Northern Japan Textile Retreat

Tokyo • Kyoto • Arimatsu • Ise • Takayama • Kamakura • Kanazawa

May 2027 · Curated by Aizome Studio Suzanne Connors
15 Days | Small Group | Deep Cultural Immersion
Deposit: $700 (Nonrefundable)
Estimated Cost: $4,000–$5,000 USD (excludes airfare & rail pass)

May 18- June 2, 2027 (15 days)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan’s historic craft towns and iconic cities. Guided by master artisans, you’ll explore the rich traditions of indigo dyeing, sashiko stitching, katazome, and regional textile arts.

Highlights include:

Tokyo: Contemporary craft districts and artisan studios. Workshop at Aikuma Dye Shop, Antique Market
Kamakura: Coastal craft town blending history, art, and textiles.
Takayama: Learn sashiko, the traditional Japanese running stitch used for both function and beauty. In this historic mountain town, discover how a humble repair technique became a celebrated art form.
Kanazawa: Experience Kaga Yuzen, the refined hand-painted silk dyeing tradition, and explore workshops dedicated to natural dyeing, where color is drawn from plants, roots, and minerals.
Kyoto: Ancient temples and hands-on workshops with textile masters.
Arimatsu: Explore the birthplace of shibori, Japan’s famous tie-dye tradition.
Ise Katagami: Discover Ise-katagami, the centuries-old art of stencil cutting for katazome, where artisans hand-carve intricate patterns into mulberry paper, used to decorate silk and cotton textiles. Experience a tradition that is both delicate and powerful, and try your hand at this timeless craft. Shiroko village- Suzuka City.

Why Join:

Hands-On Learning: Craft authentic textiles guided by local experts.

Cultural Immersion: Experience the towns and traditions behind every thread.

Create & Connect: Bring home your own handmade treasures and unforgettable memories.

A journey where every stitch, cut, and color tells the story of Japan’s living textile heritage.

👥 Who Should Apply?

This is a small, intimate group experience, open only to:

Former Aya Fiber Studio students, OR
Those planning to spend at least one week with me in the studio before the trip
All applicants will be interviewed to ensure the group dynamic stays positive, open, and drama-free. This is essential to preserving the joyful spirit of our journey—no “Debbie Downers,” please! ✨

📅 Important Dates:

Nonrefundable deposit ($700) secures your spot
Final payment due 60 days before departure: March 2027
Final cost may adjust based on 2027 exchange rates and inflation

Let’s explore indigo’s soul together—its rich history, its artisans, and its place in Japan’s culture. This trip is a rare opportunity to go far beyond the tourist trail and enter the world of master dyers, textile innovators, and sacred traditions.

Northern Japan Textile Retreat: