for up to an hour at a time, several days in a row -- balance requirements: get up and down for floor seating (required at some meals and studio visits) -- meal requirements: be able to eat with chopsticks and have no strict dietary or allergy issues -- cultural awareness: become knowledgeable about Japanese customs and etiquette, able to handle basic greetings, counting, and polite speech -- group participation: be punctual, flexible, compassionate, attentive, and respectful of group dynamics
COMFORT LEVEL: The hotel is western-style, modern, and conveniently located. You'll have a private room with bath, but the rooms are small. The meals will be authentic, local, and plentiful, but you'll need to be able to eat with chopsticks and be open to trying new foods. You'll get to know Kyoto from an ex-pat's and textile-lover'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 -- it's impossible to see or do it all, so being in good spirits and well-rested allows you to enjoy what can be seen and done in the short time you're there.
PAYMENTS: A $500 deposit reserves your spot, which would only be confirmed after a phone chat with Nancy to discuss the trip and share expectations or concerns. The balance is due by check (no online payments) in two installments (six and three months prior to departure).
REFUND POLICY: 75% back for cancellations made at least six months in advance, 50% for cancellations made at least three months in advance, and 25% for cancellations made at least one month in advance. If Kyoto Kimono has to cancel (under unsafe or travel ban circumstances), refund amounts would be issued minus any unrecoverable expenses already paid (up to 5% of your payment). More likely, we would reschedule the tour rather than cancel altogether. Participants are required to purchase travel insurance, and we highly recommend getting coverage not only for your flight and medical treatment but also to cover a full refund in case of cancellation.
