A textile and stitching tour of Japan designed and led by Yves Al-Ghazi, focusing on sashiko, kogin, chiku-chiku, and indigo dyeing including workshops from the masters with visits to cities, towns, villages and textile establishments throughout the main island of Honshu.

• Kogin-zashi workshop in Hirosaki, home of kogin with Yoko Sato
• Learn traditional sashiko techniques from Reiko Domon
• Attend weaving workshop and learn about Isesaki kasuri
• Learn chiku-chiku from master stitcher Akiko Ike
• Shop for antique sashiko and boro treasures
• Visit historical Gokayama Village and learn how to make Japanese washi paper
• Visit 400-year-old needle shop
• Stroll through a traditional Japanese garden
• Craft a temari ball
• Visit Yoko Saito’s shop Quilt Party

Yves Al-Ghazi first became interested in Japanese textiles in 2017 while working closely with Jane MacDonald of BeBe Bold in Australia. Having worked previously as a research scientist on cotton plants, Yves has had a long-term interest in textile production, right down to how material is grown from seed. Yves was inspired to start BeBe Bold in France in 2018 catering to European interest in Japanese Textile.

Tour Inclusions: 

• Twin share accommodation for 14 nights at well-appointed hotels
• Bullet train & local train tickets, and private chartered coach during tour as stated in the itinerary
• Workshops and entrance fees as stated in the itinerary
• English-speaking guide
• Luggage transfer service (one piece per person) Tokyo-Takayama//Tsuruoka-Tokyo
• Meals as stated in the itinerary

Not Included: 

• International flights to Japan
• Arrival and departure airport/hotel transfers
• Gratuities to guide &/or driver
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned above

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS:

In order to get the most from your travels and keep up with the group, a reasonable level of fitness is required.

• You will need to be able to walk for a few hours at a gentle pace
• Use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
• Undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
• Stand for long periods in museums and other sites
• Embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
• Handle your own luggage