Craft Tour Japan
Hello Dear Friends and Readers and a warm welcome to today’s post. Recently, I travelled to Japan for the purpose of a craft tour. I was invited by Marion, who had been before and was keen to go again. It seemed worthwhile. In this post, I will share some highlights of this travel and our crafting adventures.
At the outset, I have to say that Japan is really a wonderful destination and at the moment is a top destination for Australians I believe. My impressions of Japan is that it is a very safe place to travel. It is very clean and highly organised, with a culture that dates back thousands of years, and people who pay a lot of attention to detail and perfectionism in crafts. Where learning a craft can become a lifelong pursuit to reach the goal of becoming a master or Sensi of a particular specialisation.
Arrival in Tokyo
We flew into Haneda airport in Tokyo. This is a very modern beautifully laid out and exceptionally clean airport. As we were joining a tour, we were advised to get a taxi cab to our hotel. Taxis in Japan are beautifully run. They are very clean and professional. The drivers often wear gloves and money changes hands on a tray rather than by direct touch.
Our tour which consisted of 16 ladies and generally three tour guides for every event. We were well supported to reach each destination and engage with each particular crafting event.
Patchwork Ninja
The tour which we experienced was with Patchwork Ninja. It is conducted by Dai, who is Japanese born but resides in Australia. Therefore, he has local and intimate knowledge of Japan. His mother ran a patchwork shop in South Japan, so he grew up around fabrics.
Confetti Quilting
On our first full day we attended a Confetti Quilting workshop with renowned art quilter Noriko Endo which you can read more about in this link Confetti Scraps
The tour was not only informative from a craft perspective but also from a cultural perspective. I have to say I enjoyed everything. These photos are some of the highlights from the trip.
Learning about Shibori Techniques
Whilst in Kyoto we undertook a Shibori Workshop with Indigo Dyeing. Opportunities to actually engage in traditional crafts were numerous and highly enjoyable on this tour.
Engaging in Local Craft Making
During our week there we engaged in the techniques of Confetti Quilting, Shibori dyeing, indigo dyeing, silk flower making, sashiko workshop, traditional tea ceremonies, antique markets, Brother Sewing Machine Factory, Kimono Weaving factories and plenty of fabric shopping opportunities of many different types and so much more.
Old Kimono Weaving Factory
We also visited an original kimono, weaving factory where kimono fabrics have been woven for the Royal family. This was at least 100 years old and the loom was run by an expert weaver, Only a small amount of fabric can be woven in a day like approximately 1 – 1 ½”. There was a mechanised factory across the road with a few electrical looms which run much faster.
Antique Craft Markets
The antique craft market was fabulous. Vintage kimonos were abundant and could be bought very cheaply. Some of the ladies bought them to take home and cut up to use the fabric for various projects of group creations. Sadly, younger Japanese are not as interested in traditional garments so there is an abundance to purchase.
Mt Fuji
We had several bullet train experiences, with fabulous views of Mount Fuji from the front and back. I think we were fortunate to get such fantastic views as it is often shrouded in cloud.
Brother Sewing Machine Museum
Included in the trip was a visit to the Brother Sewing machine Museum which you can read more about here. Brother Sewing Machine Museum Japan
Boro
Attending the craft markets was certainly a treat and I managed to spot one antique Boro garment there too!
Kyoto
We had a wonderful trip to Kyoto which was stunning and so authentic. Definitely a highlight as a destination. We were fortunate to arrive a a quiet time of the year so we didn’t have to battle crowds.
We saw all the beautiful plum trees and their fabulous pruned shapes almost ready to bud into bloom.
Every evening and for some lunches, we attended a different restaurant where all the food was absolutely delicious and thoughtfully planned out. We went in March, which is still quite cold. As we traveled to Kyoto there was still lots of snow on the ground. Dressing warmly with many layers was an advantage.
A Memorable Tour
There was so much packed into this tour that I can’t possibly share it all, however these were a few of the highlights. If you would like to attend this tour you can get in contact with Dai from Patchwork Ninja through this link info@patchworkninja.com.au. For anyone who loves fabric, culture and crafting, this really is a very beautiful tour which is done in a small group with plenty to experience.
One of the most wonderful things I encountered on this tour at the antique craft market an elderly Japanese lady came up to me as she spotted I was wearing this Japanese Knot Bag – A New Pattern. She was so excited I had to take it off for her to see it. We managed to communicate even though the language was a barrier, through the craft. She loved my bag and I was most honoured!
The other ladies were constantly amazed about where all my shopping was, as I had come with only carry on baggage. I prefer to travel lightly and like to try to make a capsule wardrobe where different things can go together, to minimise the amount of clothing required. I also had in my baggage a couple of very light folding backpacks, which I could use during the day as we were out and about. I made sure I had plenty of room in my bag before we commence the trip. This is a tremendous advantage, as we did change cities a few times and we travelled by train. Having a smaller bag is so much easier to negotiate. This made it easier for me to make a few small purchases throughout the trip. Here is something I never travel without Everywhere I Go – Quilted Travel Roll – Tutorial
The fabrics from Japan were very beautiful and I couldn’t resist bringing some home. A mixture of silks, indigo dyed fabrics and some beautiful patchwork florals from a special fabric shop we went to on the last day. This is what I have been doing with these fabrics. Amish Hexagons from Circles Round Three Making A Floral Path
After arriving home I created this small baby quilt from the sashiko panel and some of the fabric I purchased whilst in Japan. Medallion Sashiko Crib Quilt with Prairie Points
I hope you enjoyed this post. I certainly enjoyed this experience, and who knows, I may go again one-day. I highly recommend it.
If you enjoyed this post or you would like any further information please do not hesitate to leave a comment. These are some other Japanese Inspired projects you may like….
Patchwork Celebration Bags Antique Japanese Style
Hot Pads / Trivets Japanese Inspired
Happy stitching, and maybe travelling…..
Susie
© Susan Stuklis 2025