Have you always wanted to visit Japan but haven't found anyone to go with you? Join our group! I have two slots open for our May 2009 trip to Kyoto and want to fill them asap. Every year I take a group of kimono lovers (mostly woman, but not always) for eleven days (ten nights) in Kyoto from May 19-29th. We spend two days at two different temple markets (where you can buy all the kimonos your little suitcase can hold!), we take three workshops on textiles (dying, weaving, etc.), and we do some sight-seeing too. I lived in Kyoto for three years and love sharing some my favorite off-the-beaten-path places.

It's not a high end trip and it's not for everyone - there's a lot of walking, some floor-sitting, a fair amount of tofu(!), but never a dull moment! You'd have three free days to wander on your own and we'll help with arrangements for those days as well as reservations and information if you decide to stay a few days longer. There are a lot of photos and details on my website (www.kyotokimono.com)from previous trips to give you a better idea of the fun, but here are a few photos from last year to start you off:

At one of our delicious meals!


Last year we had a special treat - an evening with two maiko!


At our wax resist (roketsuzome)workshops:


And of course....the markets!


Yes, I have two slots left (there will be a total of six of us) and I'd like to get them filled asap. Payment terms are flexible. $2900 covers just about everything except airfare and what you decide to do on your three free days.