Visit me in Japan!
After so many requests it is finally going to happen: a kimono retreat in Japan hosted by Billy Matsunaga!
I am so excited and I have been having the greatest time planning this very original kimono tour, which will offer the best kimono fun but also boost your kitsuke (着付け, kimono dressing) skills and kimono knowledge.
The sign up for this trip is only open for invited students of Billy Matsunaga.
What are we going to see ?
This time the boot camp will visit Tango province (丹後地方), which is located in Kyoto Prefecture on the coast of the Japanese Sea. This area has been very famous for its silk production for many centuries. We will stay 5 days in a traditional small Japanese hotel (旅館, ryokan) on countryside and enjoy traditional Japanese food from the area. By day, we will visit kimono producers and get a deep insight into the making of kimono textiles. In the evenings we will have kitsuke classes.
Program
Monday
9:00 Meet Up at Shin-Kobe Station and departure to Tango province
10:30 Visiting Fukuchiyama City
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Hand weaving/kumihimo workshop
16:30 Arrival at accommodation and orientation
17:00 Kitsuke class (Group 1)
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Kitsuke class (Group 2)
Tuesday
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Visit of Atelier
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Visit of Atelier
17:00 Kitsuke class (Group 1)
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Kitsuke class (Group 2)
Wednesday
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Visit of Atelier
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Visit of Atelier
17:00 Kitsuke class (Group 2)
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Kitsuke class (Group 1)
Thursday
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Visit of Atelier
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Visit of Atelier
18:00 Dinner Out at a Local Izakaya*
*This dinner is not included in the prize.
Friday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Kitsuke class (Group 2)
10:00 Kitsuke class (Group 1)
12:00 Departure to Shin-Kobe Station
Price
Included in this price is all transportation to and from Tango province, as well as all transportation in Tango province*, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, fees for classes and all other entrance fees occurring according to the program.
*Special transportation fees might occur in case of emergency. Such fees will not be included.
1,700€
Not included:
transportation to Japan and to Shin-Kobe Station
travel insurance
lunch* and drinks
occurring fees to visit Japan
*Some lunch plans will be included. You will be notified before coming on this trip.
Conditions
Please fulfill the following conditions to join this trip.
Only people who will join kitsuke classes will be able to participate in this trip. Classes will be female dressing only. You can not be accompanied by a partner, friend, or family member.
There are no private rooms on this trip. You must agree with room sharing.
You need travel insurance to join. Please send a confirmation of your travel insurance to the organizer latest 2 months before you leave on this trip.
You have to bring a fitting kimono, obi, and all items needed to dress yourself in kimono. A list of items needed will be sent to you after your sign up.
You must have a valid passport. You must be able to enter Japan. Visas for this trip will not be provided. Please check all necessary procedures for your country on visitjapan.com .
Every member of this trip must arrive in Japan at least one day before the trip (Nov 15, 2026) and/or must leave earliest one day after the trip (Nov 21, 2026).
How to sign up?
This trip is for invited members only. Please sign up with the link provided in your invitation email.