Sumi-e Journey is an invitation to discover the art of sumi-e from within – through painting, traditional craftsmanship and personal encounters with people who have devoted their lives to preserving these remarkable skills.
Our first journey in spring 2026 left a lasting impression on everyone who took part, and the 2027 programme builds on everything we learned along the way. Throughout the stay, Margot will lead painting sessions, complemented by a series of specially arranged visits centred on the three essential materials of Japanese ink painting: ink, brush and paper.
One of the highlights will be an exclusive visit to Kobaien in Nara, one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious traditional sumi ink makers, founded in 1577. Specially arranged for the group, this visit will offer a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the making of sumi and meet the shokunin who preserve the knowledge, precision and craftsmanship behind a material that has been at the heart of Japanese painting for centuries.
*The craftmen’s work cannot be altered to suit the convenience of visitors. Please note that tours at Kobaien do not cover every step of the traditional ink-making process.
Participants will also have the opportunity to work alongside Chiyomi Tanaka, a highly experienced Japanese brush craftswoman who has been making brushes by hand for several decades. In her workshop, they will discover the intricacies of this highly specialised craft, learn how a traditional Japanese brush is created and make their own brush.
Another special part of the programme will be an excursion to Echizen, one of Japan’s most important and historic centres of traditional washi paper production, with a papermaking tradition spanning some 1,500 years. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the different stages of washi production, learn about the materials and techniques involved and experience the craft directly by making paper themselves.
Together, these experiences with ink, brush and paper form the essence of the artistic programme, offering a rare glimpse into the skills, traditions and living craftsmanship behind the art of sumi-e.
The organised programme is deliberately centred on painting and these specially arranged visits. The programme also allows ample free time to discover Kyoto independently, follow individual interests or deepen one’s understanding of Japanese art and craftsmanship through the many possibilities the city has to offer.
The programme will also include a visit to Kobaien’s Kyoto store, where participants can explore the traditional “Four Treasures” of ink painting – ink, brush, suzuri inkstone and paper – and have time to discover and select materials for their own artistic practice, with expert guidance from Margot and the store’s knowledgeable staff.
Itinerary — Sumi-e Journey 2027
- Sunday, 25 April 2027 – Arrival
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Check-in from 16:00
- Monday, 26 April — Painting Day
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Painting course 9:00–12:00
Lunch
Painting course 13:00–15:00- free time
- Tuesday, 27 April — Painting Day
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Painting course 9:00–12:00
Lunch
Painting course 13:00–15:00- free time
- Wednesday, 28 April — Nara Day
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Kobaien Visit
Lunch
Traditional Nara Brush-Making Workshop
- Thursday, 29 April — Painting Day
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Painting course 9:00–12:00
Lunch
Painting course 13:00–15:00- free time
- Friday, 30 April — Echizen Paper Day
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Visit to two traditional paper mills
Lunch
The washi museum – Time to explore local paper ateliers and speciality shops in Echizen
- Saturday, 1 May — Painting Day
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Painting course 9:00–12:00
Lunch
Kobaien Kyoto Main Store
Free time
(Recommendation: Visit the historic Teramachi Street and its traditional Kyoto craft shops, ateliers, galleries and specialist stores) - Sunday, 2 May — Painting & Farewell Day
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Painting course 9:00–12:00
Lunch
Afternoon: Surprise
Evening: Farewell Gathering & Course Reflection
- Monday, 3 May — Departure
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Check-out before 10:00