Designer, maker and passionate collector, Morgan Wills has long been fascinated by all things Japan – its people, culture, food, textiles, traditional crafts and especially everything kawaii (cute!).
After making a tree change from inner-city Melbourne, Morgan has spent the last fourteen years running The Crafty Squirrel, her much-loved studio shop in the regional Victorian city of Ballarat. From the beginning, part of her dream was to travel and source unique handmade products for her store – and eventually share that joy with fellow creatives.
In 2017, Morgan made that dream a reality, leading her first Crafty Squirrel Tour to Tokyo. Since then, her Japan tours have grown to include two magical trips each year — Tokyo in April/May and Kyoto in October — both of which continue to sell out quickly.
These thoughtfully curated tours run for 10–12 days and are limited to just 12 creative women, offering an intimate and inspiring experience. Participants enjoy hands-on workshops in traditional crafts such as:
sashiko stitching,
shibori and indigo dyeing,
saori weaving,
washi paper making,
temari and yubinuki,
bookbinding, ikebana, furoshiki wrapping, box making, kintsugi and more.
Plus, you'll visit some of Morgan’s favourite craft stores, explore vibrant fabric towns, fossick through antique and flea markets, and attend local craft fairs.
Perfect for first-time travellers to Japan or seasoned Japan lovers seeking a deeper connection through craft, these tours attract curious and creative individuals – whether travelling solo or with a friend.
New for 2025 and beyond...
Morgan is expanding her crafty adventures even further with a fun Japanese-inspired retreat in Hobart Retreat, fabulous Indigo retreats in Bali (next dates in July 2026 & June 2027), and a dreamy new France tour featuring five days in Paris and five days at a countryside château (2025 sold out – now taking expressions of interest for 2026 & 2027).
For more information or to join the waitlists, visit the Tours/Retreats/Workshops section of the online shop or get in touch via email:
📩 info@thecraftysquirrel.com.au.
Thanks for a great trip. I had way too much fun and really enjoyed shopping and crafting with our group. You put so much work into it and I really appreciate what you did. I’m already looking forward to going back one day.
Gail – May 2017
Oh my gosh – it was SO much fun! We had the most wonderful time and we saw SOOO much that we could never, ever have seen unless on this well-organized tour. It was the trip of a lifetime, and a major bucket-list item for me. I hope I can go again one day!
Fiona – October 2017
This tour was the best week of my life! I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work and for making the trip so enjoyable. Your focus on ensuring the tour was as wonderful as it was is to be commended and your patience in dealing with us deserves a gold medal! I don’t have enough good words to say about you and this tour!
Clare – April 2018
Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me fall in love with Japan, for the lifelong friendships I’ve made and the amazing memories I will always carry with me.
Sharon – April 2018
If you’re contemplating one of these tours, don’t hesitate! Exquisitely planned; every detail considered, and packed with interesting and exciting day tours (and food). Best thing you’ll ever do .... book now!!
Vicki – April 2019
Morgan thank you so much for the wonderful “crafty” tour to Kyoto in May 2023. For anyone wanting to join Morgan for future tours I wholeheartedly recommend it. Fabulous accommodation, excellent hands on projects, enough free time to do your own exploring and nothing left to chance. Morgan’s eye for detail and professional manner meant this tour was worry free and full of enjoyment. Thanks Morgan
Maree – May 2023
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Cnr Errard & Urquhart Street
Ballarat Central, Victoria
Ph: 03 5331 4548
Thursday & Friday 10am to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 4pm
