Tokyo & Beyond – A Creative Escape to Japan | 2026
If Japan’s been calling your name—and you’ve got a soft spot for all things cute, crafty, and vintage—this tour is your dream come true!
Join Morgan Wills, founder of The Crafty Squirrel and long-time Japan enthusiast, for a 10-night fully escorted journey through Tokyo and beyond. With over two decades of travel experience and a keen eye for handmade treasures, Morgan has created the ultimate creative adventure for like-minded women.
Designed for first-time visitors and crafty souls alike, this small-group tour (maximum 12 guests) offers a hands-on, heart-filled look at the art, design, and charm that makes Japan so special. Expect studio visits, flea market finds, beautiful textiles, and the chance to make your own Japanese-inspired creations.
Whether you're travelling solo or with a friend, you'll be warmly welcomed—and likely return with new skills, new treasures, and new friends.
TOUR SNAPSHOT - 2 to 12 April 2026
Thursday ~ Fly to Tokyo
Friday ~ Explore Shinjuku and enjoy a squirrel-themed stencil dyeing workshop & Welcome Dinner.
Saturday ~ Visit the Tokyo Handmade Marche and make a tsumami zaiku flower.
Sunday ~ Fossick at a flea market then craft your own Goshuin stamp book.
Monday ~ Indigo dyeing workshop, Sensoji Temple visit, and fabric shopping in Nippori.
Tuesday ~ Overnight trip to Kamakura & the Giant Buddha
Wednesday ~ Travel to beautiful Hakone for 2 nights
Thursday ~ Two unique workshops + the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Friday ~ Visit Oshino Hakkai to admire Mt Fuji enroute to Tokyo
Saturday ~ Make a traditional Kimekomi doll and visit TeamLab plus Farewell Dinner.
Sunday ~ Say goodbye — or stay on to explore more of Japan!
Tokyo Craft Tour Price Includes:
• 10 nights single room hotel accommodation in central Tokyo, Kamakura & Hakone
• 10 breakfasts + 1 lunch + 4 dinners - includes Welcome & Farewell dinner
• All tours and transfers with English speaking guides
• Shrine/Temple, Museum, Art Gallery & Garden entry tickets
• All bus/ferry/train travel as required
• 8 Workshops:
- Yuzen stencil dyeing
- Tsumami zaiku
- Goshuin book
- Indigo
- Wood parquetry secret box
- Lampwork bead
- Kiriko glass
- Kimekomi doll
Total Tour cost: $11,995
Payment details:
Initial non-refundable deposit of $995 (less the $50 paid for expression of interest) to secure a place (by direct transfer).
Additional payments in 3 instalments:
1st payment - $4,000 due by 1 September 2025
2nd payment - $3,500 due by 30 November 2025
3rd and final payment - $3500 due by 13 February 2026
Depart on tour – Thursday 2 April 2026
THE FINE PRINT!
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of $995 is payable to The Crafty Squirrel upon a minimum number of participants (9) expression of interest. The balance of payment is then made in three parts.
You are welcome to travel with us as a group (or meet us there) on the flight over with return travel dates at your discretion. Personal, adequate travel insurance is essential for all to participate.
A good level of fitness is essential, and we ask that you have no preexisting medical issues that may inhibit you from actively participating in the tour. You will need to be able to undertake walking tours of 2-4 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces. You may need to stand for long periods in museums and other sites. You must be able to embark/disembark coaches and other methods of transportation without assistance. You must be able to handle your own luggage. We may occasionally sit on the floor for meals and activities. If you have any dietary requirements you must discuss these with the us prior to paying your deposit. Allergies and food intolerances can not always be catered for. Temporary stay visas are issued when you arrive in Japan for up to 90 days, your passport must have at least 6 months validity at the time of travel to be granted entry.
Please note: Tour prices are subject to change and dependent on the exchange rate and/or unexpected local cost changes. If the variance goes above 3% difference, there may be an additional amount included in your final payment instalment. In order to travel on the tour you will need to sign a Terms & Conditions agreement and indemnity form.
For more information or any questions, please email Morgan - [email protected]
