open factory

【Fukuoka / Chikugo】

Ikeda Kasuri Kobo Workshop Tour (40 minutes)

Yarn is repeatedly dipped into indigo vats and exposed to air to build up the color
An artisan conducting warp thread alignment in the back of the weaving workshop
Hand-tying the yarn with strips of ramie
Aramaki: Preparing the warp before weaving
Sukumo, a natural indigo dye material, is delivered in straw sacks

Ikeda Kasuri Kobo is a Kurume Kasuri workshop located in Chikugo City in Fukuoka Prefecture. Founded in 1919, it has passed down the traditional techniques of indigo dyeing and hand weaving and is now led by Daigo Ikeda, the fourth-generation head. While carefully preserving the soft texture unique to indigo-dyed hand-woven textiles and the meticulous pattern alignment process, the workshop is also known as one of the few hand-weaving workshops capable of producing pieces in comparatively large quantities. In this way, it continues to help shape the future of the Kurume Kasuri production region.
During the tour, visitors step inside the glass-walled workshop, where they first receive an explanation of the designs. They then observe various stages of the process depending on the day’s work, such as warp thread alignment, thread preparation, and weaving.
This workshop is recommended for those encountering indigo-dyed hand weaving for the first time.

  • ● Observe a wide range of traditional indigo-dyeing and hand-weaving techniques
  • ● Visit a dyeing workshop with one of the largest numbers of indigo vats in the Kurume Kasuri region
  • ● Listen to the rhythmic sound of foot-powered looms echoing through the workshop
  • ● Stop by the well-stocked shop where you can purchase Kasuri fabrics, clothing, and accessories
  • ● Choose your favorite fabric scrap and frame it as a souvenir to take home
Daigo IkedaPresident, Ikeda Kasuri Kobo Co., Ltd.
Daigo Ikeda is the fourth-generation head of a weaving house in Chikugo, Fukuoka Prefecture, where indigo-dyed, hand-woven Kurume Kasuri has been produced for more than 100 years. After graduating from university, he gained experience in other industries, working in sales, product development, quality control, and factory management before returning to take over the family business. Committed to preserving traditional Kurume Kasuri fabrics for the next generation, he has also worked to modernize both the production system and sales channels for the workshop. In the fall of 2025, he assumed the position of President of Ikeda Kasuri Kobo Co., Ltd.

*Note: Workshop tours may sometimes be led by staff members other than Mr. Ikeda.
Program Details

Gain an Understanding of the Kurume Kasuri Process

Creating Kurume Kasuri involves nearly 30 separate processes, from dyeing the threads to weaving the final fabric, and it can take around three months to complete a single piece. During the workshop tour at Ikeda Kasuri Kobo, visitors can closely observe the key stages involved in producing indigo-dyed, hand-woven Kurume Kasuri, including design, warp thread adjustment, hand weaving, and indigo dyeing.
*Note: You may not be able to see every process listed below on the day of your visit.

Receive a detailed explanation of the designs used in Kurume Kasuri

Watch as fabric is woven on a traditional foot-powered loom

Visit the indigo dyeing workshop, which has one of the largest number of dye vats in the
production region

See dyed threads hung out to dry in the sun

Shopping and Souvenirs

Naturally Dyed Indigo Fabrics with a Wonderfully Soft Texture

Ikeda Kasuri Kobo is known for its Kasuri fabrics featuring both intricate patterns and bold designs. After the tour, visitors are invited to browse the shop, where you can purchase handwoven fabric bolts, fabric scraps, indigo-dyed clothing, and accessories. The shop is located next to the glass-walled workshop, allowing you to watch the weaving process once more while you explore the merchandise.
As a special souvenir, you can also frame a fabric scrap of your choosing to take home with you.

Products designed to fit easily into modern lifestyles

The glass-walled workshop is visible from the adjacent shop

Kurume Kasuri fabric woven by skilled artisans

A fabric scrap gift to remember your visit

Tour Code

GFHK_OF02
Dates

Monday-Saturday　10:00 AM〜、14:00 PM〜
※Tours are held by request：Please send us your preferred dates using the inquiry form. We will check availability and get back to you as soon as possible.
Duration

About 40 minutes
Schedule

9:55/13:55
Meet at Ikeda Kasuri Kobo

10:00/14:00

Introduction、Tour of the workshop

With explanations from the artisans of Ikeda Kasuri Kobo, explore the Kurume Kasuri production process

Tour Details｜Yarn preparing／Weaving／Indigo Dyeing


10:45/14:45

Tour ends

Please feel free to browse and purchase various Kasuri products if you wish.
Language

Japanese
※ An English interpreter can be arranged for an additional fee. Please contact us for details. (tour@unalabs.jp)
Participants

Min 2 / Max 50 people
Meeting Place
Ikeda Kasuri Kobo Gallery
1840 Hisadomi, Chikugo-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
※For those coming by car, please park in the Ikedo Kasuri Kobo parking lot next to the studio, designated by a sign.
※Please note that the gallery and workshop are located across the street from each other, and the meeting place is the gallery (brown building).
Reservation Deadline

3 business days prior to each tour date (excluding weekends and holidays)
*For example：Tour on October 10th, Friday -> Please apply by October 7th, Tuesday / Tour on October 13th, Monday -> Please apply by October 6th, Wednesday
Payment Method

Advance payment by credit card (VISA, Master, Amex, JCB) using a form once the request has been confirmed.
Attire

–
What to Bring

–
Notes
  • ●This is an experience program where guests arrange transportation themselves to and from the meeting place.
  • ● UNA Laboratories staff will not accompany guests on this program.
  • ● We recommend participants purchase domestic travel insurance for the tour.
  • ● The tour will be held even in the event of rain, barring cases of inclement weather such as heavy rain or a typhoon.
  • ● All of the photographs displayed on this website are for illustrative purposes only. Additionally, the workshop is not a tourist destination, so processes and items seen may differ due to circumstances.
  • ●  Children of elementary school age and younger may participate in the tour with a parent or guardian. However, neighter UNA Laboratories nor Aizome Kasuri Kobo shall be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur in the parking lot or during the tour. When touring the factory, please keep an eye on your child/children to make sure that they do not touch the machines.
  • ● This tour may be canceled in the event that its smooth implementation becomes difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tour list

Travel Planning: Implementation

  • UNA Laboratories Inc. (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Registration #2-951)
  • 3-12-22-302 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0022
  • TEL: 092-982-7956E-MAIL: tour@unalabs.jp
  • Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors:
    Aya Tamura, Noriko Yahata, Rei Watanabe
  • Business Hours:
    9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays)
  • *Requests received outside of business hours will be processed the following business day.
  • *Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors are responsible for transactions held at the sales office that processes customers’ travel. Please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors with any questions or concerns regarding the travel contract.

Tour Information

Date
Monday to Saturday, 10:00AM-, 14:00PM-
*Tours held by request
Duration
40 minutes
Recommended Age
Any age
Price
4,000yen (tax included)
Remarks
*Includes exclusive tour benefits
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