This 14 day experience in Japan is being organized by Aahilya Holidays,, who will be handling all the bookings and logistics. I have worked with them to create an itinerary that includes many opportunities to interact with authentic Japanese craftspeople.
This journey is a thoughtfully curated experience that blends the beauty of traditional craftsmanship with the serenity of Japan’s spiritual heritage. This journey takes you through culturally rich cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kamakura, where you’ll engage in hands-on textile and craft workshops—including weaving, and meditative calligraphy. Along the way, you’ll visit sacred temples, peaceful gardens, and artisan studios, gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics, mindfulness, and attention to detail. With a perfect balance of creativity, culture, and calm, this journey offers an unforgettable connection to the heart of Japan.
You can view the itinerary here. Be sure to look at this Itinerary as it is more detailed than the one on the Aahilya Holidays website.
This trip takes us from Tokyo to Kamakura, Fuji, Nagano, Kanazawa, Kyoto (3 nights), and then back to Tokyo via the bullet train.
Included in the trip are
Breakfasts and dinners
All internal transportation mentioned in the itinerary, including the bullet train journey
Craft experiences and workshops included in the program
Flights to and from Japan, lunches, personal shopping, and gratuities are not included.
Tokyo has two airports - Tokyo International Airport in Haneda (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). You can choose to fly into either airport.
You can find further information and registration details here on the Aahilya Holidays website.
Here is a link to the Terms and Conditions of travel with Aahilya Holidays.
As at June 28, 2026 there are 2 spaces still available.
The maximum participants in the group will be 15 plus myself.
Our Creative Container
Throughout our journey, I’ll be offering contemplative themes for seeing Japan through the lens of beauty, attention, and presence. I’ll also guide you in creating small Zen-like handmade books to hold your photographs, reflections, and discoveries — intimate containers for the spirit of the journey. My hope is that these practices will open a new way of seeing — one that lingers long after the journey ends.
I will provide each participant with a travel journal, and daily prompts to deepen your engagement with the culture of Japan. And of course, I’ll be there to help you with any photography related questions you might have.
“Art and craft aren’t separate from life; they belong in it. ”
Links to articles and videos that give you a sense of the Japanese aesthetic and way of seeing the world
The Power of Beauty
This powerful article about Japanese artist, Keiko Aono, talks about living with inori no kokoro, a heart of prayer and gratitude.Hanami : The Beauty of Letting Go
This video talks about Cherry blossom time. I like to travel when there are not too many tourists, so we won't be there for the cherry blossom, but I love this idea of hanami.The Beauty of Komorebi
The video below is about Komorebi, the way the Japanese see dappled light. As a contemplative photographer I found this very inspiring.Restoring Our Sense of Wonder
An essay by contemporary ikebana master Mayuka Yamazaki. This is another Musubi Academy interview, and they are all worth reading.Tayutau
Discover what this Japanese word means in this mindful video.TeamLab Art Installations
An article with images of this amazing art installation in Tokyo.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions using this contact link.
