Sakata Orimono Workshop Tour (40 minutes)
Located in Hirokawa Town in Fukuoka Prefecture, Sakato Orimono is a Kurume Kasuri weaving house that opened in 1948. Guided by the idea of “Bringing Kasuri closer to everyday life,” Sakata Orimono is a rare weaving workshop that preserves both the cultural tradition of indigo-dyed, hand-woven Kasuri and industrial-scale chemically dyed, machine-woven Kasuri. The workshop also continues to refine processes that are often outsourced elsewhere. For example, "kukuri", the tying process, in which specific sections of the thread are bound to create patterns, is carried out in-house using a specialized tying machine, with ongoing experimentation and improvement. Sakata Orimono also performs so-called “cheese” dyeing in-house, a practice that is relatively
uncommon in the Kurume Kasuri production region.
With its wide range of equipment and facilities, this workshop is recommended for visitors who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of Kurume Kasuri production in a single location.
- ● Experience both the cultural and industrial sides of Kasuri production at Sakata Orimono
- ● The tour begins with a lecture on Kasuri textiles from around the world
- ● Observe a variety of equipment, from traditional hand looms to modern tying machines
- ● After the workshop tour, relax at the café with coffee and sweets
- ● Receive Kurume Kasuri magnets as a souvenir of your visit
- Kazuo SakataCEO, Sakata Orimono
- Founded in 1948, Sakata Orimono is a Kurume Kasuri weaving house based in Hirokawa Town in the Yame District of Fukuoka Prefecture. CEO Kazuo Sakata is actively involved in promoting Kurume Kasuri both at home and abroad. In addition to producing traditional fabric bolts, he has launched an in-house brand called tugu. and expanded overseas sales channels. He also welcomes students and interns from throughout Japan and around the world. In 2022, he opened Sakata Café, a space where visitors can see, touch, and enjoy Kurume Kasuri.
*Note: Workshop tours may sometimes be led by staff members other than Mr. Sakata.
Exploring Two Sides of Kurume Kasuri: Tradition and Industry
The tour at Sakata Orimono begins with a lecture introducing ikat textiles from around the world, providing a broader context for understanding Kurume Kasuri. After comparing Kurume Kasuri with ikat textiles from places such as India and Indonesia to learn about its unique characteristics, the tour moves on to the workshop lab. Here, modern tying machines used for the tying-off process stand alongside traditional hand looms, allowing visitors to see equipment and tools from different eras. The tour then continues with a short walk to the machine-weaving factory, which houses the largest number of power looms in the Kurume Kasuri production region. Surrounded by the powerful sound of the looms, visitors can observe processes such as warp thread adjustment and thread preparation before weaving. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might also be able to see the dyeing process in action. The tour concludes with a visit to the indigo dyeing workshop.
*Note: You may not be able to see every process listed below on the day of your visit.
Experience Kasuri from Japan and Around the World
After the workshop tour, take a relaxing break at Sakata Café, where you can reflect on Kasuri traditions from both Japan and abroad while browsing clothing and accessories made with Kasuri fabrics. At the café, you can also enjoy coffee sourced from parts of the world where Kasuri textiles are produced. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, a special lunch menu is available, including a somen noodle dish inspired by the theme of thread.
As a souvenir of your visit, you will receive three Kurume Kasuri magnets.
* Only available on the Deep Plan
| Tour Code | GFHK_OF03 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM〜、14:00 PM〜 |
| Duration | About 40 minutes |
| Schedule |
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| Optional Plan | An optional “Deep Plan” is available for an additional fee of +2,000 yen per person. This extended experience takes approximately 90 minutes in total. |
| Language | Japanese |
| Participants | Min 2 / Max 30 people |
| Meeting Place |
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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
- Tuesday to Saturday,
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