Guild Travel: Japan (March)

Join the Guild and the Kominka Collective in Japan in early spring for another of our popular tours. We will explore the history and culture of this beautiful country and its traditional timber craft from March 5-17. 

This in-depth study tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional architecture and building arts through direct engagement with historic sites, master craftspeople, and the landscapes that support them. Traveling from Tokyo to Kamakura, Kyoto, Ise, and rural villages, participants visit temples and shrines, minka farmhouses, museums, and active workshops, gaining insight into both sacred and vernacular architecture.

The program emphasizes learning through close observation, conversation, and demonstration. Participants meet architects, authors, and skilled artisans—including temple builders, thatchers, plasterers, and woodworkers—and observe traditional techniques such as yakisugi, kumiko woodworking, plastering, and thatched-roof construction. Site visits are carefully sequenced to highlight the relationships between materials, forestry, craft practice, and cultural context, offering a clear and grounded understanding of how traditional building knowledge is practiced and transmitted in Japan today.

Meals, lodging, in-country travel, and event fees are included.

Cancellation Policy

If this trip is cancelled due to insufficient participation or other logistical reasons attributable to TFG or Kominka Collective partners, any payments will be refunded minus our credit card processing fee of 3%. In any event, the trip will be guaranteed to happen if not cancelled before January 16. Refunds to those who voluntarily choose to withdraw their registration will be refunded according to the guidelines below. 

If the TFG is notified by January 30, you'll receive a full refund minus our 3% credit card transaction fee. To receive a refund on your payment, you must notify TFG by this date by email to info@tfguild.org

If registrant cancels before or on February 19, one half of total payment will be refunded. 

If registrant cancels after February 19, no refund will be issued.

Regardless of notification date, if we are able to fill your space(s) from the waiting list, your payment will be refunded minus a $500 administrative fee.
Please contact info@tfguild.org or jim@tfguild.org if you have any questions or communication

Important Dates

• January 30: Last day to cancel and have deposit refunded 
• February 13: Last day to register if trip is not full by this date (if needed, a waiting list will be created). This is also the last day to pay the full balance. If registering after January 30, payment will be needed in full at time of reservation. 
• February 19: Last day to cancel and receive partial refund; no refund after this date 
• March 5: Meet group in Tokyo, start tour 
• March 17: Tour ends in Tokyo; depart on or after this date