Create your own floral geisha hair ornament with Made-in-Kyoto silk

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Kita-ku, Kyoto

• 65 min

• 7 people max. Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German interpretation may be available upon request)

Charming Blossoms

Popularized during the Edo Period, Tsumami zaiku is Japan’s “pinching craft”, commonly used to create traditional hair sticks, known as “kanzashi”. Small, square pieces of silk are pinched into three dimensional flower pedals and glued together to create intricate flower designs. These delicate hair ornaments typically depict seasonal flowers and are worn on special occasions, such as festivals, holidays, coming-of-age ceremonies, and weddings. During the Edo period, the wives of samurai made tsumami zaiku hair accessories for their daughters, as elaborate hairstyles were popular during this time. Because of the elite samurai status, samurai daughters were often considered trendsetters. In reaction, entertainers and commoners began adorning their hair with this delicate craft as well. Tsumami zaiku hair ornaments are still an accessory to complement kimonos, with geishas and maikos regularly using these traditional hair sticks. Tsumami kanzashi are slowly being revived by young people interested in preserving the craft. Learn the artful details of tsumami zaiku with this experience and see for yourself the beauty of its attractive designs.

What you’ll do

Select which colored silk squares you’d like to use and learn about the history and technique of tsumami-zaiku while your hands are busy making your own geisha hair ornament. While your hair stick is being wrapped up to go, browse the breathtaking creations in the shop.

Who can attend

Children must be 12+

What else you should know

If you use reading glasses, please bring them along with you.

Included

A wooden stand to display your hair stick

Availability

Everyday except Wednesday
Session 1 (10:30 - 11:35)
Session 2 (12:00-13:05)
Session 3 (13:30-14:35)
Session 4 (14:45-15:50)

Access

35 minutes from Kyoto Station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 24 hours in advance. See cancellation policy here.

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