FAQs | sumie-journey.jp

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sumi-e Journey, and what makes it different from a regular trip to Japan?

Sumie Journey is an invitation to discover sumi-e from within. Alongside painting sessions led by Margot Tohkou Olejniczak, the programme is built around the three essential materials of Japanese ink painting – ink, brush and paper – through specially arranged visits to the people who make them:

an exclusive visit to Kobaien in Nara, one of Japan’s oldest sumi ink makers, founded in 1577
a hands-on workshop with brush craftswoman Chiyomi Tanaka, where you make your own brush
an excursion to Echizen, a washi papermaking centre with a 1,500-year tradition, where you make paper yourself

Who will be teaching, and who is organising the journey?

Margot Tohkou (東虹) Olejniczak, a Swiss-Polish artist, educator and curator specialising in Japanese ink painting. She has travelled to Japan regularly since 2000, has trained since 2012 in the atelier of master Tohun Kobayashi, and holds the Instructor Diploma of The Sumie Japan Association (2014). In 2025 she received an Honorary Award from the International Association of Sumi-e Japan for her educational work. She organises the journey through Atelier Margot – International School of Japanese Painting.

Do I need previous sumi-e experience to join?

No. The journey is open to everyone, including complete beginners. Previous experience is not required.

In which language will the courses be taught?

All courses are taught in English.

What does a typical day look like?

Course runs 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:00, with lunch in between and free time afterwards. On Saturday 1 May and Sunday 2 May, painting takes place in the morning only, followed by a visit to Kobaien’s Kyoto store (Saturday) and a surprise and farewell gathering (Sunday).

In addition, there are two full excursion days: Nara on Wednesday 28 April and Echizen on Friday 30 April.

Date	Programme
Sun 25 April	Arrival, check-in from 16:00
Mon 26 – Tue 27 April	Painting days
Wed 28 April	Nara: Kobaien visit and brush-making workshop
Thu 29 April	Painting day
Fri 30 April	Echizen: paper mills, washi museum
Sat 1 May	Painting, Kobaien Kyoto store, free time
Sun 2 May	Painting, surprise, farewell gathering
Mon 3 May	Departure, check-out before 10:00

Will I have time to explore Kyoto on my own?

Yes. The programme deliberately leaves ample free time – most afternoons after 15:00 and every evening. Teramachi Street, with its craft shops, ateliers and galleries, is recommended for Saturday afternoon. Activities during free time are arranged at your own cost and responsibility.

Will we see the entire ink-making process at Kobaien?

Not every step. The visit is specially arranged for the group and offers rare first-hand insight, but the craftsmen’s work cannot be adapted to visitors, so tours do not cover every stage of traditional ink making.

Do I need to bring my own painting materials?

No. Painting materials and all reference copies are provided for the duration of the lessons. If you wish to buy materials for your own practice, the visit to Kobaien’s Kyoto store on 1 May gives you time to choose ink, brushes, inkstones and paper with guidance from Margot and the store staff. Personal purchases are not included in the price.

Where will we stay, and will I have my own room?

The group stays together in a traditional machiya townhouse in a historic Kyoto neighbourhood. Rooms for two people or for single occupancy, except for one Western-style room with a double bed. In keeping with the house’s traditional character, rooms do not have private bathrooms; several shared bathrooms and toilets are available. The house also has a communal space for painting and meals.

Which meals are included? Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Included are 8 breakfasts prepared at the machiya and 7 lunches – traditional Kyoto-style bento on painting days, and meals at small family-run restaurants on excursions. Dinners are not included.

Allergies, intolerances and vegetarian preferences are considered wherever possible but cannot always be guaranteed. If you have severe allergies or medical dietary requirements, please contact the organiser before booking.

How much does it cost, and what is included?

	Price per person
Early Bird (deposit received by 30 November 2026)	Double room: CHF 2,490 ( EUR 2,670 ) per person Single room: CHF 2,740 ( EUR 2,940 ) per person
Regular (from 1 December 2026)	Double room: CHF 2,600 ( EUR 2,790 ) per person Single room: CHF 2,850 ( EUR 3,060.) per person

Included: 8 nights’ accommodation, 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, all painting courses and materials during lessons, the Nara and Echizen excursions (transport, visits, workshops and lunch), the taxi to Kobaien’s Kyoto store, the Sunday surprise, the farewell gathering, and all listed admission and workshop fees.

Not included: travel to and from Kyoto (including transfer to the machiya), insurance, dinners, free-time activities, personal purchases, visa or passport costs, and medical expenses.

How do I book, and when do I pay?

After receiving your booking confirmation, pay a non-refundable deposit of CHF 600 / €650 within 7 days. Your place is confirmed once the deposit arrives. The deposit is part of the total price.
Pay the remaining balance by 28 February 2027. Bookings made after that date are paid in full at booking.

What happens if I have to cancel?

Cancellations must be sent by email:

60+ days before the start: full refund except the deposit
30–59 days before: 50% of the total price refunded
29 days or less: no refund

These conditions apply regardless of reason, including illness or flight problems, so cancellation insurance covering the full price is strongly recommended. Alternatively, you may transfer your place to someone else without a cancellation fee.

What if not enough people sign up?

The journey needs a minimum of 6 participants (maximum 10). If the minimum is not reached, the organiser may cancel and will inform you at least 60 days before the start, with a full refund including the deposit. Since flights are not included, flexible or refundable bookings are recommended.

Have another question? Please get in touch via the Contact page.