Ceramics, Sushi and Sightseeing!
Ceramics, Sushi and Sightseeing!
Affordable Japan - amazing group trips with a ceramic artist/ceramics professor emeritus who is wildly excited about Japan!
Shigaraki potter Furutani Kazuya
See the Real Japan with a Ceramic Artist
Discover out-of-the tourist-zone places with a Ceramics Professor Emeritus who has been to Japan over 40 times. Enjoy nature in scenic mountains. Watch artisans at work. See incredible temples. Savor sake, and enjoy incredible meals that are an experience, not just delicious food! I'm eager to share Japan with you!
Trip2Japan Video
Created by my son, Ryland Sweigard.
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Takahashi Pottery in Shigaraki, Japan
Join us on a journey to Shigaraki, one of Japan’s six ancient kiln towns, where we visit the Takahashi Rakusai family pottery studio—a place where artistry and tradition have been passed down for generations.
🔥 Master artisans create stunning wood-fired pottery using three unique kilns, each producing its own distinct character.
🍵 Our visit is made even more special by the warm hospitality of the Takahashi family, who welcome us with delicious sweets and freshly whisked matcha tea—a true taste of Japanese culture.
#JapanTravel #Shigaraki #PotteryArt #TraditionalCrafts #MatchaMoments
Nishiki Market - Kyoto, Japan
Step into the vibrant heart of Kyoto’s food culture at Nishiki Market, a must-visit destination for food lovers and curious travelers! Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this historic market has been serving locals and visitors for over 400 years, offering an incredible selection of fresh seafood, street food, traditional sweets, and unique Kyoto specialties.
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
Step into the contemporary world of Shigaraki ceramics at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park! Nestled in one of Japan’s oldest and most revered pottery towns in the Shiga Prefecture, this hidden gem is a must-visit for clay lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan’s rich ceramic heritage.
On this tour, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at this world-renowned creative hub, where international ceramic artists-in-residence bring their visions to life using state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you’re a ceramic artist, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, this experience will leave you inspired!
Amazing Tours!
Ceramics, Sushi, and Sightseeing!
"You don't have to be a potter, you just have to love pottery!"
The tours include potter's studios, museums, and supply shops, but we'll also be doing a lot of sightseeing and hands-on art workshops in a variety of mediums. We'll see iconic temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. Along the way, we'll eat food that is exceptional both in presentation and flavor.
The tours are action-packed and not recommended for people with mobility issues or physical fitness limitations. Each tour is different, but some days may include walking up to 15,000 steps a day. Some activities are physically demanding and may require good balance and stability, such as hiking a trail to view waterfalls. Check the itinerary for details.
Anyone is welcome, age 20 and up! Private tours may include all ages. Spouses, friends, and family love the tour too! Next public tour: November 2026 Registration Page
Photo Gallery
Gallery in Tokoname
01/12
About Sheri Leigh and Trip2Japan
About Sheri Leigh
About Sheri Leigh
About Sheri Leigh
Konnichiwa! Hello! I'm Sheri Leigh O'Connor, a Japan enthusiast! I have been taking people on tours to Japan for over a decade. I've been there over 30 times and speak enough Japanese to get us from point A to B, and shop! While in Japan, you'll meet kind, talented, authentic people I've met over the years, from tour guides, to indigo dyeing artists, to potters, artists, and other creative individuals. I'm always excited to return for another visit.
Forming Trip2Japan LLC is a dream come true! Please join me on an ARTsome tour with Trip2Japan!
Sheri's Career
About Sheri Leigh
About Sheri Leigh
I was a ceramics professor for over 30 years, 24 at Sierra Nevada College, and now I'm a Professor Emerita. I'm currently a practicing ceramic artist, specializing in pop art sculpture. For more information about my work, please click below.
I'm thrilled to concentrate now on the most interesting part of my academic career-- traveling to Japan! I first went to Japan in 2000 and became a devotee.
I have led university travel classes, community groups, and custom tours to Japan. I'm more than happy to answer any questions that you may have, and will provide lots of information prior to your trip, so you are prepared for travel in Japan.
Affordable Tours
About Sheri Leigh
Affordable Tours
With my years of experience arranging tours, I'm able to keep costs low. We'll travel on bullet trains, local trains, and enjoy charter buses to take us around town. All transportation during the tour is included in the fee.
There is no supplemental fee for single rooms! Single or doubles are the same price. Hotels are at least 3 stars, but mostly 4 and even 5 stars. Ask for an itinerary for a tour you're interested in for hotel information.
My goal is to take people to Japan and share how wonderful it is, not just in typical tourist areas, but in remote, interesting ones
Please read before depositing or paying in full!
Trip2japan llc
Owner: Sheri Leigh O'Connor
10112 Columbine Road
Truckee, CA 96161
775.741.7437
CST 2151359-40 TCRC 708912
Trip2Japan LLC is licensed to do business in CA and is registered with the State of California Seller of Travel, and the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation in CA.
California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business, Trip2Japan LLC, has a trust account.
Deposit and payment policies
Deposits of $100. are non-refundable but can be transferred to another scheduled trip if a situation arises where you can't attend the trip for which you deposited.
Full payment, (any remaining balance) is due 90 days before the start date of the trip and is non-refundable after that. Payment will be accepted any time prior to the 90-day deadline. Private tour groups terms may vary.
Participants will be required to purchase a Traveler's Insurance policy. If something occurs to prevent you from going on your tour, you'll file a claim with your insurance.
The itinerary advertised on this website, Trip2Japan.com, reflects the travel dates, locations, activities, and other inclusions, such as a Japan Rail Pass. Itineraries are subject to slight changes due to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather, but will not vary greatly from the published itinerary. For example, touring the Golden Pavilion may occur a day before or after it was listed on the itinerary.
Please read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before making any payment.
Upon depositing, you'll receive an itinerary, waiver forms for you to complete and return, as well as a lot of information to prepare you for an ARTsome Trip2Japan!
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Trip2Japan Options
Join an incredible Group trip!
I'll take you on an amazing tour of Japan where you'll visit iconic sights, but also be out of the mainstream areas. . You'll want to go back to Japan as soon as you get home! Limited to 18 people. No surcharge for single occupancy. Doubles available. These are active trips with a lot of walking. Reserve your trip of choice today by depositing!
Ceramics, Sushi, and Sightseeing November, 8th -21st, 2026
$5,900
"The Six Ancient Kilns of Japan" Two-week tour of Osaka, Nagoya, Seto, Tokoname, Tajimi - Minoware, Kyoto, Echizen, Tamba, Shigaraki, and Bizen. Japan's ancient kiln towns have been making pottery for over 1,000 years! We'll also see iconic temples, shrines, museums, do hands-on art workshops and meals to write home about!
April 2026
$4,192
Private tour for Tamalpais High School.
April 2027 Public trip is being planned. Please email to get on the email mailing list. You'll receive an email when tour is ready for registration. SheriLeigh@Trip2Japan.com
Go to Japan with a group of your own
Custom Tour
negotiable
We'll plan the itinerary together, and I'll guide your family, group, or school group to the most artsome places in Japan!
Go to Japan for Free!
free
Get a group of 15 people to register for a trip, and your trip with the group will be totally free! (Does not include flights. Includes everything that is included in the group's trip.) Can be for a planned group tour, or a custom tour.
Depositing early is recommended as trips may fill rapidly! Trip2Japan LLC is fully registered, licensed and insured in the state of California.
I'd love to share my enthusiasm with you!
Click below to start our conversation about Japan, my favorite topic!
Hours
Flexible. Phone, Zoom, or In person hours by appointment:
Testimonials
Erik
Collyn
Collyn
After the first trip I was hooked! Sheri is an incredible tour guide and planner, perfectly balancing art, culture, food and fun. I am looking forward to going on my 4th trip as soon as I can.
Collyn
Collyn
Collyn
Traveling to Japan gave me an opportunity to step outside of my routine and embrace a new way of perceiving life. The culture and art was rich with philosophy and the appreciation of the earth. The people we met were generous and warm. I felt a sense of peace in the countryside of Gokanosho. My Mom had the chance to experience things she had never imagined, that opened her eyes to the beauty of travel! Sheri has a way with connecting people and places that bring great transformation. I have so much gratitude for her planning and manifesting an amazing trip to Japan!
David
Collyn
Mary Lou
I often think of you and the fabulous trip to Japan with you and that group of makers! Your expert shepherding and detailed planning made that trip a wonderful experience. Sheri, you were the reason that trip was a great experience. .
Mary Lou
Mary Lou
Mary Lou
Going to Japan on the art tour with Sheri was a once in a lifetime adventure. I have always been fascinated with the Japanese culture, their food, their art and pottery and the people. It was truly an amazing trip. It was a small group and we visited some wonderful shrines and sites that Sheri had arranged for us. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who has been to Japan or who is never experienced the country. Sherry was flexible, fun to be with, curious and very knowledgeable
Shawnie
Mary Lou
Shawnie
I always wanted to go to Japan, but never thought I’d be able to go. Sheri made the trip to Japan seamless and a trip of a lifetime. She made the itinerary with so much intention and balance between sightseeing, art, culture and fun! Sheri really has a gift for trip curating. She’s personable and her deep love for Japan is easy felt through the trip. She has made relationships with locals and isn’t just “another tour Japan trip”, she deeply respects the culture. I had blast and it was a trip I will always remember, thank you so much for the experience! Would go again in a heart beat.
Molly
Mary Lou
Shawnie
This is a trip I will remember forever! It was amazing to be immersed in such a beautiful culture. I loved that we traveled to different parts of Japan from the city to the country side! Sheri was so knowledgeable and had everything planned so well! I felt very safe and had so much fun learning new art techniques and to be in the midst of such deep history is awe inspiring! I would take this trip again in a heartbeat.
Stephanie
Stephanie
Stephanie
Going to Japan with Sheri and my classmates was fantastic. Our translator was a great guide for the trip, and getting to see Toyko and ride the bullet train to Kumamoto was an experience I'll never forget. The food was outstanding, the culture was invigorating, and the schedule was full of the perfect balance of fun and informative adventures, guided tours, and some downtime to really appreciate each and every place we went. I think about this trip all the time and highly recommend joining Sheri. She takes all of the work out of making an itinerary and gives you all the enjoyment of a quality vacation/trip.
TAILOR
Stephanie
Stephanie
In 2014 I went to Japan with Sheri Leigh O’Connor and had my socks blown off!!! Japan is an extravaganza full of cultural heritage experiences and ancient art techniques interwoven into the majestic landscape you travel through with Sheri. This trip was a life changer and I’ve been eager to return to Japan ever since ! Sheri creates an all inclusive environment allowing you to integrate seamlessly into the Japanese culture. Her humble and passionate knowledge of the culture allows you to see with keen eyes the techniques of life yet unrealized by another country. We walked softly in the aura of an ancient heritage. I wouldn’t want to return to Japan with anyone else because of how comfortable she makes you feel as you meet all her friends she’s made over the years. Her itinerary keeps you connecting with so many unique people and places you feel at home because of how finely integrated you become with every Japanese family. As for my personal growth as an artist, I flourished upon returning home with all the inspiration from the diverse artists we visited. I wanted to create in all Mediums ! Making art in a country unparalleled in craft and design Encouraged growth I didn’t even realize possible ! This trip may seem like one in a life time but soon after you return you’ll be planning your next trip , Sheri Leigh makes traveling to Japan a lifetime adventure !
ian
Stephanie
DON AND PAT
I can honestly say that the trips I took with Sheri to Japan totally changed my life. Japan has so much history and innovation. I learned all about Hamada and other western artists. We visited the cultural center in Shigaraki, and I remember thinking that is was like the Olympics of ceramics! I thought maybe someday I’d be able to work there. After graduating, a friend said “Do the Dream” so I applied to Shigaraki and got in! The hospitality of the Japanese stood out so much. They’d miss their train to help you find your train! If you get the chance, go to Japan with Sheri Leigh!
DON AND PAT
DON AND PAT
DON AND PAT
Just dropping you a note to thank you thank you thank you for a wonderful trip. We had a terrific time. Your choice of locations - especially in Kyushu - was thoughtful, the sites we visited were all fascinating and focused, transportation well-planned and smooth, and lodgings a perfect balance of traditional and modern. Our introduction to Japanese pottery was exactly what we had hoped for. Most importantly, you were the perfect guide: knowledgeable, flexible, and personable. We are so very grateful for all of your hard work, passion, and good humor. Our trip with you was a great experience and value.
Konstantin
DON AND PAT
Konstantin
The trip was engaging, well-paced and very well prepared and guided. It was a great value for the cost. We would gladly go on a trip with Sheri again and will highly recommend tours by Trip2Japan to friends.
We have done quite a bit of travel on our own, but the connections in the local communities in Japan and having access to places and people there made all the difference. Having those activities and stops listed up front is what attracted us to the tour and Trip2Japan absolutely came through.
Annie
DON AND PAT
Konstantin
Thank you for that amazing trip to Japan! It was incredible. All the connections and guides and experiences were perfectly planned. I think it was very important and perfect that we each had our own rooms. That really made the trip!! Thank you so much for a trip of a lifetime.
Thank you again Sheri!
Photo Gallery - Ceramics, Sushi, and Sightseeing in Japan!
Noborigama kiln