All goods are one of a kind
All goods are one of a kind
All goods are one of a kind
All goods are one of a kind
All goods are one of a kind
All goods are one of a kind
All goods are one of a kind
Hand Dyed
Hand Painted
Hand Printed
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shugo kyoto | fall 2025
a ten-day, craft-centered retreat in kyoto, japan
OCTOBER 3 - 13, 2025
PHOTOS BY NONOHANA ACADEMY
embrace a new side of your creativity in japan
Join Denver-based textile artist Maki Teshima on a curated trip to Kyoto to learn about textile dyeing + Japanese craftsmanship, while experiencing Japan through the eyes of an artist! We will spend ten days learning from the experts, engaging in hands-on workshops, and building cross-cultural community along the way.
During this trip, you will...
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Take a two-day indigo dyeing workshop with DRAW DOTS DAWN Studio, Fushimi, Kyoto
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Take a two-day botanical dyeing workshop with Nonohana Academy, a plant-dyeing expert of over 30 years
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Take a day-long earth pigment dyeing / mud dyeing workshop with Koshoku No Bi from Osaka
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Take a rice straw weaving (Wara) workshop and participate in a traditional tea ceremony at the renowned temple, Ikkyu-ji
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Explore hand-picked, lesser-known museums that highlight the arts and crafts of Kyoto
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Build lasting community with other creative folks!
What's included?
​This $4,000 investment will include:
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All accommodation (shared double rooms—if you would like a single room, please reach out for additional costs)
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Group transportation costs (to/from airport, to/from lodging to activities, etc.)
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All workshop fees and supplies for art workshops
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All group meals (dietary restrictions can be accommodated)
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All museum, temple, and extra activity costs (entrance fees, etc.)
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Payment of workshop facilitators / artists
FAQs
Is my plane ticket included?
How do I get to Japan?
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Airfare to and from Japan is not included in the trip cost. There are non-stop flights to Japan from most major US cities on most US carriers. We are partial to flying ANA (All Nippon Airways) which is in Star Alliance with United Airlines. If you’re unsure of how you’d like to get there, contact us for recommendations.
How many people are coming?
We're hoping to cap at ten! We wanted to keep our trip intimate and mobile, also because we are visiting small studios—we're honored to be invited in and want to be considerate!
What level of skill do I need to have to participate?
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This trip is all about learning and exploring, so you don't need any particular level of skill to participate! Our workshop instructors expect us to have little to no experience—all you need to bring is an open mind, patience, and a positive attitude.
What if I have to cancel?
We understand that unexpected events pop up, and that may prevent your attending the tour you’ve signed up for, requiring the need to cancel your reservation.
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We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance, with cancellation and curtailment provisions, including medical provisions with specific clauses for Covid-19 issues.
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meet your
trip guides
Maki Teshima (she/her) is a botanical dye textile artist based in Denver, Colorado. Born and raised in Japan, she moved to the U.S. to study botanical drawing, painting, and printmaking (Corcoran College of Art in Washington, D.C., Fashion Institute of Technology, the Textile Art Center). She actively teaches natural dyeing workshops in unique community spaces like hair salons and flower shops, as well as renowned institutions such as the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
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Niki Robins (she/her) is a chef, community creator, and artist. She runs Watanabe Kitchen (@watanabe_kitchen), a Denver-based small business offering postpartum meals, private meal prepping, and catering. Drawing from her bicultural background, Niki alchemizes her love through cooking and is particularly passionate about how food plays a role in storytelling and cultural preservation. She tries her best to return to Japan twice a year to see family and friends!