Frequently asked questions

Choose your tour date, pay a $497 deposit to secure your seat, and you're in. We'll be in touch about the remaining payment schedule.

Please refer to the individual tour page.

Your deposit is non-refundable.

Notice of cancellation must be in writing. Our cancellation fees are as follows:

• More than 120 days before departure: loss of deposit
• Between 120 and 60 days before departure: 50% of tour cost
• Fewer than 60 days before departure: 100% of tour cost

Travel insurance is mandatory, and it must include medical cover. If you are sick or injured while on tour in Japan, your travel insurance will be a lifesaver. We recommend you purchase a comprehensive plan at the highest level. You will really appreciate this if you find yourself in a difficult situation in Japan.

Yes! Two thirds of our travellers have been solo travellers. If you are booking as a solo traveller, you will have to pay a single supplement. The benefit is you can wind down in your own room after a long day in Japan! The value is tremendous!

We do not provide a matching service for guests who want to share a room. Thank you for your understanding.

Our tour size is generally around 20 people. Sometimes a few less, and at other times maybe one more, but we aim for approximately 20 people on each tour. Why? Because we discovered this is the optimal number: people are more likely to enjoy themselves, make connections and experience the crafts.

None at all. Our workshops are taught by Master Senseis who are used to working with complete beginners; most guests have never tried sashiko, indigo dyeing or kogin before their tour. And if you have already tried some of the crafts, you can pick up even more skills and tips.

Your accommodation, planned transport in Japan (any additional taxi rides you request are at your own expense), breakfast and dinner, workshop fees and entrance fees at sightseeing spots.

International flights, transfers, travel insurance, your personal spending, lunch (when we stop for lunch, it's at your own expense), drinks at meals and gratuity for the guides.

No Japanese is required. That's what the guides are here for. Dai and the other guides were born and raised in Japan; you can ask them anything about Japan. All workshops are interpreted by the guides. Your tour leader, Dai the Ninja, has been part of the craft industry in Australia and Japan for many years and will make sure nothing gets lost in translation.

Most of our tours start at our first hotel in Tokyo, and end at the same hotel. The closest international airport to fly into is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. If you are planning to fly into Narita Airport (Tokyo's other airport, further out), please consult us first.

We normally recommend arriving a few days before the tour and departing a few days after, so you have plenty of time to be fully recharged.

By all means! Most of our past guests have enjoyed extra time in Japan before and after the tour. We are happy to help you book extra nights at our first hotel so you can explore before and after the tour.

We cater for a variety of dietary requirements, including vegetarian diets and some food allergies. It is essential you talk to us early on, so we clearly understand your needs and can cater for them where possible. This helps us choose the restaurants we visit on tour and communicate clearly with them. Your safety comes first.

In the past, we have had to turn away guests with specific needs we cannot accommodate on tour, such as vegans and some strict coeliacs. If this applies to you, please talk to us before you book.

Most of our guests are between 65 and 85, so you are probably not alone! We consider everyone's fitness level, and we want to make sure everybody can travel comfortably.

If you have concerns, please check the list below:

• You can walk for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
• You can walk with your suitcase for up to 10 minutes
• You can climb some stairs (not often, but occasionally)

If you answered yes to all of these, you can do it, but PLEASE CONTACT US BEFOREHAND!

If you feel like taking it easy at any time, we are happy to call a taxi to take you to the next destination. If the taxi ride wasn't planned, it will be at your cost, but you can always share with other tour members. Sometimes it's worth taking a taxi rather than pushing yourself too hard.