open factory

【Fukuoka / Yame】

Shimogawa Orimono Workshop Tour (90 minutes)

Reliable craftsmanship supports the workshop's enterprising spirit
Threads dyed in a vibrant array of colors
The workshop reflects Shimogawa’s long history
Three generations of the Shimogawa family carry on the craft
Skilled artisans carefully arrange and weave the threads one by one

Shimogawa Orimono is a Kurume Kasuri weaving house that was founded in 1948. Today, it is the only remaining Kurume Kasuri workshop in Yame City. The son of third-generation head Kyozo Shimogawa recently joined the workshop, and three generations of the family now work together to create Kasuri textiles. In addition to activities in Japan, the workshop actively collaborates with artists and designers from around the globe, including Finland and Sweden, producing a wide range of innovative works.
A distinctive feature of the Shimogawa Orimono's workshop tour is the presentation by Kyozo Shimogawa on the workshop’s past activities and vision for the future. This tour is recommended for visitors who want to gain deeper insight into Kurume Kasuri and the craft of textile making.

  • ● See one motor driving 20 belt-powered looms
  • ● Listen to third-generation head Kyozo Shimogawa’s lecture on his vision for the future of Kurume Kasuri
  • ● View a collection of past collaborative works with artists and designers
  • ● Purchase Kurume Kasuri fabrics by the meter from a large stock of textiles
  • ● Receive a document that introduces all of the processes involved in Kurume Kasuri production as a souvenir
Kyozo ShimogawaThird Generation, Shimogawa Orimono
Kyozo Shimogawa is the third-generation head of Shimogawa Orimono, a Kurume Kasuri weaving house founded in 1948. After graduating from university, he decided at the age of 22 to take over the family business and dedicated himself to mastering the techniques of Kurume Kasuri weaving. While respecting tradition, he has never been bound by convention, and he has striven to actively develop original designs and explore new sales channels. He was also an early adopter of social media and video platforms to share the craft of Kurume Kasuri, and today the workshop has numerous followers all over the world.
Program Details

Traditional Craftsmanship Meets a Vision for the Future

When you enter the Shimogawa Orimono workshop, you will immediately notice countless belts running overhead. Here, power from a single motor mounted on the ceiling is transmitted through these belts to operate 20 looms. Even in the Kurume Kasuri production region, where many older looms still remain, workshops that continue to use this belt-driven system are now extremely rare.
While preserving these old methods of manufacturing, Shimogawa Orimono is also actively undertaking new endeavors with the future of Kurume Kasuri in mind. One example is its collaborations with brands and artists both in Japan and overseas. After the workshop tour, visitors can hear Kyozo Shimogawa speak about his vision for the future of Kurume Kasuri.
*Note: You may not be able to see every process listed below on the day of your visit.

A workshop lined with belts connected to a ceiling-mounted motor

Third-generation head Kyozo Shimogawa gives a lecture on Kurume Kasuri

The belt-driven looms move slowly, creating a texture close to hand-woven fabric

A collaboration with an artist from Finland

Shopping and Souvenirs

A Space Filled with Shimogawa Orimono’s Fabrics

After the workshop tour, visitors are invited to explore the gallery exhibits and browse Kurume Kasur clothing, accessories, and cut fabrics. You can also purchase Kurume Kasuri fabrics by the meter. With a large stock including solid colors, stripes, checks, and classic Kasuri patterns, choosing your favorite design may feel a bit like searching for hidden treasure.
As a souvenir of your visit, you will receive a document that introduces all of the processes involved in Kurume Kasuri production.

Displays of major patterns from different eras reveal the history of kasuri design

Find your favorite fabric and purchase it by the meter

Original kasuri textiles created for an international sporting event

Colorful clothing and accessories on display

Tour Code

GFHK_OF04
Dates

Monday-Saturday　10:00 AM〜、13:00 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 90 minutes
Schedule

9:55/12:55
Meet at Shimogawa Orimono

10:00/13:00

Introduction、Tour of the workshop

With explanations from Kyozo Shimogawa, explore the Kurume Kasuri production process

Tour Details｜Weaving／Gallery／Lecture


11:30/14:30

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 20 people
*For groups of 20 or more, please contact us for further information.(tour@unalabs.jp)
Meeting Place
Shimogawa Orimono
1111-2 Tsunoe, Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture 〒834-0024
※ For those arriving by car, please park in the “No. 0.0” parking lot in front of the Shimogawa Textile workshop. For information on how to get to the workshop from the parking lot, please refer to the information here.
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-, 13:00PM-
*Tours held by request
Duration
90 minutes
Recommended Age
Any age
Price
4,000yen (tax included)
Remarks
*Includes exclusive tour benefits
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