PRIVATE ART & CRAFT TOUR TO JAPAN

Japan by Hand: Tohoku

Please join us to explore the northernmost area of Honshu, known as Tohoku, one of the few areas where elements of traditional Japan can still be discovered. Rather than refinement and sophistication, it is loved for its rustic simplicity.

Throughout its history, the area has battled with the elements: cold climate, high levels of snowfall, and minimal fertile land; giving rise to a culture of valuing and recycling resources, which in turn, fostered folk crafts.

Tohoku is therefore home to both a culture of ‘mingei’ people’s craft, and sophisticated artforms produced for the ruling lords during the Edo period.

Our tour will explore both ends of this spectrum – from sashiko (decorative reinforcement stitching), to metalwork (Nanbu tekki) and lacquer (Tsugaru nuri), to discover the aesthetic and cultural riches of Tohoku.

DATES

19 – 27 May 2026

START / END

Tokyo - Akita

ACCOMMODATION

Aizu-Wakamatsu, Iwate, Oirase Keiryu, Hirosaki, Akita

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

8-10 people (max)

TOUR PRICE

AUD $16,600 per person, twin-share
Single supplement AUD $1,500

INCLUSIONS

Tour price covers all on-ground costs (accommodation, transport, museum entries, studio visits, private tours, breakfasts, several group lunches and dinners). Guests organise and pay for international flights and insurance.

ARRIVAL

Tuesday 19 May 2026

Meet at Tokyo Station 9am

DEPARTURE

Wednesday 27 May 2026

Drop Off

Akita domestic airport

Booking Enquiry

DAY 1: Tuesday 19 May

Tokyo – Aizu Wakamatsu

Highlights

• Tsurugajo Castle: built in the 16th century, as the residence of the Matsudaira Family, relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun. Fierce battles took place here after the Meiji Restoration.

• Sazaedo: a unique temple pagoda with a double spiral staircase.

• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Key information

Morning: meet at Tokyo Station and transfer to Aizu- Wakamatsu via Shinkansen and coach.

Accommodation: Aizu Wakamatsu

DAY 2: Wednesday 20 May

Ouchijuku (Aizu Wakamatsu)

Highlight

• Explore Ouchijuku, a beautifully-preserved Edo-period town with rural ‘kayabuki yane’ thatched roof houses and traditional streetscapes.

Key information

Travel today is by coach

Accommodation: Aizu Wakamatsu

DAY 3: Thursday 21 May

Aizu Wakamatsu, Kitakata

Highlights

• Stroll Nanukamachi-Dori, streets with well-preserved Edo-period houses converted into craft shops and cafes.

• Visit Kitakata, an old commercial town with many traditional storehouses. Famous for sake brewers and Kitakata Ramen.

Key information

Travel today is by coach

Accommodation: Aizu Wakamatsu

DAY 4: Friday 22 May

Hiraizumi, Mizusawa

Highlights

• Visit Chusonji Temple (Golden Hall) in Hiraizumi. Covered in gold leaf, the Golden Hall was built in 1124 by the Oshu Fujiwara Clan to assert its power and flaunt its prosperity.

• Visit Oitomi Nambu Tekki studio in Mizusawa. Nambu Tekki is famous for traditional iron kettles used for tea ceremonies. The head craftsman will give us a talk on its history, show us the production process, and serve us tea made by the iron tea kettle.

Key information

Travel from Aizu Wakamatsu to Fukushima by coach, then change to shinkansen to Hiraizumi.

Accommodation: Iwate

DAY 5: Saturday 23 May

Towada, Oirase

Highlights

• Visit Towada Art Center, a contemporary art museum with artworks scattered throughout the town.

• Stroll Oirase Kiryuu Gorge, one of the most beautiful mountain streams in Japan.

Key information

Travel today is by coach.

Accommodation: Oirase Keiryu

DAY 6: Sunday 24 May

Aomori, Hirosaki

Highlights

Aomori:

• Visit Aomori Museum of Art which houses works by local artists including Yoshitomo Nara and Shiko Munakata.

• Visit Sannai Maruyama, a Jomon-period archaeological site (3,900-2,200 BC).

Hirosaki:

• Visit Tsugaru-nurilacquerware gallery, where the the gallery owner will present a talk on the history and characteristics of Tsugaru-nuri lacquer.

Key information

Travel today is by coach.

Accommodation: Hirosaki

DAY 7: Monday 25 May

Hirosaki

Highlights

• Koginzashi (sashiko) workshop: local sashiko artists from Hirosaki KoginsashiInstitute will show us their various sashiko techniques.

• Bunaco (beech wood products) workshop: a venture company that developed new technology to process beech wood which was considered unusable. Will be briefed on its history and technology and create our own Bunacoproduct in the workshop.