This 12-day journey through Tokyo and the less-traveled northern regions of Nagano, Niigata, and Tohoku takes you from the fabric-filled streets of Tokyo's Nippori district to the mountain villages of the Fuji region, then northward along an artisan trail that follows centuries-old textile techniques. You'll visit working kimono factories in Tokamachi, learn sakiori rag-weaving at a studio packed with traditional looms in Towada, and practice koginzashi stitching at the Hirosaki Institute where local women still gather to create intricate sashiko pieces.

This route traces Japan's silk and textile heritage, stopping at the country's only operating silk-spinning mill museum, exploring workshops dedicated to Ojiya's famous 400-year-old chijimi fabric tradition, and dyeing with natural indigo in the historic town of Hirosaki. Between workshops, you'll experience the beauty of northern Japan in autumn—from views of Mount Fuji at a traditional onsen hotel to the serene shores of Lake Towada and the elegant grounds of Matsumoto Castle.

Hands-on textile workshops

• Discover traditional sashiko stitching and koginzashi embroidery techniques at specialized institutes

• Experience sakiori rag-weaving on traditional looms at a studio in Towada

• Learn kasuri weaving with Ojiya's renowned 400-year-old chijimi fabric

• Practice natural indigo dyeing in historic Hirosaki

• Discover the elegant art of furoshiki cloth wrapping

• Create decorative temari thread balls in Nagano

• Participate in an exclusive workshop with accomplished quilter Ms. Goke Keiko

Artisan Studios & Heritage Sites

• Tour a kimono factory in Tokamachi and witness the masterful creation of beautiful pieces

• Visit Japan's only museum with an operating silk-spinning mill

• Explore the Sashiko Museum in Hinohara Village showcasing intricate stitching traditions

• Marvel at masterpiece kimonos at the Itchiku Kubota Museum

• Experience unique shinaori bark-cloth weaving

• Browse Yoko Saito's renowned Quilt Party shop in Tokyo

• Shop nearly 100 fabric and notion stores at Tokyo's famous Nippori Fabric Town

Cultural Treasures

• Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's National Treasures

• Wander through Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful gardens

• Discover the iconic Sensoji Temple in Tokyo

• Explore historic Hirosaki Castle and its elegant grounds

• Experience Lake Towada and Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Amanda McLaurin

Amanda grew up with a needle and thread always close at hand—she learned to sew in elementary school and picked up knitting as a teenager. In 2015 after a decade in event planning, she left that career to pursue fiber arts full time. Her creative journey took her all the way to Indonesia, where she spent two years immersed in local traditions like batik dyeing and ikat weaving.

Back in the U.S. since 2017, Amanda has shared her love of craft by teaching machine sewing, visible mending, and embroidery workshops. Today, she creates bold fiber art sculptures available through Liz Lidgett Gallery, along with fine art prints and fiber art phone cases available on her website- www.amandamclaurin.com. You can find her on instagram at @amanda_mclaurin_

The tour begins with a welcome dinner on Day 1, Saturday, Oct 17 at Keio Plaza Hotel or similar in Tokyo. The tour ends after breakfast at leisure on Day 12, Wednesday, Oct 28 at Keio Plaza Hotel.