#Japan #Ishikawa #Spectrum Tokyo #Design Retreat

Introducing 'Design Retreat' by Spectrum Tokyo

Spectrum Tokyo, an acclaimed design community platform centered on diverse design perspectives, has announced an exciting new venture—Design Retreat. Kicking off in March 2026, this initiative aims to provide designers with a curated retreat experience to explore, learn, and connect away from their usual work environment.

First Retreat: Design Retreat Ishikawa

The inaugural retreat, named Design Retreat Ishikawa, will take place from February 27 to March 1, 2026. This three-day field retreat will traverse the rich landscapes of Ishikawa, including the picturesque regions of Kaga, Noto, and Kanazawa, with a limited capacity of only 10 participants.

More Than Just a Trip

For many designers inundated with day-to-day project demands, finding the time to reconnect with their creative roots often poses a challenge. Unlike a typical vacation, the Design Retreat is designed as a journey to reevaluate one’s career while bringing back fresh insights. Participants will engage in diverse interactions and experiences throughout Ishikawa, aiming to create valuable milestones in their professional lives.

Why Ishikawa?

Ishikawa is renowned for its historical craftsmanship, boasting 36 traditional crafts and designated as a UNESCO Creative City. The region offers deep layers of design culture which aspiring designers can immerse themselves in. Notably, Kaga cuisine has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan, reaffirming the region’s rich culinary and artistic heritage.

During the retreat, attendees will stay at the recently opened KITAMAE BASE Kaga Hashitate, where they can enjoy high-quality accommodation and local delicacies while learning about traditional crafts such as Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware.

Retreat Program Overview

• - Dates: February 27 (Fri) - March 1 (Sun), 2026 (2 nights, 3 days)
• - Format: Tokyo departure → Kaga → Noto → Kanazawa (Dissolution in Tokyo or Kanazawa)
• - Capacity: 10 participants (first-come basis)
• - Languages: Support in Japanese and English
• - Participation Fee: ¥250,000, reduced to ¥180,000 (tax included) as a first-time monitor price

Daily Themes

• - Day 1 (Kaga): Design thinking influenced by the Kitamaebune culture and hot spring settings.
• - Day 2 (Kaga): The future of crafts rooted in regional culture.
• - Day 3 (Noto/Kanazawa): Exploring resilience through craftsmanship and the intersection of traditional and modern art.

Key Experiences

Participants can expect a rich menu of hands-on experiences, including:

• - Workshop on tea ceremony tools made from Yamanaka lacquerware.
• - Fieldwork in traditional towns distinct to the Kitamaebune culture.
• - Kutani ware craft experience (turning and painting).
• - Visits to Kutani ware kiln workshops.
• - Exploration of the Noto Peninsula disaster-affected areas and resilient sake breweries.
• - Cultural immersion in local festivals and their significance in resilience.
• - Tourist activities in Kenrokuen garden or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa.
• - Dinner featuring local cuisine and opportunities for networking in the hot spring town.

What’s Included in the Fee?

• - Accommodation (2 nights)
• - All meals during stay
• - Transportation (local bus)
• - Experience costs (workshops, entrance fees)
• - Interpretation services (English)

(Note: Flights from Tokyo to Komatsu Airport or shinkansen tickets, and personal expenses are not included.)

The Three Values Gained from the Retreat

1. Broader Perspectives: Interactions with various industries and cultures to gain wider views.
2. Higher Standpoints: Experiencing and learning from practices that preserve and develop traditions and cultures.
3. Deeper Reflection: Opportunity to reassess one’s role as a designer in an extraordinary setting, breaking the routine of daily life.

Recommended For

This program is ideal for those who:

• - Feel they've lost touch with their roots as designers amid a busy lifestyle.
• - Are in search of definitive triggers to elevate their careers to the next level.
• - Crave in-person experiences and learnings that go beyond the screen.

Accommodation Details

• - KITAMAE BASE Kaga Hashitate
• - Address: 2-81 Hamayama, Tajiri-cho, Kaga City, Ishikawa 922-0552

Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Komatsu Airport and close to major transport hubs, with complimentary shuttle services to stations and tourist sites.

Future Developments

Following its inaugural event in Ishikawa, Design Retreat aims to partner with various unique regions across Japan, continuing to offer diverse thematic retreats. This initiative seeks to not only provide invaluable learning experiences for designers but also contribute towards regional revitalization by promoting local attractions on a global scale.

About Spectrum Tokyo

Spectrum Tokyo serves as a community platform highlighting design diversity. The organization hosts various events throughout the year, including the Spectrum Tokyo Festival 2026 scheduled for February 14-15 and Design Matters 26 on November 14-15, 2026. It unites domestic and international design industries while offering monthly meetups and a bilingual online magazine.

Official Website: Spectrum Tokyo
Design Retreat Ishikawa Special Site: Design Retreat
For Registration & Inquiries:

• - Registration Form: Apply Now
• - Limited to 10 spots on a first-come basis.

Spectrum Tokyo Inc.

• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone: 050-3629-2433
• - Address: 9F Kanda Daini AmereX Bldg, 3-6 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0052.