open factory

【Fukuoka / Hirokawa】

Nomura Orimono Workshop Tour (40 minutes)

Shutaro Nomura’s explanations are known for being clear and easy to understand
Threads are carefully dyed in the in-house dye workshop to achieve the ideal color
The rhythmic sound of looms fills the weaving factory
Intricate warp-and-weft Kasuri patterns demonstrate Nomura Orimono’s technical skill
The sawtooth roof brings natural light into the workshop

Nomura Orimono, a Kurume Kasuri weaving house located in Hirokawa Town in Fukuoka Prefecture, was founded in 1898. Today, the business is carried on by fourth- generation head Shutaro Nomura. The textiles produced by Nomura Orimono are made from threads carefully dyed in the in-house dyeing workshop. Using chemical dyes and mechanical weaving, artisans create intricate warp-and-weft Kasuri patterns as well as elegant classical designs, each woven with meticulous care. In the workshop, which has been carefully maintained and passed down through the generations, visitors can observe a wide range of processes from thread dyeing and warp thread adjustment to weaving.
This workshop is recommended for those experiencing a Kurume Kasuri factory tour for the first time.

  • ● The explanation by fourth-generation head Shutaro Nomura is easy to understand even for beginners
  • ● Tour the carefully maintained workshop that has been passed down for generations
  • ● Observe multiple stages of Kurume Kasuri production from thread preparation and dyeing to weaving
  • ● Shop for Nomura Orimono fabrics and products (pants, skirts, and accessories)
  • ● Choose a fabric scrap to take home as a souvenir of the tour
Shutaro NomuraFourth Generation, Nomura Orimono
After graduating from university and working for a company for a time, Nomura decided to take over the family business at age 26. As the president of Nomura Orimono, he oversees the operation of the workshop while personally handling all dyeing work.
Sayaka NomuraDirector of Sales & Marketing, Nomura Orimono
As the partner of fourth-generation head, Shutaro Nomura, Sayaka promotes Nomura Orimono at department store events and exhibitions across Japan. She also engages in publicity on social media and is involved in product development.
Program Details

Discover the Many Processes Behind Kurume Kasuri

Creating Kurume Kasuri requires nearly 30 different processes, from dyeing the threads to weaving the final fabric.
At Nomura Orimono, visitors can observe the key stages involved in creating Kurume Kasuri, including pattern design, warp thread adjustment, dyeing, and weaving. Each step is carefully carried out and then passed along to the next stage—like passing a baton—resulting in Nomura’s trademark precise and beautifully finished kasuri fabrics.
*Note: You may not be able to see every process listed below on the day of your visit.

All processes from the designs stage onward are carried out in-house

Dyeing is one of the processes Nomura Orimono is most particular about

Artisans carefully arrange and align the threads by hand

Preparation of weft threads for the weaving stage

Shopping and Souvenirs

Enjoy the Wide Range of Products Nomura Orimono Has to Offer

After the workshop tour, visitors are invited to browse fabric bolts, fabric scraps, and clothing and accessories made from kasuri textiles. Highlights include coats and skirts made using the signature Hanabishi Kōshi lattice pattern and Nomura Cotton-Organic, a new brand launched to commemorate the workshop’s 125th anniversary.
Visitors will also receive a fabric scrap as a souvenir of the tour.

A garment featuring the signature Hanabishi Kōshi pattern

A belt featuring Nomura’s “N” logo!

Fabrics that reflect Nomura Orimono’s dedication to precise dyeing techniques

A fabric scrap gift to remember your visit

Tour Code

GFHK_OF05
Dates

Monday-Friday　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 Nomura Orimono

10:00/14:00

Introduction、Tour of the workshop

With explanations from Shutaro Nomura, explore the Kurume Kasuri production process

Tour Details｜Yarn Preparing／Dyeing／Weaving


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 40 people
*For larger groups, we will operate in 2 separate groups.

*Please contact us for further information.(tour@unalabs.jp)
Meeting Place
Nomura Orimono
1745 Niishiro, Hirokawa, Yame District, Fukuoka 834-0115
*If you are driving to the workshop, please use the on-site parking lot. Please see the link for access.
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 Friday,
10:00AM-, 14:00PM-
*Tours held by request
Duration
40 minutes
Recommended Age
Any age
Price
2,000yen (tax included)
Remarks
*Includes exclusive tour benefits
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