JAPAN
Crafts of Okinawa
November 4-10, 2026
$1,900 - $5,000 usd per person
Obara Kago is a traditional wooden basket that has been passed down for about 250 years in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture. It is crafted from broadleaf trees, such as maple, which are gathered directly from the mountains by the artisans. Originally serving as a mingu (folk tool) that supported daily labor and life in the past, it is characterized by its exceptionally durable construction. In March 2026, the technique for making these wooden baskets was officially designated as a Traditional Craft of Shiga Prefecture. Its simple, unadorned form blends seamlessly into modern interiors and contemporary lifestyles.
On this journey, we will immerse ourselves in this craft alongside Japanese basket maker Eriko Arai and Appalachian basket weaver Micah Wiles, exploring the shared relationship between forests and materials that connect craft traditions across cultures. Together, we'll learn the art of split-wood basket weaving while discovering the rich cultural landscapes of Shiga and Gifu through visits to a folk museum, a castle, a traditional tamari brewery, a kakishibu persimmon dye workshop, and restorative onsen baths.
This experience is an invitation to slow down, connect with the natural world, and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring traditions that continue to shape everyday life in rural Japan.
where we’ll be
Nestled along the shores of Lake Biwa, the historic town of Nagahama is home to the quiet district of Kinomoto, a place where centuries-old traditions continue to shape daily life. Once a thriving post town along the historic Hokurikudō, Kinomoto is known for its beautifully preserved streets with historic buildings. Surrounded by mountains and rice fields, the town offers a slower pace of life, inviting visitors to experience the warmth of rural hospitality.
what we’ll do
Join teachers Eriko Arai and Micah Wiles for an immersive week exploring the art of traditional split wood basketry using itaya kaede (maple). Bridging the distinct approaches and techniques of both teachers, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from two accomplished makers while working with locally harvested maple. Together, you'll learn how to prepare and split the wood, and will weave your own basket to take home. No previous weaving experience is required; all skill levels are warmly welcomed.
Beyond the studio, you'll experience the rhythms of rural Japan through a thoughtfully curated itinerary that includes a sake tasting, a visit to a tamari brewery, a soak in a local onsen, a kakishibu (persimmon tannin) dyeing workshop, and other meaningful encounters with the region's rich craft and culinary traditions.
where we’ll stay
We’ll be hosting guests at Nakaya Ryokan and Kusano Ryokan, two welcoming, family-run ryokans that offer a glimpse into traditional Japanese hospitality.
Guests may choose between private or shared accommodations, with the option of western-style mattresses or traditional tatami mat rooms with Japanese futons. All accommodation options offer guests an authentic and comfortable stay.
Please review this PDF with accommodation options before making your reservation.
Your Hosts, Eriko + Micah
Eriko Arai is the representative of Arai Kigago Seisakujo and a traditional wood basket weaver. She is also a doctoral candidate researching heritage studies and intangible cultural heritage. She goes into the mountains herself to gather materials and weaves the baskets using traditional techniques. In March 2026, alongside her mentor, Mr. Tadano, she was designated as a Traditional Craftsperson of Shiga Prefecture. With a deep respect for folk techniques, she creates durable tools designed for long-term use in modern everyday life.
Micah Wiles is a farmer and craftsperson living in Kentucky in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. He has been weaving baskets for over twelve years with a focus on traditional white oak basket making. His practice of craft is place based and involves a connection with the land, utilizing local materials found in the landscape around him. He has studied the traditional baskets of Kentucky and Tennessee and has travelled internationally learning from basket makers in Romania, Ireland, England and Japan. Passing on knowledge and keeping traditional skills alive is important to Micah and he teaches a variety of classes on his farm as well as at craft schools throughout the Appalachian region.
Trip ITINERARY
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Morning train transfer from Kyoto to Kinomoto.
Visit to the Tokuyama Folklore Museum and the Fujihashi museum and castle, Kuzeonsen.
Welcome dinner and trip orientation at one of our ryokans. -
Group breakfast at the ryokans.
Enjoy our first day of basket weaving at a local community center. Group lunch.
Optional sake brewery tour.
Group dinner.
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Group breakfast at the ryokans.
Morning meeting with Eriko’s teacher Tadano-san.
Afternoon walk around the mountain forest to learn about material harvest. Group picnic. Continue weaving our baskets in the forest.
Return to our ryokans to rest and have group dinner. -
Group breakfast at the ryokans.
Continue weaving our baskets at the local community center.
Group lunch.
Afternoon visit to onsen.
Group dinner.
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Group breakfast at the ryokans.
Head to Gifu for the day for a 2 hour kakishibu workshop. Kakishibu is the Japanese art of dyeing with fermented persimmon.
Group lunch.
Afternoon visit to a tamari brewery.
Free time to rest or explore.
Final group dinner.
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Final group breakfast.
Train transfer to Kyoto. Safe travels home or onwards in Japan!
TRIP DETAILS
DATES:
October 26-31, 2026
Accommodation:
We will be staying between two family-run ryokans: Nakaya Ryokan and Kusano Ryokan.
Guests may choose between private or shared accommodations, with the option of western-style mattresses at Nakaya, or Japanese futons on tatami mat rooms at Kusano.
PRICING + PAYMENT:
$1,900 - $5,000 depending on room type
A non-refundable deposit it required in order to reserve your space on this trip. The remaining balance is due at your convenience at least 30 days prior to the trip.
When making a reservation, there is the option to Pay it Forward. These contributions are directed exclusively towards our Artisan Exchange Program.
COST INCLUDES:
In-Country Transportation: Roundtrip transfer from the Kyoto train station to Kinomoto and back at the start and end of the trip. During the trip, we’ll use a private taxi service to take us to nearby towns as scheduled.
Accommodation: Private or shared accommodation in two traditional ryokans.
Meals: Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary.
Art Education: Three days of basket weaving workshops with materials included, and a kakishibu natural dye workshop with one tanugi to dye included.
Additional Experiences: Entrance to museums and onsen are also included.
Support: A Thread Caravan team member and a local host will accompany the group for the duration of the trip, offering participants their combined knowledge of the country, while making sure everything runs smoothly. In addition, Thread Caravan staff is available to answer questions and assist with trip preparations beforehand.
Gift: Special welcome gift upon arrival.
Carbon Emissions Offset: We plant trees on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel to Japan.
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare: We've found that flights from the U.S. to Japan cost approximately $1800, varying depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.
Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel insurance. This will cover things like illness, flight cancellations, theft, etc. We can help you arrange insurance with a provider.
Alcohol
GETTING THERE AND AWAY:
This workshop starts and ends in Kyoto. Our group will gather at the train station and make our way together to Kinomoto. If you’d like to spend more time in Kinomoto before or after the trip, just let us know.
You may prefer booking one international flight from your home country to Tokyo, and then taking a domestic flight or train to Kyoto.
Please contact us if you have any questions about transportation.
Other NOTES:
Mobility Requirements: This trip includes city walks and a light forest walk, as well as train travel (it may be crowded on the train), and travel in private vans and cars. Additionally, we will be sitting on the floor for many meals and some workshops. Please contact us in advance if you have specific mobility requirements.
Dietary Restrictions: Many dishes in Japan contain fish and gluten. While we can accommodate some dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian), please contact us in advance to see if we can accommodate your dietary needs.
VISA + Passport: A tourist VISA can be obtained in Japan upon arrival. Please make sure your passport has validity for 6 months from your travel date.
Shipping Luggage: If you would like to ship your luggage rather than taking it with you on the train, you can look for the Takkyubin shipping service at your previous hotel or the airport. This is an extremely reliable and efficient service, that makes public transportation travel feel much more smooth. There are videos online about this service, or just send us an email with any questions.
BOOKING TERMS + CONDITIONS
Travelers must agree to Thread Caravan's Booking Terms and Conditions in order to join this experience.
RegisTER
HERE
50 trees planted for every
reservation made
Thread Caravan provides fully-funded artists residencies to our community of indigenous artisan collaborators, as part of our artisan exchange program. To date, we’ve been proud to host Gujarati turban weaver Shamji Vishram Vankar in Oaxaca, as well as Zapotec Oaxacan sisters and weavers Silvia and Dahlia Gutiérrez on our weaving retreat Guatemala. In June 2024 we will host potter Macrina Mateo Martinez from Tlapazola, Oaxaca on our pottery retreat in the Rif mountains of Morocco.
Should our community be interested in contributing to these efforts, there is the option to pay it forward when making a trip reservation. These financial contributions will be used exclusivity towards our artisan exchange program.
Learn more about this program here.