Japan Artisan Craft Tour 2027: Nagoya, Kanazawa, Tokyo
Go behind the workshop doors
Take an exclusive journey into Japan’s living craft traditions and learn authentic art directly at the hands of these master craftspeople. Limited to only twelve lucky participants!
Ready to experience Japan’s rich artisanal heritage for yourself? Limited to just twelve guests, this exclusive journey offers intimate, hands-on access to master craftspeople across Japan. Go behind the workshop doors, from pottery and shibori dyeing to knife making, gold leaf art, bonsai, and more, to learn traditional techniques directly from skilled artisans for a deep appreciation of Japan’s craft culture. Along the way you’ll enjoy incredible regional cuisine, plenty of time to shop, and relaxing onsen experiences that fully immerse you in the timeless spirit of Japan.
Destination Highlights for the Artisan Craft Tour
Nagoya – Gifu – Kanazawa – Tokyo – and more!
What’s included on the Artisan Craft Tour:
- Comfortable, smooth flights with Japan Airlines (Full Package only)
- Expert English-speaking local guide and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic cultural and craft activities taught by master craftspeople, including a real blacksmithing workshop, washi Japanese papermaking, making your own sushi, a sake brewery tour and tasting, a hands-on bonsai experience, and many more!
- Relaxing stays at exceptional hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts
- 24 fantastic meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies, including deluxe kaiseki meals!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Tour Itinerary
9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS IN JAPAN
Click here to see the full tour schedule!
**Hotels subject to change in case of unexpected circumstances
Day 0 – January 12: Departure from Honolulu
- Begin your journey meeting your tour escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport. Relax before your flight to Japan with Japan Airlines (JAL), known for their outstanding in-flight service.
Day 1 – January 13: Arrival in Nagoya
- Land in Nagoya in the evening and meet your bus to transfer to your hotel. Check in, relax, and rest up for your big adventure!
- Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya
- Meals included: Two meals served onboard the international flight, bento box dinner
Day 2 – January 14: Tokoname Crafts Day #1
- Split into two groups for an intimate craft experience. One group will dive deep into a full-day Tokoname Pottery workshop, while the other group will enjoy a matcha tea experience and make sushi for lunch. They’ll also have a shibori dyeing experience.
- Group A: Tokoname pottery workshop (all day)
- Group B: Matcha + sushi experience, shibori dyeing, shopping
- Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – January 15: Tokoname Crafts Day #2
- The second day of your crafting experiences around Tokoname. Groups will switch from the first day.
- Group A: Matcha + sushi experience, shibori dyeing, shopping
- Group B: Tokoname pottery workshop (all day)
- Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – January 16: Gifu Crafts Day #1
- Split up again! One group will learn how to make their own knives in a traditional blacksmithing workshop, then finish with a sake brewery tour and tasting. The other group will make Gifu paper lanterns and go shopping at AEON Mall.
- Group A: Blacksmith workshop and sake brewery
- Group B: Gifu paper lanterns and AEON Mall shopping
- Hotel: Gifu Nagaragawa Onsen Hotel Park ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 – January 17: Gifu Crafts Day #2
- The second day of your crafting experiences around Gifu. Groups will switch from the first day.
- Group A: Gifu paper lanterns and AEON Mall shopping
- Group B: Blacksmith workshop and sake brewery
- Hotel: Gifu Nagaragawa Onsen Hotel Park ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 – January 18: Plastic and Paper Experiences
- Learn how to make fun plastic food samples like those often seen in Japanese restaurant displays! Try your hand at traditional washi papermaking. Explore Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses.
- Hotel: Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 – January 19: Kanazawa Gold
- Split into groups for morning and afternoon activities. One group will visit Kenrokuen Japanese Garden and Kanazawa Castle. Meanwhile, the other group will try a gold-leaf crafting activity and enjoy some time for craft shopping. Switch at lunch time!
- Hotel: Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 – January 20: Tokyo and Bonsai
- Ride the shinkansen to Tokyo. Learn the ancient craft of Japanese bonsai, plus visit the iconic Meiji Jingu Shrine. Celebrate your trip with a deluxe Wagyu course farewell dinner this evening.
- Hotel: Asakusa View Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9 – January 21: Tokyo Free Day
- Full free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Shop, dine, or just enjoy the sights. Need suggestions or want to add an optional day tour? Just ask!
- Hotel: Asakusa View Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – January 22: Tokyo and return to Hawaii
- After checking out, have some free time for lunch, then meet up and move to a shopping center dedicated to unique boutiques selling handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. Head to Haneda Airport, enjoy some last omiyage shopping opportunities, then fly back to Honolulu on Japan Airlines. Welcome home!
- Hotel: —
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard the international flight
This exclusive journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s rich artisan heritage, plus gourmet cuisine and comforting onsen (hot springs) retreats. Plus, with only twelve guests, you’ll never feel crowded!
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$6,990.00*
$5,990.00 **
$900.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: While this tour takes place during Japan’s winter, much of the trip is spent indoors while learning at the hands of local artisans. You will likely want a warm jacket, hat, and gloves, when walking outside. Average temperatures for Nagoya would be in the mid-40s during the day, with a low of around 35 degrees at night.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day in Tokyo.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 24 exceptional meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 6 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu to Japan with JAL (Japan Airlines) are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group has special access to exclusive crafting workshops that can accommodate only a small number of people. It is limited to just twelve participants, ensuring an intimate, family-like trip atmosphere and exceptional service from your guide and escort.
Japan Artisan Craft Tour 2027
