“Tenka no ou ni, hana no you ni.”

Follow the path like a flower in bloom,

regardless of the world’s course.

Japanese Saying

Dear Creative Friends,

There are certain places in the world that seem to invite us into a different way of seeing.

For me, Japan has long been one of those places.

For years I have been drawn to the quiet beauty of Japanese aesthetics — Zen gardens raked into patterns of stillness, the meditative rhythm of Sashiko stitching, handmade papers and textiles, ancient temples, calligraphy brushed with presence and intention, and the Japanese reverence for fleeting beauty and impermanence.

This September I’ll be traveling to Japan with a small group of women on a carefully curated textile, craft, and spiritual 14 day journey through Tokyo, Kamakura, Fuji, Nagano, Kanazawa, and Kyoto.

Throughout our journey, I’ll be offering contemplative themes for seeing Japan through the lens of beauty, attention, and presence. I’ll also guide you in creating small Zen-like handmade books to hold your photographs, reflections, and discoveries — intimate containers for the spirit of the journey. My hope is that these practices will open a new way of seeing — one that lingers long after the journey ends.

Japan is a country so full of contrasts –

it’s a place where cutting-edge modernity

meets deeply rooted traditions.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Throughout our journey we’ll visit artisans and craftspeople, wander through temple grounds and gardens, experience local traditions, and encounter the textures, colors, and rhythms of Japanese life. I imagine this trip as a kind of creative pilgrimage — an invitation to slow down, notice more deeply, and allow beauty to nourish us.

Our group is intentionally small — around ten participants — which allows for a more intimate and spacious experiences. Right now there are three spaces available.

The trip is arranged through Aahilya Holidays, a wonderful woman-run boutique travel company specializing in craft-focused journeys. If you have any questions I can put you in touch with Isha, the owner, and her team, who will be happy to help you.

The dates are September 14th to 27th, 2026. You can find the itinerary and registration information here.

If Japan has ever called to you — through its artistry, spirituality, textiles, gardens, photography, or quiet beauty — I would love for you to join us.

I'm planning on arriving in Tokyo a couple of days early to make sure I visit the TeamLab installations.

Even if this trip is not right for you, I hope you visit some of the links below and enjoy absorbing the Japanese aesthetic and slower way of seeing.

Warmly,

Catherine

www.creativepilgrimage.com

Links to articles and videos that give you a sense of

the Japanese aesthetic and way of seeing the world

• The Power of Beauty
  This powerful article about Japanese artist, Keiko Aono, talks about living with inori no kokoro, a heart of prayer and gratitude.
• Hanami : The Beauty of Letting Go
  This video talks about Cherry blossom time. I like to travel when there are not too many tourists, so we won't be there for the cherry blossom, but I love this idea of hanami.
• The Beauty of Komorebi
  The video below is about Komorebi, the way the Japanese see dappled light. As a contemplative photographer I found this very inspiring.
• Restoring Our Sense of Wonder
  An essay by contemporary ikebana master Mayuka Yamazaki. This is another Musubi Academy interview, and they are all worth reading.
• Tayutau
  Discover what this Japanese word means in this mindful video.
• TeamLab Art Installations
  An article with images of this amazing art installation in Tokyo.