2011 Japan Tour Overview
November 6–November 17, 2011

Come to Japan with Susan in November 2011 and join in the celebration of her 20th textile tour in 20 years. Titled "Autumn Splendor," this one is set at the time of Japanese "Koyo,"
when the maple leaves turn deep red and the gingko leaves
turn golden yellow, creating a breathtaking and scenic landscape all across Japan.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we'll gather for a short
Welcome Meeting. Then we'll head out for a leisurely day,
to explore a section of Tokyo that still looks much like it did hundreds of years ago. We'll walk the temple grounds and shop along the souvenir arcade route: geisha hair combs, handmade paper, Japanese folk toys, homemade candies and rice crackers—there is never enough time! In the afternoon, after a fabulous Japanese lunch, a lovely nearby new museum awaits our attention. Other activities while in Tokyo include a visit to a shop where hand-stenciled Japanese cotton yukata fabric is still sold, meeting a famous author who has just written her seventh book, and seeing what a few more of Tokyo's neighborhoods have to offer. Don't worry—there is enough space for inserting a special exhibit or a last minute surprise. And there is an entire FREE day to explore the Tokyo environs on your own—or perhaps take a bus to Kamakura?

Our journey then takes us a bit south for a full day at the YOKOHAMA Quilt Show, still the classiest and longest running quilt show in Japan. You'll have an excellent opportunity to see a cross-section of quiltmaking in Japan-from traditional to contemporary-and have lots of time to see quilts and purchase fabric treasures! Meet up with your guide and translator, Susan, in the afternoon for a private walk-through of special exhibits and prize-winning quilts, and a personal introduction to several of Japan's top sensei (teachers), many of whom are Susan's friends. Afterwards, we can share thoughts about what we've seen and discuss how those Japanese ladies rose up to win so many of our top American quilting awards.

We have two stops along the way to Kyoto: The first stop is a well-known famous kimono museum situated at the foot of Mt. Fuji where you'll learn about the 17th century tsujigahana method of fabrication and see examples that will make your knees wobble. Lunch today is at a restaurant overlooking Mt. Fuji! By evening we'll have ridden the famous Bullet train and checked in tour hotel in Nagoya. The following day (stop #2), we'll visit the town devoted to Japanese Shibori (or Tie-Dyeing) as designated by the Shogun over 400 years ago. At the local museum we'll catch the current exhibit and watch the live demo of 80-year-old hands moving more quickly than your eyes can follow. After lunch of homemade noodle soup with the locals, you'll still have time to stroll the streets and photograph the architecture and shop a little more.

The last three days of the tour are devoted to Kyoto, considered by many to be the artistic and cultural center of Japan. It is said that there are over 1700 temples in Kyoto-but we will start by visiting Susan's most favorite three as an introduction to this time-honored city. One of our Kyoto days will be "Dyer's Day." We'll visit studios of two very special, world-class Japanese dyers: one who has worked a lifetime only in Ai (indigo), and the other who employs only natural plant dyes-and does not waste anything! Depending on their schedules, we may be invited to have a workshop at one place or the other. We also have an appointment to visit a Museum/Gallery where you will learn about a particular Kyoto-style of fabrication combining stenciling with painting called yuzen. Here, too, you'll have a chance to try your hand at a sample. On the last day, let's enjoy a celebratory Kyoto-style lunch together. You will, of course, have time in Kyoto for personal exploration, but if you feel you are not ready to say "sayonara" (see you again) to Japan, and you need more time than the tour affords, we can help you extend your stay in Japan beyond the tour dates. And you'll still arrive back home in time for the Thanksgiving holiday!

We want you to know all the facts and feel comfortable from the get-go, so here are a few answers to most-asked questions: The group stays in top quality and centrally located hotels with English-speaking staff and full American breakfast buffets which are included in the tour cost). You will be asked to provide a current health statement prior to departure, as this is a fairly active and fairly well-paced trip. You need to be in good health and able to carry your own daily purchases. Although we use private motor coaches on several days, there are also days when we use subways and buses, and when taxis are not an option. Therefore, you must be able to climb steps and walk up and down the hills of Kyoto.

NOTE: Tour participants will receive a more detailed itinerary upon receipt of deposit, and also a list of websites and books for your review before departure-all based on Susan's research and personal experience. Please feel free to email or call Susan/Quilters' Express to Japan at 570-522-7480 with your questions. Susan takes a personal interest in each person's needs and is always happy to talk about Japan and about tour details. We also welcome you to read about Susan's background, view photos of past tours, to read comments from previous tour veterans, and perhaps most importantly to read just some reasons why JAPAN is BEST with QUILTERS' EXPRESS so you can see why that expression became our motto.