Trip in
Japan
Japan Through Craft
Japan Through Craft
June 8 - 16, 2027
8 Nights
In Japan, craft and culture are one and the same. Mastery of ancient techniques remains a point of pride, and generations of artisans still dedicate themselves to preserving centuries-old traditions. They are known as shokunin, or masters of craft.
On this journey, a series of shokunin will welcome us into their worlds—an opportunity rarely afforded to travelers in Japan. By bringing their stories to light, we are directly supporting the master artisans and the continuation of their crafts, helping to sustain these age-old traditions.
With Tokyo as our home base, we'll venture into hidden corners of the city, uncovering remarkable crafts—from dyed textiles for kimonos to ceramics and mouth-blown glass—that still thrive in this fast-paced capital. We'll also explore how craft echoes the landscape and local raw materials.
Trip highlights
Trip highlights
The world of washi paper
The world of washi paper
Witness the production of this traditional handmade material that has been used for centuries in books, sliding doors, lanterns, calligraphy, and printmaking. In Nagano, washi is highly regarded for its premium quality. After watching the master's work, you'll get to create and decorate your own washi paper.
Dyeing textiles for kimonos
Dyeing textiles for kimonos
Visit a historic workshop where craftsmen color fabric for kimonos. Making the garments requires a blend of precision, patience, and highly specialized collaboration; a single kimono may pass through the hands of weavers, stencil cutters, dyers, painters, and embroiderers before it is complete. In Ochiai, we'll get an intimate and in-depth opportunity to appreciate what goes into the creation of a kimono—and participate in a hands-on practice.
Artistry in food
Artistry in food
Immerse yourself in the world of wagashi, highly-decorated Japanese sweets, at a historic confectionery, with a chance to taste classic and seasonal candies. Later, we'll visit Japan's most prominent wasabi farm, and a special tasting will unravel the distinct characteristics of this fresh, flavorful root in its most authentic state. Every ingredient in Japanese cuisine is treated with profound intention and respect—a mindset we will experience firsthand at both locations.
Cut-glass craft
Cut-glass craft
Dialogue with skilled glass artisans who have more than 60 years experience, and discover how both traditional and contemporary designs are made. The practice of creating and decorating glass originated in Tokyo (once called Edo) during the 19th century, and Edo kiriko is now considered one of the most beautiful and delicate styles of cut glass in the world.
Inside a ceramic studio
Inside a ceramic studio
Step inside Tenoy Works—the workshop of Hirotaka Tobimatsu and Kogoma Mayumi, partners in life and work—for a glimpse into Japan's living craft culture. Downstairs, Tobimatsu creates ceramics for lighting with a sculptural balance. Upstairs, Mayumi shapes delicate jewelry inspired by architecture and landscapes.
Floral in form
Floral in form
Immerse yourself in the meditative art of flower arrangement, or ikebana, with a hands-on workshop at the renowned Sogetsu School, where limitless creativity and individual expression are celebrated, and students are taught that ikebana can be created anytime, anywhere, with any material.
Who this trip is for:
- Those who want to dive deep into local traditions and craft
- Those who appreciate culture-dense trips
- Collectors interested in crafts
- Those who have already been to Japan and are intent on exploring more layers of this multifaceted country
- Established or aspiring interior designers and decorators
- Those attuned to the cross-section of culture and craftsmanship
- Those who see travel as a way to gain new perspectives
Accommodation:
- The Okura Tokyo: Considered one of Tokyo’s most iconic hotels, the Okura owes its fame to its refined architecture, serene atmosphere, and the meticulous hospitality that defines the Land of the Rising Sun. Nestled in the Toranomon district, it’s an ideal base from which to explore Tokyo.
Your hosts:
Julia Rönnqvist Buzzetti and Erika Suzuki: Julia, an art historian, curator, and gallerist, has spent more than a decade researching Japan, China, and South Korea through the lens of art, history, and craft. Erika, a designer, curator, and creative consultant with Italian and Japanese roots, has long worked between the two countries, developing cultural projects and collaborations with Japanese companies and institutions, particularly within the fields of design and craftsmanship.
Their complementary perspectives create a truly exceptional experience—one that’s guided not just by expertise, but by years of personal relationships, cultural exchange, and a shared sensitivity to art, rituals, aesthetics, and everyday life in Japan. Their combined knowledge of Japanese culture and craft traditions allows for access to places, stories, and experiences that are rarely available to travelers, making the trip both deeply authentic and unusually immersive.
Pricing, inclusions & T&C’s
Deposit/Payment Schedule:
A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due at booking to reserve your spot
Balance due 120 days before the trip start date
Pricing:
- Double Occupancy:$12,250
- Single Occupancy:$13,900
Inclusions:
- Accommodation at The Okura and in Nagano
- All tours and admission costs throughout the itinerary
- All meals throughout the itinerary, unless stated otherwise
- All transportation throughout the itinerary
- Gratuities
Exclusions:
- Airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Any visa or travel requirements for entry into
- Travel Insurance
- Other meals and alcoholic beverages not stated in the itinerary
Inquiries:
For more information or to reserve your place on this journey, please contact grouptrips@priorworld.com.
Terms and Conditions:
While all efforts are made to provide the itinerary as presented, PRIOR
reserves the right to make any changes to the final itinerary deemed necessary or due to
reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances,
natural disasters or phenomena, etc.).
For a trip to proceed, a certain number of people must reserve a spot. We will provide confirmation once this number has been reached, and we will suggest
international flights and assist in booking airfare accordingly.
If you choose to purchase airfare in advance of final confirmation, please book refundable tickets or obtain travel insurance to avoid additional charges should the final dates change or cancellation occur. (Please note: In the instance of an unforeseen date change or cancellation, your 50% deposit is refundable.)
PRIOR strongly recommends purchasing travel and cancellation insurance. We also recommend purchasing a policy that covers loss of luggage, accidents, sickness, and emergency medical evacuation.
Photographs or video recordings of guests may be used for educational and promotional purposes by PRIOR and a host group or organization.
Japan Through Craft
Japan Through Craft
June 8 - 16, 2027
8 Nights
Japan Through Craft
Japan Through Craft
Trip in
Japan
June 8 - 16, 2027
8 Nights
In Japan, craft and culture are one and the same. Mastery of ancient techniques remains a point of pride, and generations of artisans still dedicate themselves to preserving centuries-old traditions. They are known as shokunin, or masters of craft.
On this journey, a series of shokunin will welcome us into their worlds—an opportunity rarely afforded to travelers in Japan. By bringing their stories to light, we are directly supporting the master artisans and the continuation of their crafts, helping to sustain these age-old traditions.
With Tokyo as our home base, we'll venture into hidden corners of the city, uncovering remarkable crafts—from dyed textiles for kimonos to ceramics and mouth-blown glass—that still thrive in this fast-paced capital. We'll also explore how craft echoes the landscape and local raw materials.
Trip highlights
Trip highlights
The world of washi paper
The world of washi paper
Witness the production of this traditional handmade material that has been used for centuries in books, sliding doors, lanterns, calligraphy, and printmaking. In Nagano, washi is highly regarded for its premium quality. After watching the master's work, you'll get to create and decorate your own washi paper.
Dyeing textiles for kimonos
Dyeing textiles for kimonos
Visit a historic workshop where craftsmen color fabric for kimonos. Making the garments requires a blend of precision, patience, and highly specialized collaboration; a single kimono may pass through the hands of weavers, stencil cutters, dyers, painters, and embroiderers before it is complete. In Ochiai, we'll get an intimate and in-depth opportunity to appreciate what goes into the creation of a kimono—and participate in a hands-on practice.
Artistry in food
Artistry in food
Immerse yourself in the world of wagashi, highly-decorated Japanese sweets, at a historic confectionery, with a chance to taste classic and seasonal candies. Later, we'll visit Japan's most prominent wasabi farm, and a special tasting will unravel the distinct characteristics of this fresh, flavorful root in its most authentic state. Every ingredient in Japanese cuisine is treated with profound intention and respect—a mindset we will experience firsthand at both locations.
Cut-glass craft
Cut-glass craft
Dialogue with skilled glass artisans who have more than 60 years experience, and discover how both traditional and contemporary designs are made. The practice of creating and decorating glass originated in Tokyo (once called Edo) during the 19th century, and Edo kiriko is now considered one of the most beautiful and delicate styles of cut glass in the world.
Inside a ceramic studio
Inside a ceramic studio
Step inside Tenoy Works—the workshop of Hirotaka Tobimatsu and Kogoma Mayumi, partners in life and work—for a glimpse into Japan's living craft culture. Downstairs, Tobimatsu creates ceramics for lighting with a sculptural balance. Upstairs, Mayumi shapes delicate jewelry inspired by architecture and landscapes.
Floral in form
Floral in form
Immerse yourself in the meditative art of flower arrangement, or ikebana, with a hands-on workshop at the renowned Sogetsu School, where limitless creativity and individual expression are celebrated, and students are taught that ikebana can be created anytime, anywhere, with any material.
Who this trip is for:
- Those who want to dive deep into local traditions and craft
- Those who appreciate culture-dense trips
- Collectors interested in crafts
- Those who have already been to Japan and are intent on exploring more layers of this multifaceted country
- Established or aspiring interior designers and decorators
- Those attuned to the cross-section of culture and craftsmanship
- Those who see travel as a way to gain new perspectives
Accommodation:
- The Okura Tokyo: Considered one of Tokyo’s most iconic hotels, the Okura owes its fame to its refined architecture, serene atmosphere, and the meticulous hospitality that defines the Land of the Rising Sun. Nestled in the Toranomon district, it’s an ideal base from which to explore Tokyo.
Your hosts:
Julia Rönnqvist Buzzetti and Erika Suzuki: Julia, an art historian, curator, and gallerist, has spent more than a decade researching Japan, China, and South Korea through the lens of art, history, and craft. Erika, a designer, curator, and creative consultant with Italian and Japanese roots, has long worked between the two countries, developing cultural projects and collaborations with Japanese companies and institutions, particularly within the fields of design and craftsmanship.
Their complementary perspectives create a truly exceptional experience—one that’s guided not just by expertise, but by years of personal relationships, cultural exchange, and a shared sensitivity to art, rituals, aesthetics, and everyday life in Japan. Their combined knowledge of Japanese culture and craft traditions allows for access to places, stories, and experiences that are rarely available to travelers, making the trip both deeply authentic and unusually immersive.
Pricing, inclusions & T&C’s
Deposit/Payment Schedule:
A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due at booking to reserve your spot
Balance due 120 days before the trip start date
Pricing:
- Double Occupancy:$12,250
- Single Occupancy:$13,900
Inclusions:
- Accommodation at The Okura and in Nagano
- All tours and admission costs throughout the itinerary
- All meals throughout the itinerary, unless stated otherwise
- All transportation throughout the itinerary
- Gratuities
Exclusions:
- Airfare
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Any visa or travel requirements for entry into
- Travel Insurance
- Other meals and alcoholic beverages not stated in the itinerary
Inquiries:
For more information or to reserve your place on this journey, please contact grouptrips@priorworld.com.
Terms and Conditions:
While all efforts are made to provide the itinerary as presented, PRIOR
reserves the right to make any changes to the final itinerary deemed necessary or due to
reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances,
natural disasters or phenomena, etc.).
For a trip to proceed, a certain number of people must reserve a spot. We will provide confirmation once this number has been reached, and we will suggest
international flights and assist in booking airfare accordingly.
If you choose to purchase airfare in advance of final confirmation, please book refundable tickets or obtain travel insurance to avoid additional charges should the final dates change or cancellation occur. (Please note: In the instance of an unforeseen date change or cancellation, your 50% deposit is refundable.)
PRIOR strongly recommends purchasing travel and cancellation insurance. We also recommend purchasing a policy that covers loss of luggage, accidents, sickness, and emergency medical evacuation.
Photographs or video recordings of guests may be used for educational and promotional purposes by PRIOR and a host group or organization.
Japan Through Craft
Japan Through Craft
June 8 - 16, 2027
8 Nights
Japan Through Craft
Japan Through Craft
Trip in
Japan
June 8 - 16, 2027
8 Nights