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  • Shelves filled with colorful fabric swatches and spools of thread.

TEXTILE TOUR: Kyoto Craft & Quilting Tour • November 2027

time to book your flights + prepare your boarding pass!
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Kyoto, Japan
November 12, 2026 to November 22, 2027
Limited to 10 PARTICIPANTS

where tradition meets the cutting edge.

I’ve always believed that to truly evolve as makers, we need to get up close with the history of how things are actually made. Japan is the ultimate destination for that—a place where craft, intentionality, and ancient technique collide in the most beautiful way.

This isn’t a "sightseeing" trip. It’s a curated backstage pass for the adventurous spirits who want to see the process behind the art. We’re going to step inside private artist studios, take hands-on workshops with master artisans, and get lost in the stacks of world-class fabric shops.

I’m keeping this group intentionally small - just 10 of us. I want to connect with a squad of like-minded makers who value creative traditions and the beauty of independent discovery. We aren't just here to watch; we’re here to be inspired by the precision of a culture that respects its roots but isn't afraid to innovate.

The total fee for the tour is $10,000 CAD*. Make your deposit to secure your spot today! Full details below.

$700.00 CAD
$700.00 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.

  • TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

    This is a curated deep-dive into the heart of Japanese craft. We’ve bypassed the standard tourist traps to get you direct access to the artisans and studios that define the intersection of tradition and modern textile art.

    • Private visits to master artist studios that aren't usually open to the public
    • Hands-on workshops with Japanese artisans—get your hands into the process
    • A hands-on workshop with Libs, exclusively taught on her Kyoto tours
    • Cultural excursions to historic temples and hidden gardens, framed through a maker’s lens
    • Shopping at two historical craft and antiques markets - Toji Market and Chion-ji Market
    • Self-guided fabric and craft shopping in Kyoto’s best spots
    • Daily life shared with a small, intentional group of like-minded makers

  • TIMELINE & TRANSPARENCY

    • The total fee for the tour is $10,000 CAD*.
    • A $700 CAD* deposit secures your spot today. Deposits are non-refundable but are transferable to another person provided the new participant meets the "Tour Fit" requirements. If your space cannot be filled, you will forfeit 100% of your deposit.
    • The Plan: Your initial deposit is applied to the balance. Remaining costs are split into two equal payments (2nd deposit and final balance) due in April 1, 2027 and August 1, 2027.
    • Within 24 hours of paying your deposit, you will receive a request for a 1-on-1 meeting with Libs to ensure the tour is the right fit.
    • After the 1-on1 meeting, you'll receive the Tour Contract via email. You must return the completed and signed Tour Contract to Libs Elliott within one week to finalize your tour booking.

    *This website displays the deposit fee in your local currency, and the final payment invoice offers a payment method in your local currency as well. Exchange rates will vary over time which is why the cost may appear to fluctuate.

  • WHAT'S INCLUDED

    • 10 nights in premium western-style hotels (Single occupancy with private bath)
    • All workshops, tour activities, and entrance fees
    • Breakfast every day, lunch on tour days, plus a curated Welcome and Farewell dinner
    • Transportation on all scheduled tour days and professional Japanese Guides.

  • WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

    • International flights to/from Japan
    • Travel to/from airport and train
    • Travel insurance (required for all travelers)
    • Free-time activities and meals outside the group schedule (optional)

  • what stays the same, no matter the destination:

    I’ve always believed that the best way to understand a craft is to see the grit, the history, and the intentionality behind it. That’s why every Textile Tour is built on a specific set of standards designed for makers who value creative rebellion over the typical tourist path.

    • We don't just watch from the sidelines; we step into the studios for workshops with master artisans.
    • Every tour has limited space for like-minded makers to ensure the connection is real and the experience is personal.
    • We value the adventurous spirit. You’ll always have space for your own independent exploration.
    • From private artist visits to guided fabric shopping, you get the "backstage pass" to the local textile scene.

  • a friendly note for the adventurous:

    These expeditions are designed for adventurous spirits who are physically active, flexible, and ready for an immersive experience.

    Textile Tours would be the best fit for those who are:

    • Comfortable walking at a steady 3-mph pace for up to an hour and navigating new surroundings unassisted.
    • Ready for daily walks—guests should be able to get up and down unassisted for floor seating and enjoy meals using chopsticks.
    • Excited to learn local etiquette and greetings to enrich the journey for everyone.
    • Enjoy independent discovery and a small-group dynamic built on kindness and punctuality.
    • Understand that while we aim for comfort, we prioritize authentic experiences over highly familiar surroundings.

where tradition meets the cutting edge.

I’ve always believed that to truly evolve as makers, we need to get up close with the history and the grit of how things are actually made. Japan is the ultimate destination for that—a place where geometry, intentionality, and ancient technique collide in the most electric way.

This isn’t a curated "sightseeing" trip. It’s a backstage pass for the adventurous spirits who want to see the process behind the art. We’re going to step inside private artist studios, take hands-on workshops with master artisans, and get lost in the stacks of world-class fabric shops.

I’m keeping this group intentionally small—just 10 of us. I want to connect with a squad of like-minded makers who value creative courage and the beauty of independent discovery. We aren't just here to watch; we’re here to be inspired by the grit and the precision of a culture that respects its roots but isn't afraid to innovate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if I am unable to attend after I put down a deposit?

Deposits are non-refundable but transferable. If your plans change, you can transfer your spot to another person. If your space cannot be filled, you will forfeit 100% of your deposit.

Is there a payment plan available?

Yes! Review the Timeline & Transparency section of the event for the full payment plan details. Contact Libs directly to discuss alternate payment plans (e.g. pay in full).

How do I know if this tour is the right fit for me?

Read the "Friendly Note" above—twice. This trip is for the adventurous. Once you've placed your deposit, I’ll reach out for a one-on-one discussion to make sure our vibes and expectations align before we finalize everything.

What about the "hidden" costs?

Your deposit and final balance cover the "on-the-ground" magic (hotels, workshops, guides, and most meals). You’ll be responsible for your international flights, travel insurance, and any personal shopping or "free day" excursions.

I have a specific dietary need—can you accommodate me?

We’ll do our best to communicate preferences to our local hosts, but Japan can be tricky. We cannot guarantee vegan, gluten-free, or MSG-free meals. If you have strict requirements, this might not be the best fit for your journey.

What if the tour is sold out?

Plans sometimes change! Join the waitlist and I will notify you if a space opens up. I host these tours every November and waitlisted folks are the first to know.

JOIN THE TEXTILE TOUR WAITLIST

What if November does not work for my schedule?

You can check out my friend Nancy's Kyoto Textile Tours which she does twice a year in May and in October. She has been running textile tours for over 20 years and is a wonderful host! To find out more, head over to kyotokimono.com. Alternatively, perhaps you'd be interested in a very special Okinawa tour. Textile designer Yuki Mizuki and guide Yoshi Tagawa will be leading a special journey through Okinawa in January 2027. For anyone interested in exploring Japan through textiles, Okinawa is a true treasure trove, with traditions, materials, and techniques that are completely different from those found in Kyoto. Learn more HERE.