Surround yourself in the intricate beauty of textile dyeing on a visit to an internationally-acclaimed kimono atelier

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Shimogyo, Kyoto

• 1 hour

• 8 people max. Minimum 2 people required. Solo guest may book at the price of 2 participants

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English

  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

What's the Stitch

An ancient textile dyeing technique, tsujigahana garments reached incredible heights of popularity in the 14th-16th centuries, worn proudly by the upper class and passed down in families for countless generations. Despite flourishing as a craft for over 300 to 400 years, the secrets to this historic dyeing technique were lost over time, with only the completed fabrics remaining to inspire future generations of artisans. Inspiration turned to action in the 20th century, with kimono artist Itchiku Kubota reviving the style by developing new techniques to replicate the beauty of the traditional patterns. At this acclaimed atelier, operating in a building with over 120 years of history, join a kimono textile artisan and observe the intricate dyeing process of tsujigahana, which involves a complex combination of drawing, foiling, stitching, and tie-dyeing to create mesmerizing final products. See these masterpieces up close, and even get the chance to be styled in tsujigahana textile kimonos to fully immerse into the beauty of the fabric.

What you’ll do

Tour the textile workshop and learn more about the art of tsujigahana dyeing from a renowned artisan. Carefully unravel some stitching to observe how these dyed patterns are constructed. See a collection of finished tsujigahana masterpieces, then experience trying on authentic kimono dyed using tsujigahana techniques.

Who can attend

Children must be 10+

Availability

Everyday   
Session 1  (9:00-10:10)
Session 2 (11:00-12:10)
Session 3 (13:00-14:10)
Session 4 (15:00-16:10)
Session 5 (16:30-17:40)

Access

50 minutes by car from Kyoto Station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at the latest 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.

* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.