Aizome Kasuri Kobo Workshop Tour (40 minutes)
Located in Hirokawa Town in Fukuoka Prefecture, Aizome Kasuri Kobo is a Kurume Kasuri workshop run by the Yamamura family. Father Takeshi and his son Kensuke take the lead in weaving and dyeing, and mother Yoko handles the kasuri-making process while carefully tending to the space itself. While preserving traditional indigo dyeing and hand-weaving techniques, they produce highly artistic kasuri featuring bold geometric patterns. Adorned with seasonal flowers, the workshop offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and a visit here is like stepping into someone’s home. One of the highlights of the visit is a rare demonstration of the hand-tying process, an essential step in creating kasuri patterns.
This workshop is especially recommended for those interested in traditional techniques and highly artistic kasuri textiles.
- ● Observe traditional indigo dyeing and hand-weaving techniques
- ● A beautifully arranged workshop and reception space decorated with seasonal flowers and kasuri textiles
- ● A warm and welcoming atmosphere unique to a family-run workshop
- ● Some fabrics are available for purchase by the meter (limited items)
- ● Receive a souvenir of indigo-dyed thread (approx. 1 m) after the tour
- Takeshi YamamuraFourth Generation, Aizome Kasuri Kobo
- Takeshi is the fourth-generation head of Aizome Kasuri Kobo.
He is a member of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties Holders Association and a full member of the Japan Kōgei Association. He handles design creation, thread tying, and weaving. Having studied indigo dyeing on his own starting with the fundamentals, he developed his own distinctive kasuri works featuring geometric patterns that make use of subtle indigo gradations while opening up new sales channels for the workshop.
- Kensuke YamamuraFifth Generation, Aizome Kasuri Kobo
- Kensuke, a fifth-generation kasuri artisan, is primarily responsible for dyeing. While preserving the techniques inherited from his father Takeshi, he continues to develop his own methods, producing indigo hues that are uniquely his own.
Watch Demonstrations of Hand-Tying, Indigo Dyeing, and Weaving
Within the Kurume Kasuri production region, there are broadly two types of workshops: those that use traditional indigo dyeing and hand weaving, and those that use chemical dyes and power looms. Aizome Kasuri Kobo is among the former, and it places particular emphasis on preserving traditional techniques. In some cases, the threads are dyed more than fifty times, producing deep, rich indigo gradations. Combined with geometric patterns inspired by traditional motifs, the resulting kasuri textiles possess a character unique to this workshop.
After hearing an introduction to kasuri using actual designs from the workshop, visitors will observe demonstrations of key processes including hand-tying, indigo dyeing, and weaving. Watching Kensuke’s highly efficient dyeing technique is another highlight of the visit.
Enjoy the Intertwining of Indigo and White
After the tour, visitors are invited to relax in the reception room surrounded by the workshop’s own textiles. Enjoy a cup of Yame green tea prepared by Yoko Yamamura while chatting with the artisans. The workshop offers bolts of fabric, and some items are also available for purchase by the meter.
As a souvenir of your visit, you will receive a piece of indigo-dyed thread, which can be used for small accessories or interior decoration.
| Tour Code | GFHK_OF01 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM〜、14:00 PM〜 |
| Duration | About 40 minutes |
| Schedule |
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| Language | Japanese |
| Participants | Min 2 / Max 10 people |
| Meeting Place |
*If traveling by public transportation:
*If traveling by car:
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| Reservation Deadline | 3 business days prior to each tour date (excluding weekends and holidays) |
| 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 |
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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 Sunday
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