Mont Iwaki
Overview
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.
Tour Leader
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.
Highlights
• 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
Temari workshop
Learn how to make temari, a traditional Japanese embroidered gift symbolic of strong ties of friendship.
Chiku-chiku workshop with Akiko Ike
Enjoy a day with the talented textile artist Akiko Ike learning her chiku-chiku style of sashiko.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 Monday 17 November - Tokyo
Make your own way to hotel in Tokyo.
Gather for dinner and meet your fellow textile enthusiasts. (D)
Day 2 Tuesday 18 November - Tokyo
Participate in a popular temari ball making workshop to create what was traditionally a deeply symbolic gift.
For panoramic views of the city, visit the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Offices and enjoy free time to rest or explore. (B)
Day 3 Wednesday 19 November - Tokyo
Visit Yoko Saito’s shop Quilt Party - a favourite for fans of her applique work.
Return to hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Thursday 20 November Tokyo-Kyoto
Train Travel by bullet train to yoto, the ancient capital of Japan where we visit the iconic Nomura Tailor fabric store and Misuyabari Needle shop. (B)
Day 5 Friday 21 November - Kyoto
Explore Kyoto on a full-day tour, visiting the Tōji Temple Flea Market, discover the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, and enjoying a Maiko performance for a glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage.
Return to the hotel. (B)
Visit Quilt Party
Yoko Saito's inspiring shop in Tokyo
Visit historic Gokayama village
Japanese washi paper workshop
Travel to historic Gokayama village and learn how to make Japanese washi paper
Day 6 Saturday 22 November Kyoto-Nagoya-Takayama by Train
Visit the Philosopher's Path and enjoy a stroll along this scenic route. Explore Ginkakuji
(Silver Pavilion) and its beautiful gardens.
Travel to Takayama via Nagoya by bullet train.
Enjoy a famous Hida beef dinner together. (B, D)
Day 7 Sundaxy 23 November - Takayama
Explore this traditional old town and visit an antique fabric shop full of boro, kogin, and
sashiko. (B)
Day 8 Monday 24 November Takayama- Gokayama Village-Niigata by Coach
Travel by coach through the remote mountains of Honshu to visit the historic Gokayama Village and learn how to make Japanese Washi paper.
Continue to Niigata, arriving in the afternoon.
Dinner at hotel. (B, D)
Day 9 Tuesday 25 November - Niigata
Enjoy a day with the amazing Akiko Ike learning her chiku-chiku style of sashiko.
Be inspired by her dedication to recycling and natural lifestyle. (B, L)
Day 10 Wednesday 26 November Niigata-Tsuruoka by Coach
Travel to Tsuruoka, a town known for its kasuri hand- weaving tradition. Enjoy a hand-
weaving demonstration. (B, L)
Day 11 Thursday 27 November Tsuruoka-Yuza-Tsuruoka by Coach
Day trip to Yuza by coach.
Learn traditional sashiko techniques from renowned teacher Reiko Domon and members of
the Yuza sashiko group. (B, L, D)
Participate in a workshop with Yuza Sashiko Guild
See exceptional textile work by Reiko Domon and the Yuza Sashiko Guild
Day 12 Friday 28 November Tsuruoka-Hirosaki by Train
Travel by bullet train to Hirosaki, the home of kogin and Japan’s famous apple trees.
Visit Hirosaki Castle. (B, D)
Day 13 Saturday 29 November - Hirosaki
Morning participate in a shibori workshop using tools from the Edo period.
Afternoon learn all about kogin-zashi in a workshop and accompanying information session.
Explore the town and craft shops with tour leader.
(B)
Day 14 Sunday 30 November Hirosaki-Tokyo by Train
Take bullet train return to Tokyo.
Share a farewell dinner at hotel. (B, D)
Day 15 Monday 1 December Depart Tokyo
Final breakfast to conclude the tour. (B)
Shibori workshop
Participate in a shibori workshop, using tools from the Edo Period
Hida Sashiko shop in Takayama
Find some treasures
Tour price (Land only, in EUR):
Per person in twin share: €6,675
Single room supplement: €620
Tour deposit per person: €800
*Tour starts and finishes in Tokyo
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
EXCLUSIONS
• International flights to Japan
• Gratuities to guide and/or driver
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned above