Stroll Historical Fukuoka with a Hakata-ori Craftsperson (1.5hrs)
Hakata-ori is a silk textile tradition that has been passed down in Hakata for almost 800 years. The technology came from China around the year 1235 and was then developed in Hakata. The first Hakata-ori was used as an offering to the shogunate during the Edo Period. In this program, you will explore the Old Town—which once flourished in the heart of Hakata, Japan’s largest trading port, and contributed to the city’s development—with a Hakata-ori craftsperson, visit temples and museums, and learn the history of Hakata-ori. Afterwards, observe the actual weaving of Hakata-ori by a craftsman. A small souvenir of upcycled Hakata-ori made by a young craftsman is included.
- ● Hakata-ori-themed walking tour of Hakata Old Town with a Hakata-ori craftsperson
- ● Visit Jotenji Temple, the birthplace of Hakata-ori
- ● See the Hakatamachiya Furusatokan, a relocated Hakata-ori weaving space from the Meiji Era
- ● Receive a small Hakata-ori souvenir made by young artisans
- ● Shop at Maison Hakoshima, a store filled with Fukuoka’s handicrafts
- Keisuke ObataHakata-ori craftsman
- Studied fashion at a junior college of art in the United States, and at Bunka Fashion College Tokyo. After working as a clothing designer, he studied Hakata-ori at the Hakata-ori Development College. In addition to his current work as a Hakata-ori craftsman, he is a Associate Professor at the Koran Women’s Junior College Comprehensive Studies for Fashion Department.
- Asuka HazamaHakata-ori craftsman
- Studied design and craft fields in high school and college. After graduating from college, enrolled in Hakataori DC, hoping to be involved in traditional crafts in Fukuoka.
She has finished graduate school and is now producing her own work.
Jotenji Temple, the Birthplace of Hakata-ori
A 7-minute walk from Hakata Station, Jotenji is a Zen Buddhist temple opened by Enni Benin in the year 1242. In 1235, together with Yazaemon Mitsuta, a merchant from Hakata, Benen traveled to Song Dynasty China, and after bringing its weaving technology back to Japan, Hakata-ori was born. It is said that the tokko and flower tray patterns (two of Hakata-ori’s signature kenjogara patterns) can also be attributed to Benen. As you take your first step from the busy city onto the temple grounds, a quiet unfolds around you, and you can enjoy its Japanese garden and rock garden.
Hakatamachiya Furusatokan, a Relocated Hakata-Ori Weaving Studio
Hakatamachiya Furusatokan is located next to Kushida Shrine, famous for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. The museum introduces life in Hakata from the Meiji to Taisho Eras. The machiya townhouse building is a relocated reconstruction of the residence of a Hakata-ori manufacturer and weaving workshop built in the late 1880s, and it is one of Fukuoka’s Designated Cultural Properties. In the museum, there are exhibitions displaying Hakata-ori designs and tools, the process of creating fabric from threads, as well as Hakata-ori looms of various sizes.
Maison Hakoshima: A Hakata-ori Workshop in Gokusho-machi
Much like Kyoto and Nara, Hakata Old Town is home to many shrines and temples. The Old Town is an area that includes Jotenji Temple, the birthplace of Hakata-ori; Tochoji Temple, founded by Kobo Daishi; and Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple. Visit Maison Hakoshima, a Hakata-ori workshop in the heart of Gokusho-machi. Hakata-ori craftsmen use the loom inside the workshop daily to weave textiles. The annex shop contains Kyushu handicrafts curated by Mai Hayashi, a designer based in Fukuoka.
Walking Tour of Old Town and Weaving Workshop
Walk around Hakata Old Town with a Hakata-ori craftsperson. Visit Jotenji Temple, the birthplace of Hakata-ori, and the reconstructed Hakatamachiya Furusatokan. At the Hakatamachiya Furusatokan, visitors will observe the actual weaving process by craftspeople. You might be surprised by the distinct tapping rhythm of the loom, a noise more forceful than what you would expect from looking at the delicate patterns of Hakata-ori fabrics.
| Tour code | GFFK01 |
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| Dates | 13:30~ |
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Schedule |
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| Languages | Japanese ●Supplementary explanations in English via translation device or lecture board can be provided upon request. Please make a note in the message box during registration to request this service.※An English interpreter can also be arranged for an additional fee. Please contact UNA Laboratories for more details. |
| Participants | Minimum 2 / Maximum 6 |
| Meeting Place |
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| Reservation Deadline | 46 days before the start of the tour
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| Payment Method | Advance payment at the time of reservation (VISA, Mastercard, Amex, JCB) |
| Attire | Please wear comfortable walking clothes and shoes. |
| Please Note |
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| Cancellation Policy | 3 to 1 day(s) preceding the tour start date: 50% 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
- ※Tours held by request. Please send us your preferred dates using the inquiry form.
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Recommended Age
- Suitable for All Ages
- Price
- 5,800yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- ※A small Hakata-ori souvenir is included
※Guests under 12 can accompany a parent or guardian on the walking tour for free.