Multi Craft Cultural Tour of Japan
9 Days / 8 Nights - Kyoto to Kanazawa - Prices from £4550pp - Activity Level: Easy
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Mingei Pottery Workshop
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Washi Paper Making Workshop in Kanazawa
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Woodblock Printing Workshop in Takayama
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Calligraphy Session in Tokyo
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Visit to a Historic Pottery Village in Arita
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Zen Meditation and Temple Stay in Mount Koya
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Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arranging) Workshop in Nara
Japan's Sakoku era, which lasted from 1639 to 1853, kept the nation largely cut off from external influences, yet this period nurtured a rich cultural heritage that endures today. Timeless traditions such as haiku poetry, kabuki theater, and woodblock printing flourished alongside distinctive arts like ikebana flower arranging, calligraphy, traditional Noh theater, the tea ceremony, and the meticulous cultivation of bonsai trees, all of which continue to shape Japan’s cultural identity.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo & Cultural Immersion
Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel before exploring the historic Asakusa district, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Japanese cuisine and an overview of the journey ahead.
Day 2: Calligraphy Workshop & Tokyo Exploration
Start the day with a calligraphy session, mastering the brush techniques used to create elegant kanji characters. Spend the afternoon exploring Meiji Shrine and the lively districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, offering a blend of tradition and modernity.
Day 3: Travel to Kanazawa & Washi Paper Making Workshop
Take a scenic train ride to Kanazawa, a city known for its artistic heritage and samurai history. Participate in a hands-on Washi paper-making workshop, discovering the intricate process of crafting this traditional handmade paper.
Day 4: Kanazawa Cultural Exploration
Visit Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscapes, followed by a stroll through the Higashi Chaya geisha district. Enjoy a demonstration of Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf art and visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Day 5: Travel to Takayama & Woodblock Printing Workshop
Journey to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town nestled in the Japanese Alps.Join a woodblock printing workshop where you'll create your own ukiyo-e inspired print under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Day 6: Travel to Arita & Mingei Pottery Workshop
Head to Arita, Japan's renowned pottery village, and explore its centuries-old ceramic traditions. Participate in a Mingei pottery workshop, shaping and painting your own ceramic piece using traditional techniques
Day 7: Travel to Mount Koya & Zen Meditation Retreat
Arrive at the sacred Mount Koya, home to serene temples and lush landscapes. Experience an overnight temple stay, including guided Zen meditation sessions and a taste of shojin ryori, a traditional vegetarian Buddhist meal.
Day 8: Travel to Nara & Ikebana Workshop
Travel to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, and visit the majestic Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. Take part in an Ikebana workshop, where you'll learn the art of Japanese flower arranging and its focus on harmony and simplicity.
Day 9: Return to Tokyo & Departure
Return to Tokyo for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing in the vibrant Ginza district. Bid farewell with a special closing lunch before heading to the airport for your departure
