While we appreciate Japan’s major tourist sites, we especially cherish the quiet beauty of its rural towns. These locations offer a slower pace, clear air, and priceless opportunities to engage with local people through conversation and hands-on activities.

If you are seeking an authentic experience, this immersive craft tour is designed for you. Starting in Fukuoka—Kyushu’s accessible capital—we will journey through mountains and rice fields to discover traditional towns where beauty is still created using age-old methods.

In Karatsu, you will meet three generations of internationally recognized potters in their remote mountain village. Our exploration continues to Yame, a town at the foot of Mount Aso famous for its tea, washi paper making, ikat weaving, indigo dyeing, and bamboo crafts. Because these villages remain focused on their heritage rather than mass tourism, they offer a truly unique perspective.

Rather than just visiting, you will experience “living in Japan” by staying in a traditional home. ​ Together, we enjoy the country style delicious meals, accompanied by local sake and nationally recognized Yame tea.  

To enhance your journey, we are pleased to offer a two-night extension with your choice of the following destinations:

– Beppu: A renowned hot spring town in Oita.

– Nagasaki City: A vibrant city with a rich, complex history.

– Kurokawa Onsen: A secluded hot spring resort near Mt. Aso, perfect for relaxation.

friends, couples, special interest groups

Ideal trip for:

Highlight

• Visit potter’s studios in Karatsu
• Walking tour of Yame
• Tea ceremony experience
• Visit a washi paper studio and try paper making
• Visit an indigo dye studio and participate in a workshop
• Tour a tea farm
• Enjoy local country-style meals
• Visit a sake brewery and participate in a tasting
• Optional trips: Beppu, Nagasaki, or Kurokawa hot spring