The Crafty Squirrel Tokyo Tour - 8 to 18 April 2027
Tokyo & Beyond – A Creative Escape to Japan | April 2027
If Japan has been calling your name—and you have a soft spot for all things cute, crafty, and vintage—this tour could be your perfect adventure.
Join Morgan Wills, founder of The Crafty Squirrel and a passionate Japan traveler on a 10-night fully escorted journey through Tokyo, Kamakura and Hakone. With more than 25 years of travel experience in Japan and a passion for traditional crafts, handmade treasures, and hidden gems, Morgan has carefully curated a creative adventure for like-minded women.
Designed for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers, this small-group tour (maximum 12 guests) offers a hands-on, heart-filled experience of the art, culture, and charm that makes Japan so special. Expect inspiring workshops, flea market treasure hunts, beautiful textiles, fascinating artisans, and the opportunity to create your own Japanese-inspired keepsakes along the way.
Whether you're travelling solo or with a friend, you'll be warmly welcomed—and will likely return home with wonderful memories, new skills, treasured finds, and lasting friendships.
TOUR SNAPSHOT – 8 to 18 April 2027
Thursday ~ Fly to Tokyo
Friday ~ Explore Shinjuku, create your own Goshuin book and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Saturday ~ Visit Kimono Sheila’s private kimono collection and explore Nippori Fabric Town.
Sunday ~ Treasure hunt at an antique flea market, enjoy a katazome-style indigo printing workshop and visit Senso-ji Temple.
Monday ~ Make a traditional Kimekomi doll, visit a favourite haberdashery store and explore TeamLab Borderless.
Tuesday ~ Overnight trip to Kamakura, visiting beautiful temples, the Great Buddha, a favourite fabric store and a charming kokeshi shop.
Wednesday ~ Travel to beautiful Hakone for two nights. Learn about yosegi-zaiku parquetry, cruise Lake Ashi, make a miniature faux bonsai and visit the POLA Museum.
Thursday ~ Enjoy two unique glass workshops, a beautiful garden and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Friday ~ Create your own leather bag with a squirrel-inspired tag and visit a historic shrine surrounded by ancient trees.
Saturday ~ Visit Tokyo Handmade Marche, enjoy some free time and celebrate with a Farewell Dinner.
Sunday ~ Say goodbye—or stay on and explore more of Japan.
Tour Price Includes
• 10 nights single-room hotel accommodation in Tokyo, Kamakura and Hakone
• 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• All tours and transfers with English-speaking guides
• Shrine, temple, museum, art gallery and garden entry fees
• All bus, ferry and train travel as required
7 Hands-On Workshops Including:
- Goshuin Book
- Indigo Printing
- Kimekomi Doll
- Faux Bonsai
- Lampwork Glass Bead
- Decorative Sandblasted Glass
- Leather Bag with Squirrel Tag
Total Tour Cost - $12,500 per person (land only)
Fully escorted by Morgan Wills throughout the tour
Payment Details
An initial non-refundable deposit of $1,000 (less the $50 prepayment to express interest) to secure your place once minimum tour numbers (9) have been reached.
Additional payments in 3 instalments:
1st payment - $4,000 due by 15 August 2026
2nd payment - $4,000 by 15 November 2026
3rd and final payment - $3,500 by 15 February 2027 along with any unforeseeable additional charges due to currency rate fluctuations (this will be communicated prior to final payment).
THE FINE PRINT!
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of $1000 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 pre-existing medical issues that may inhibit you from actively participating in the tour. You will need to be able to undertake walking tours of 3-4 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 us prior to paying your deposit. Allergies and food intolerances can not always be catered for. Australian passport holders are generally issued a temporary visitor visa on arrival in Japan for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must have at least six months' validity remaining at the time of travel.
Please note: Tour prices are subject to change and dependent on the exchange rate and/or unexpected local cost changes. Should exchange rates or local supplier costs increase by more than 3%, an additional amount may be added to the final payment instalment. Any such adjustment will be communicated in advance. 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]