Bright Beauty, Woven Into Everyday Life: Yamagata's Representative Benihana Dyeing and Weaving

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata

• 2 hours

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

• You will be accompanied by a friendly guide who will provide interpretation in English.

The Color of a Cultural Tapestry

The vivid golden hues of fresh benibana, the prefectural flower of Yamagata believed to have entered Japan via the Silk Road during the 2nd-5th century, oxidize into a rich magenta that's captivated Japanese culture for over one thousand years. Introduced in Japan's oldest poetry anthology, the Manyoshu, and a favorite of the Heian court (794-1185), benibana dye exploded in popularity in the Edo period (1603-1868), where art, fashion, and culture became more widely accessible to a broader range of social classes. However, the utilization of artificial dyes in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and strict cultivation restrictions during WWII nearly resulted in the total disappearance of this brilliant craft. While operations were originally dedicated solely to weaving, the 3rd-generation owner saw the value in diversifying and utilizing the singular hues of the benibana, and sought to implement dyeing directly using the flowers locally grown at nearby Mt. Mogami. Since then, this historic textile factory has actively sustained this colorful heritage, shade by shade, and thread by thread.

What you’ll do

On a private tour led by the 5th-generation owner, observe the intricate silk dyeing and weaving process up close. Then, decorate your own cotton fabric using benibana dye and traditional techniques. Lastly, see an elegant kimono and obi fabric dyed and woven at the factory.

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

Availability

Monday to Friday
Session 1 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 2 (15:00 - 17:00)

Not available every weekend, Obon Festival, Public holidays and Year-end holidays

Access

10 minutes by taxi from JR Yonezawa station

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking atleast 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.

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