Indigo Dye a Japanese Tenugui Cloth at Tanaka Kasuri Kobo
Workshop Visit and Cloth Dyeing (1-1.5hrs)
Kurume Kasuri has a history of over 200 years stemming from southern Fukuoka Prefecture. Tanaka Kasuri Kobo in Chikugo City is one of the few remaining kasuri weavers who continue the traditional practice of dyeing with indigo and hand-weaving their products. Under the guidance of Toshihiro Tanaka, the fourth-generation head of Tanaka Kasuri Kobo, you can experience indigo dyeing using the workshop's own indigo vats. Dye a Japanese tenugui cloth in the pattern of your choice. This introductory course is recommended for those interested in learning more about Kurume Kasuri and want to try indigo dyeing themselves.
- ● Observe the technique of creating traditional indigo-dyed, hand-woven Kurume Kasuri
- ● Experience the fermentation of indigo and see the beautiful color change before your eyes
- ● Dye a Japanese "tenugui" cloth (provided)
- ● Work and talk directly with the artisan to deepen your understanding of Kurume Kasuri
- ● After the experience, browse and purchase Tanaka Kasuri Kobo’s kasuri products (optional)
- Mamiko Tanaka 田中麻実子3rd generation head of Aika Tanaka Kasuri Kobo
- Mamiko Tanaka is a member of the Kurume Kasuri Association of Important Intangible Cultural Property Holders. She is qualified in indigo dyeing, tying, and weaving to make Kurume Kasuri that meets the requirements for designation as an Important Intangible Cultural Property.
“Kurume Kasuri, which started in the late Edo period, has a history of over 200 years. The craft has evolved with the times and is passed down even today. I want to introduce people to this traditional craft, the 30 fundamental processes that have remain unchanged, and the captivating beauty of the threads."
- Toshihiro Tanaka 田中稔大4th generation head of Aika Tanaka Kasuri Kobo
- Born in 1983, Toshihiro graduated from Kyushu Sangyo University, Zokei Junior College of Art and Design in 2003. Since then, he has been producing natural, indigo-dyed, hand-woven Kurume Kasuri along with his father, Hiroshi Tanaka. Toshihiro also runs itoe - a Kurume Kasuri textile brand, and KASASAGI COFFEE, a hand-ground, self-roasted coffee shop.
Kurume Kasuri: One of the Three Major Kasuri Styles in Japan
Kasuri is a textile weaving technique where pre-dyed threads (either the warp, weft, or both) are used to create patterns in woven fabric. The kasuri technique is said to have originated in India before spreading throughout the world, entering Japan first through Okinawa. Kurume Kasuri is a kasuri fabric from the former Kurume domain (Hirokawa, Chikugo, Yame, etc.) and was invented in 1800 by a girl named Den Inoue. While less than 20 weavers in the area remain today, the area is characterized by the wide range of techniques that are used – from traditional hand-weaving and indigo-dyeing to power-driven shuttle loom weaving.
When Exposed to Oxygen, the Material Turns a Beautiful Indigo Blue
In the first half of the tour, prepare your material for the indigo dyeing experience. Reference dyed samples or come up with an original pattern by combining different tying, folding, and clamping techniques. After the preparations are complete, move to the dyeing space where a line of indigo vats is situated in the ground. Enjoy the excitement of seeing the indigo-dyed fabric change from brown to blue before your eyes as it is exposed to oxygen. photos: Marisa Tashima
KASASAGI COFFEE
KASASAGI COFFEE is a small coffee shop that was opened in 2024 by Tanaka-san, the fourth-generation head of Tanaka Kasuri Kobo. Located adjacent to the indigo workshop, step through the beautiful indigo noren curtain into a warm space. This is a spot where local coffee lovers gather to enjoy a cup crafted from carefully roasted beans. Of the days the indigo experience is offered, Saturday is when the cafe is open as well. Stop by if you have the chance! KASASAGI COFFEE Instagram
Experience a World of Artisanship at Craft Inn 手 [té]
Located in Yame close to Tanaka Kasuri Kobo (20 minutes by car), is Craft Inn 手 [té], an inn operated by UNA Laboratories that was renovated from a traditional Japanese building. From the furniture to the fixtures, bath, and decorations, every aspect of the inn highlights the craftsmanship of local artisans. An overnight stay at Craft Inn 手 [té] paired with a craft tour is a great way to experience the spirit of Kyushu and its craftspeople! Learn more about Craft Inn 手 [té] and reserve a room here.
| Tour Code | GFHK07 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues: 10:00-, 13:00- Tours held by request. Please send us your desired dates using the inquiry form. We will check availability and get back to you. |
| Duration | 1-1.5 hours |
| Schedule |
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| Meeting Place |
 Parking lot  Workshop entrance |
| Language | Japanese |
| Participants | Minimum 2 / Maximum 6 (1 person can participate if the price for 2 is paid) |
| Reservation Deadline | Up to five days before the tour
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| Payment Method | Advance payment by credit card (VISA, Master, Amex, JCB) using a form once the request has been confirmed. |
| Attire |
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| Notes |
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| Cancellation Policy | 3 to 1 day(s) preceding the tour start date: 50% of the tour fee Before departure on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour fee No-show without prior notification or cancellation after the start of tour: 100% of the tour fee |
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
- Dates
- Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues: 10:00~, 13:00~
Tours held by request. Please send us your desired date using the inquiry form. We will check availability and get back to you.
- Duration
- 1-1.5 hours
- Recommended Age
- Suitable for All Ages
- Price
- 6,000yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- * 1 person can participate if the price for 2 is paid
* Material fee included
* Participants under 12 years old: 3,000 yen