Tours

Jane MacDonald leads wonderful tours around Japan showing the home, origins and highlights of Japanese textiles and stitching.

Delve into the world of Japanese textiles with your experienced host Jane and the many knowledgable textile artists you will meet along the way from Tokyo and back. Visit workshops, gardens, temples and enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine with other textile enthusiasts.

2026 Tours

Japan Textile Tour with Japan Hobby Show

7 May to 17 May, 2026

Embark on an inspiring journey through Japan, celebrating the rich heritage of traditional crafts and textile arts. From Tokyo’s vibrant Japan Hobby Show and hands-on Sashiko stitching, to Kyoto’s serene temples, artisan workshops, and markets, this tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and creative discovery. Enjoy exclusive workshops in sashiko, temari, shibori, kintsugi, and more, while exploring iconic cities, historic districts, and hidden gems. Perfect for craft lovers and cultural explorers alike, this unforgettable tour combines artistic inspiration with the timeless beauty of Japan.

Attend the Japan Hobby Show, a premier event showcasing a variety of crafts.

Participate in traditional Japanese textile workshops including Shibori Dyeing, Sashiko, and Roketsu Dyeing.

Explore the vibrant Nippori Fabric Town and other unique textile stores in Tokyo.

Visit renowned textile districts in Kyoto, including Nishijin Textile District

Experience the cultural richness of Japan with visits to historic sites and a flea market at Chion-ji Temple.

Visit the Opulent Journey's website for more information and booking options: opulentjourneys.com.au/tours/textile-and-stitching-tour-with-japan-hobby-show/

Japan Textile and Stitching Tour

19 May - 2 June, 2026 / This tour is fully booked with waitlist only.

A textile and stitching tour of Japan designed and led by Jane MacDonald, 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

Shibori – indigo dyeing – workshop using tools from the Edo period

Learn traditional sashiko techniques from Reiko Domon and her guild

Attend weaving workshop and learn about Isesaki kasuri

Learn chiku-chiku from master stitcher Akiko Ike

Shop for antique sashiko and boro treasures

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Gokayama Village

Shop in the iconic textile store in Kyoto

Visit 400-year-old needle shop

Stroll through Nishiki Market

Craft a temari ball

Visit Yoko Saito’s shop Quilt Party

Explore Mother’s Dream shop by Reiko Kato

Visit the Opulent Journey's website for more information and booking options:opulentjourneys.com.au/tours/japan-textile-stitching-tour-in-may-2026/

2025 Tours

Japan Textile & Stitching Tour with Yokohama Quilt Show

1-15 November 2025 / This tour is fully booked with waitlist only.

Japanese Textiles, Crafts & Sashiko Tour

17-30 November 2025 / This tour is fully booked with waitlist only.

Tours are hosted by Opulent Journeys and Jane MacDonald. Visit the Opulent Journeys website for detailed information and availabilities.

Ph: 1300 219 885 | E: enquiries@opulentjourneys.com.au

Photo of Japanese scene