New! Cherry Blossom Art & Culture Tour with Mini Shibori Workshop 2025
NOW BOOKING! We currently have 4 spaces available! March 1 to 11, 2025
Have you ever wanted to explore Japan but don't want to go alone? Or even better travel with a small group of like minded people with your interests in the arts, crafts, culture and history?
We are now planning our third Annual Art & Culture Tour for March 2025. This is a once in a lifetime trip led with a bilingual guide well versed in Japanese art & crafts history and culture as well as myself acting as tour assistant to guide. I am a textile design instructor at Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, as well as a professional textile designer. The group will be limited to only 8 persons. Email me if you are interested before I share it with my broader email list.
Have you ever wanted to explore Japan but don't want to go alone? Or even better travel with a small group of like minded people with your interests in the arts, crafts, culture and history?
We are now planning our third Annual Art & Culture Tour for March 2025. This is a once in a lifetime trip led with a bilingual guide well versed in Japanese art & crafts history and culture as well as myself acting as tour assistant to guide. I am a textile design instructor at Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, as well as a professional textile designer. The group will be limited to only 8 persons. Email me if you are interested before I share it with my broader email list.
- Spend 11 day tour departing Tokyo, Saturday, March 1st heading directly to Kyoto with our concierge guide
- I will provide maps to/from airport and hotels as well as things to do in Tokyo if you are spending extra days
- I will be staying at the Hotel Century Southern Tower in Shinjuku because the location is very convenient to the train station, airport transportation with plenty of restaurant choices and shopping
- You are welcome to choose different accommodations as long as you can meet us there on Monday morning
- Our guide will meet us at the hotel lobby on Saturday morning, March 1st. We will depart the hotel lobby early morning and take the elite bullet train for Kyoto
- Spend 7 nights in Kyoto in a modern luxury Air BnB
- Multiple day trips in & around Kyoto as well as nearby towns
- Visit historical temples, shrines, zen monastery, gardens and cultural points of interest such as the Philosopher's Walk
- Visit traditional craft artisan studios, galleries and museums including an array of arts including ceramics, textiles, costumes, woodblock & more
- Visit unique shops of all kinds and more than one antique market
- Spend 5 nights at Bryan Whitehead’s delightful farmhouse for the mini Shibori workshop in Fujino (approx. 1.5 hours from Tokyo by local train)
- Three meals per day included with an array of Japanese & international foods to please all (we can accommodate vegetarian diets but cannot accommodate vegan diets). Food will include a French cafe, various Japanese & international restaurants in Kyoto, and exquisite homemade meals at the farmhouse (see photos below from past tours and workshops)
- Participate in hands-on activities such as Shibori, Sashiko and Ikebana including all materials
- All museum entry and activity fees are included
- All ground travel costs including R/T bullet train to/from Tokyo/Kyoto, local trains, buses and taxis as well as return train fare from Fujino to Tokyo on Day 11 (the morning of March 11th)
- Fees for concierge tour guide & Shibori teacher
- All rooms will be double occupancy; We unfortunately cannot offer single room occupancy
- Cost: $6,000 USD All inclusive* This amounts to $545 per day, much lower than many group tours. Please see Ace Camps for comparison at acecampstravel.com/
- *Excluded: Airfare, travel insurance, hotel on Sunday, March 2, 2025 or any extra days in Tokyo, ground transport to/from airport, personal shopping, personal shipping
- Full tour cost $6,000 USD will be invoiced upon reservation via PayPal due shortly after confirmed reservation
- Deadline to register is October 15, 2025 so we may secure reservation in Kyoto
Photos of a Past Kyoto Trip
End of Tour Description
Workshop Description
Shibori Textile 10 Day Workshop Spring 2025 (all other 2025 dates are sold out)
NOW BOOKING! We currently have 1 space available for November 11 to 21, 2024 and
5 spaces available for April 7 to 17, 2025
Finally after a 3 year hiatus due to Covid, the annual Shibori workshops are finally on!!! We had our first workshop post pandemic at the end of September 2023 and it was wonderful! For the 10 Day Shibori Workshop April 7 to 17, 2025, we have only five spaces open! These workshops sell out quickly so don't hesitate too long if you want to attend! The remainder of 2025 workshops are fully booked. I started a waitlist for 2026 workshops and tours with a new Advanced Shibori Workshop (dates TBD). See the links below for photos of past workshops.
USA Organizer: Debra Valencia
Japan Instructor: Bryan Whitehead
Location: Tokyo & Fujino, Japan
Dates: April 7 to 17, 2025
Maximum Capacity: 10 guests per workshop
5 spaces available for April 7 to 17, 2025
Finally after a 3 year hiatus due to Covid, the annual Shibori workshops are finally on!!! We had our first workshop post pandemic at the end of September 2023 and it was wonderful! For the 10 Day Shibori Workshop April 7 to 17, 2025, we have only five spaces open! These workshops sell out quickly so don't hesitate too long if you want to attend! The remainder of 2025 workshops are fully booked. I started a waitlist for 2026 workshops and tours with a new Advanced Shibori Workshop (dates TBD). See the links below for photos of past workshops.
USA Organizer: Debra Valencia
Japan Instructor: Bryan Whitehead
Location: Tokyo & Fujino, Japan
Dates: April 7 to 17, 2025
Maximum Capacity: 10 guests per workshop
Shibori Workshop Photos
See the 11 links below from "Welcome to the Farmhouse" to "Old Tokyo" of photos organized by category from our Shibori workshop in Japan from 2015.
Welcome to the Farmhouse | Our First Day | Indigo | Stencils | Field Trip 1 | Food/Social | Culture | Projects | Field Trip 2 | Modern Tokyo | Old Tokyo
Here are additional photos from Shibori workshop in 2016 which also included an extra 4 day excursion to Kyoto. This will give you an idea of the various groups and variety of activities. I have 1000s of photos from the other workshops but have not had a chance to post them all! I added our most recent workshop in 2023.
Click here to see the 2016 photo gallery.
Click here to see the 2023 photo gallery.
Click here to see the 2016 photo gallery.
Click here to see the 2023 photo gallery.
Shibori Samples
To see examples of Stencils, Mokume, Clamping/Rope Wrap and Shibori products on the market. Click here for project samples.
Shibori Workshop Details, Cost, Itinerary
Meet Our Instructor:
Bryan Whitehead, expert textile artist and craftsman, is originally from Western Canada and has lived in Japan for over 30 years and fluent in Japanese. He has been farming and processing indigo, rearing silk worms, designing and weaving and has held textile workshops dozens of times over 10 year with participants from all over the world. He is exceedingly knowledgable and passionate about the Japanese arts and crafts. As a six times participant myself and now trip organizer, I am sure you will find this workshop to be both enjoyable and informative.
Overview:
For textile artists/designers, fine artists, interior designers, fashion designers, illustrators, crafters, quilters and anyone interested in Japanese arts! No experience necessary! Everyone will enjoy this creative and intimate experience of Japanese culture, history and its unique arts and crafts. Organized by design educator, Debra Valencia, this intimate workshop provides a magical, once-in-a-lifetime expedition. It's like summer camp for artists at a B&B in the beautiful countryside in rural Japan. We have had participants all ages, from 20 to 85+ years old, from all corners of the world. Friendships develop organically and we have had many return visitors.
Our group will spend the first full day with the instructor touring Tokyo and shopping for art & craft supplies and vintage textiles. The next 9 days will be spent in Fujino, a serene tea-growing mountain village outside of Tokyo, with hiking trails and a view of Mt, Fuji on a clear day. The village was designated as one of "The Most Scenic One Hundred Mountain Villages in Japan". Accommodations in double occupancy rooms will be provided in a charming 170-year-old farmhouse much like a B&B. Once unpacked at the farmhouse, we will "dive in and swim" in the deep blue indigo. You’ll be splashing around in the vats until it is time to re-pack your bags. Hands-on is the best way to know what indigo is about. Each day will start with a talk after breakfast by our expert instructor on a variety of topics such as the Japanese crafts movement, history of the kimono, village life and more. All day workshops include shibori prep, dyeing, stencil making and printing, as well as field trips to local artist studios, markets and museums.
Returning to Tokyo on the afternoon of the last day, you will have a half day of free time for shopping and wandering independently then checking into your Tokyo hotel. Or you will have ample time to catch an early evening flight if you need to return home immediately. Feel free to extend your trip by booking extra nights in Tokyo or traveling to other cities such as Kyoto.
Workshops:
An array of Shibori techniques and indigo dyeing will be covered — from beginning to advanced — including sewing, folding, binding, stencil making and stencil printing — all handmade by participants. No experience is necessary for first timers! For participants who have attended the Shibori workshops in the past, more advanced techniques and independent projects may be pursued so there is no redundancy.
Homework kits will be mailed to each participant so that designs and fabric preparation may be completed months in advance. I have prepared video tutorials for homework prep and can be viewed on my YouTube channel. All essential tools and an abundance of materials are included in all workshops. Participants may want to purchase special fabrics, art supplies and textiles on the first day in Tokyo, however, these purchases are optional. You are welcome to bring a small quantity of fabric or items from home to dye at the workshop.
Accommodations:
The farmhouse has six remodeled bedrooms on the upper level sleeping two persons per room in single twin beds. Double occupancy is required due to limited space. There are stairs necessary to use to access the 3rd floor bedrooms so please keep this in mind. There are two guest rooms on the first level reserved for those who may have issues reaching the top level. The shared bathrooms include two standard showers, a traditional Japanese bathhouse and 4 Western style toilets. Free wi-fi is provided.
Food:
The large farmhouse kitchen is open all day and night and well stocked with beverages and snacks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served family style and all included. A variety of foods will be served to accommodate those on special diets — particularly vegetarian diets are easily accommodated. Continental style breakfasts include eggs, breads, cereal, fruit, yogurt, cheese, juice, coffee and tea. Japanese lunches and dinners will vary daily and range from noodles, bbq, chicken, seafood, salads, soups and more (no sushi). A few meals will be eaten out at restaurants during field trips (see cost estimate below*).
Cost:
$3,500 USD per person The $350 per day all inclusive fee* with workshops, materials, meals, accommodations and expert instructor is an incredible deal! Japan has been one of the most expensive countries to visit in the past and now we have an advantage with the strong USD dollar. For just $350 per day, this all inclusive* workshop abroad is an excellent value.
Includes:
Suggested travel expenses are based on average spent on similar trips I took to Japan in 2015 through 2024. The prices have barely changed including airfare in the last 9 years I have been traveling to Japan.
Airfare from country of origin to Japan is excluded.
Fees:
$3,500 USD deposit due upon reservation
Payable via PayPal directly to instructor (invoice to be provided upon registration)
Payment Terms:
Payments are not refundable for any reason. We are requiring participants to buy travel insurance to cover reimbursement of your workshop fee and airfare in case you need to cancel.
Covid Requirements:
Japan is one of the last country to open to tourism so they take Covid prevention very seriously. Therefore, we are requiring all participants provide proof of full vaccination at the time of registration. We are also asking all participants to bring a minimum of two Covid rapid tests for their own use as they are very expensive in Japan. We cannot place this burden on our host when they are easily available in our home country.
Travel Insurance:
We require purchasing private travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip or need medical treatment while in Japan. Your travel insurance must cover your workshop fee, airfare and medical expenses. These policies are very common and I can provide a list of reputable companies. Policies are also available through travel agents, travel websites such as Expedia and Travelocity as well as some airlines.
Communication & FAQs:
As organizer, Debra will coordinate reservations, payments, travel itineraries, emergency contacts, provide maps from airport to hotel, etc. to keep everything as simplified as possible for our instructor in Japan. All communications should go through Debra. I can provide suggested hotels, travel insurance sources, help with materials prep and more.
Bryan Whitehead, expert textile artist and craftsman, is originally from Western Canada and has lived in Japan for over 30 years and fluent in Japanese. He has been farming and processing indigo, rearing silk worms, designing and weaving and has held textile workshops dozens of times over 10 year with participants from all over the world. He is exceedingly knowledgable and passionate about the Japanese arts and crafts. As a six times participant myself and now trip organizer, I am sure you will find this workshop to be both enjoyable and informative.
Overview:
For textile artists/designers, fine artists, interior designers, fashion designers, illustrators, crafters, quilters and anyone interested in Japanese arts! No experience necessary! Everyone will enjoy this creative and intimate experience of Japanese culture, history and its unique arts and crafts. Organized by design educator, Debra Valencia, this intimate workshop provides a magical, once-in-a-lifetime expedition. It's like summer camp for artists at a B&B in the beautiful countryside in rural Japan. We have had participants all ages, from 20 to 85+ years old, from all corners of the world. Friendships develop organically and we have had many return visitors.
Our group will spend the first full day with the instructor touring Tokyo and shopping for art & craft supplies and vintage textiles. The next 9 days will be spent in Fujino, a serene tea-growing mountain village outside of Tokyo, with hiking trails and a view of Mt, Fuji on a clear day. The village was designated as one of "The Most Scenic One Hundred Mountain Villages in Japan". Accommodations in double occupancy rooms will be provided in a charming 170-year-old farmhouse much like a B&B. Once unpacked at the farmhouse, we will "dive in and swim" in the deep blue indigo. You’ll be splashing around in the vats until it is time to re-pack your bags. Hands-on is the best way to know what indigo is about. Each day will start with a talk after breakfast by our expert instructor on a variety of topics such as the Japanese crafts movement, history of the kimono, village life and more. All day workshops include shibori prep, dyeing, stencil making and printing, as well as field trips to local artist studios, markets and museums.
Returning to Tokyo on the afternoon of the last day, you will have a half day of free time for shopping and wandering independently then checking into your Tokyo hotel. Or you will have ample time to catch an early evening flight if you need to return home immediately. Feel free to extend your trip by booking extra nights in Tokyo or traveling to other cities such as Kyoto.
Workshops:
An array of Shibori techniques and indigo dyeing will be covered — from beginning to advanced — including sewing, folding, binding, stencil making and stencil printing — all handmade by participants. No experience is necessary for first timers! For participants who have attended the Shibori workshops in the past, more advanced techniques and independent projects may be pursued so there is no redundancy.
Homework kits will be mailed to each participant so that designs and fabric preparation may be completed months in advance. I have prepared video tutorials for homework prep and can be viewed on my YouTube channel. All essential tools and an abundance of materials are included in all workshops. Participants may want to purchase special fabrics, art supplies and textiles on the first day in Tokyo, however, these purchases are optional. You are welcome to bring a small quantity of fabric or items from home to dye at the workshop.
Accommodations:
The farmhouse has six remodeled bedrooms on the upper level sleeping two persons per room in single twin beds. Double occupancy is required due to limited space. There are stairs necessary to use to access the 3rd floor bedrooms so please keep this in mind. There are two guest rooms on the first level reserved for those who may have issues reaching the top level. The shared bathrooms include two standard showers, a traditional Japanese bathhouse and 4 Western style toilets. Free wi-fi is provided.
Food:
The large farmhouse kitchen is open all day and night and well stocked with beverages and snacks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served family style and all included. A variety of foods will be served to accommodate those on special diets — particularly vegetarian diets are easily accommodated. Continental style breakfasts include eggs, breads, cereal, fruit, yogurt, cheese, juice, coffee and tea. Japanese lunches and dinners will vary daily and range from noodles, bbq, chicken, seafood, salads, soups and more (no sushi). A few meals will be eaten out at restaurants during field trips (see cost estimate below*).
Cost:
$3,500 USD per person The $350 per day all inclusive fee* with workshops, materials, meals, accommodations and expert instructor is an incredible deal! Japan has been one of the most expensive countries to visit in the past and now we have an advantage with the strong USD dollar. For just $350 per day, this all inclusive* workshop abroad is an excellent value.
Includes:
- 10 nights farmhouse (double occupancy, twin beds)
- All meals during 10 day workshop (most meals served at farmhouse with some restaurant meals on field trip days)
- Ground transportation to/from Tokyo/Fujino and during day field trips
- Shibori materials, tools, fabrics
- All workshops and lessons
- Field trip entrance fees
Suggested travel expenses are based on average spent on similar trips I took to Japan in 2015 through 2024. The prices have barely changed including airfare in the last 9 years I have been traveling to Japan.
- Airfare from your home city to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan (varies)
- Ground transportation from airport to your hotel (Approx. $35 each way)
- Individual meals on travel days to/from Japan
- Hotel in Tokyo (Approx. $230/night double occupancy; a list of recommended hotels will be provided; AirBB also available)
- Three or four meals at restaurants during field trips in Tokyo (Approx. $15 lunch, $25 dinner)
- Subway fare in Tokyo (Approx. $5 to $10 per day)
- Optional snacks/beverages during field trips and outings (Optional approx. $5 to $10 per day)
- Alcoholic beverages (Optional approx. $5 to $10 average per drink)
- Personal sundries & shopping
- Optional art supplies, textiles, papers
Airfare from country of origin to Japan is excluded.
Fees:
$3,500 USD deposit due upon reservation
Payable via PayPal directly to instructor (invoice to be provided upon registration)
Payment Terms:
Payments are not refundable for any reason. We are requiring participants to buy travel insurance to cover reimbursement of your workshop fee and airfare in case you need to cancel.
Covid Requirements:
Japan is one of the last country to open to tourism so they take Covid prevention very seriously. Therefore, we are requiring all participants provide proof of full vaccination at the time of registration. We are also asking all participants to bring a minimum of two Covid rapid tests for their own use as they are very expensive in Japan. We cannot place this burden on our host when they are easily available in our home country.
Travel Insurance:
We require purchasing private travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip or need medical treatment while in Japan. Your travel insurance must cover your workshop fee, airfare and medical expenses. These policies are very common and I can provide a list of reputable companies. Policies are also available through travel agents, travel websites such as Expedia and Travelocity as well as some airlines.
Communication & FAQs:
As organizer, Debra will coordinate reservations, payments, travel itineraries, emergency contacts, provide maps from airport to hotel, etc. to keep everything as simplified as possible for our instructor in Japan. All communications should go through Debra. I can provide suggested hotels, travel insurance sources, help with materials prep and more.
Itinerary
Travel to Japan:
Extended Stay
Anyone wishing to stay on in Tokyo or to continue to a new destination in or out of Japan on their own is welcome to do so. Bryan and I can provide suggestions for accommodations additional sightseeing, shopping and trips.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact me via the form on my website contact page.
- Fly to Tokyo to arrive at least one day in advance
- Arrive Japan in early evening; Take train or shuttle bus to Shinjuku Station
- Check in to hotel; Optional dinner with Debra if you are staying in the Shinjuku area
- Meet our guide & instructor, Bryan Whitehead, 10am in 20th floor lobby of Hotel Century Southern Tower in Shinjuku plaza in Tokyo
- Full day in Tokyo with Bryan; visit shops for vintage textiles, bookbinding, paper, art supplies and more
- Your luggage will be transported to the farmhouse by Bryan's staff
- Be sure to bring a day pack of what you need for the day in Tokyo (medications, jacket or wrap, sunglasses, umbrella, etc.)
- Transportation by train to Fujino is provided
- Arrive early evening, settle into rooms, welcome dinner; fire is waiting outside for a few drinks and chat before bedtime
- Bryan will start with a lecture after breakfast to kick off the day
- Bryan will check the Shibori and stencil homework completed in advance
- Shibori lessons will be demonstrated daily, nonstop morning 'til night
- Approximate project breakdown:
- Shibori Workshops: Fabric dyeing and stencil printing
- Cultural Lessons: A variety of cultural lessons will be included, depending on availability and weather, such as Japanese flower arranging, traditional tea ceremony, soba noodle making demonstration, daily lectures on Japanese arts and crafts
- Field Trips: A variety of field trips will be included, depending on availability and weather, such as tours of local artist studios, craft museum, kimono printing, art supply stores, vintage textile shops, light hikes in the mountain village to see view of of Mt. Fuji
- Food: Most meals provided at farmhouse and 3 to 4 at local restaurants
- Enjoy breakfast at the farmhouse
- Spend an optional half day at the farmhouse finishing last minute details on projects
- Packing, hugs, many good byes, photos
- Transportation to Tokyo provided in workshop cost
- Anyone needing to catch an afternoon flight may leave early or mid morning on train to either Tokyo airport
Extended Stay
Anyone wishing to stay on in Tokyo or to continue to a new destination in or out of Japan on their own is welcome to do so. Bryan and I can provide suggestions for accommodations additional sightseeing, shopping and trips.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact me via the form on my website contact page.