Ultimate Knitting Cruise Spring 2027: Japan Style

MARCH 26 – APRIL 11, 2027
Round-trip from Tokyo, Japan

Registration Opens July 7th, 2025 
SIGN UP FOR MY MAILING LIST

Current N Club and Lola's Choice members will be sent a registration link on July 5th! Yeah Club membership perks!

Pack your needles and your walking shoes—we’re headed to Japan (and South Korea!) for a once-in-a-lifetime blossom-filled knitting adventure on board the Holland America Westerdam.

We’ll cruise around the coast of Japan at the perfect time of year—cherry blossom season—exploring historic cities, peaceful gardens, and centuries-old traditions. The focus of this trip is clear: gardens, traditional handicrafts, and fiber arts. We'll visit the Tokyo bead district, delve into sashiko and indigo dyeing, eat delicious local delicacies, visit historic temples, and soak in the inspiration of Japan's artistry and natural beauty. And of course, you’ll have plenty of time to knit, learn, connect, and create onboard.

I’ll be designing a special project just for this cruise, and you'll receive everything you need to bring it to life while we travel. If you’ve been dreaming of Japan, now’s the time to turn that dream into a Lola-led reality.

Itinerary:

March 26 – Arrive Tokyo, Japan
March 27 – Tokyo Day Tour including Bead and Fabric Districts and National Gardens!
March 28 – Embarkation m.s. Westerdam in Tokyo
March 29 – Day at Sea
March 30 – Osaka, Japan
March 31 – Kochi, Japan
April 1 – Hiroshima, Japan
April 2 – Scenic Cruising Kanmon Strait
April 3 – Busan, South Korea
April 4 – Sakaiminato, Japan
April 5 – Tsuruga, Japan
April 6 – Toyama, Japan
April 7 – Sakata, Japan
April 8 – Aomori, Japan
April 9 – Hakodate, Japan
April 10 – Day at Sea
April 11 – Disembark in Tokyo, Japan

Includes:

  • 2 nights in a Tokyo hotel (TBD) before the cruise – time to acclimate, explore, and connect with our group
  • Transfer to the ship on embarkation day
  • 3 private, handcraft/garden-focused tours (1 in Tokyo on March 27th that will include the bead district), 2 TBD
  • A knitting project designed just for this cruise
  • A goody bag with yarn and supplies to bring that project to life
  • Three onboard knitting classes with Laura and Lola
  • Nightly knit nights with Lola in our own private room
  • All shipboard meals, port charges, and taxes

Not Included:

  • Airfare to and from Tokyo
  • Meals in Tokyo 
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Optional shore excursions beyond our private tours
  • Alcohol and specialty dining on board
  • Bead, craft, and yarn, splurges (you know it’s going to happen)

Want to be part of this unforgettable knitting journey through Japan?
Spaces are limited—registration will open to all on July 7th. Check back here for that link or
SIGN UP FOR MY MAILING LIST
!
Prices start at $5299 USD pp/based on double occupancy.

Let’s go check out the cherry blossoms with full hearts and project bags. I can’t wait to explore Japan with you.

Comments

  1. Oh now this is interesting! What is the charge for a non knitting companion?

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    1. They get a discount that is dependent on if they are doing tours with us or not! When registration opens we'll send you a flyer with all the pricing details!

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  2. I am interested.

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  3. Is there anyway to connect with other solo travelers to find a roommate?

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    1. I hope so! I would love to go but would definitely need a roommate!

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  4. I’m interested

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  5. I want to go. Japan is on my bucket list!

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  6. Interested but what would be the single cost?

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  7. Laura, I am totally interested in this. I live in Washington state but it's an easy pop across the sea to meet the group. Please add me to the list alicebug@gmail.com

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    1. Hi! Are you on my mailing list? That is the best way to hear when sign ups open on the 7th! http://www.nelkindesigns.com/index.cfm/listJoin?mlistid=85

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  8. Very keen, and a friend will be too. What will be the cost for solo occupancy?

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  9. Hi. How do I get on a list for this trip? Thanks!

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    1. Are you on my mailing list? A link will go out on the 7th!

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  10. I am interested- would double up with another person.

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  11. Interested! Wow!

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  12. Yes!! Lols amazing!

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  13. Count me in and I'm willing to share a room!

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  14. sounds amazing- how do I sign up?judy.lymbery@xtra.co.nz

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    Replies
    1. Are you on my mailing list? A link for sign-ups will go out on July 7th! I will also update this post!

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  15. Bin interessiert

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  16. I would like to come!

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  17. Japan is on my bucket list as well, add no fibre as well - perfect

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  18. Wow, sounds really interesting

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  19. I’m interested. Please add me to your list (possibly with a non knitting hubby)

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  20. With a travel mate from The Netherlands would be great...

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  21. Which Club members get access on 7/05? N Club and Lola’s Choice both?

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  22. I am interested and would probably need a roommate. I am from the states.

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    Replies
    1. I just set up a thread in my Ravelry group for people looking for roommates!

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  23. Hi please send me information about this trip

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    1. More info will be available on the 7th! Check back here for the link, or sign up for my mailing list to hear when it is out!

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  24. Interested, please send me the info. Thank you.

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  25. Ok, so I really really am interested in this trip, and I hope with the advance timing, there’s a payment plan, for those of us who don’t have an extra 6k ATM. The other thing is, I do get sea sick, and wondered if there are balcony spots? And how big is the boat? Only for the sea sick issue. I find the bigger the boat the less movement. Sorry for all the questions, but this is a dream trip!

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    1. We are sailing on the Holland American Westerdam, it is a nice size, you can read more about it here:
      https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/cruise-ships/westerdam/7

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  26. I would love to come AND hoping there's a payment plan

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    1. There is definitely a payment plan, it is split into 3 parts. $1500 per person due at time of booking
      * $1500 per person additional due March 1, 2026
      * Final payment due by December 12, 2026
      * All payments are non-refundable once made
      * Travel protection is highly recommended, based
      on cost of trip, date of birth, state of residence, and
      is due at time of initial payment

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  27. Want to go want to go want to go need a roommate.

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