Dye a Scarf in Indigo and Tour the Sakata Orimono Workshop (1.5 hrs)
Hirokawa is home to the largest number of remaining workshops that produce Kurume Kasuri, a nationally designated traditional handicraft. Sakata Orimono is a weaver who is passionately working to make Kasuri more accessible. Participants will observe the indigo-dyeing and hand-weaving process as well as the chemical-dyeing and machine-weaving process at Sakata Orimono. Additionally, they will design and dye their own Kurume Kasuri scarf in indigo.
- ● Visit Sakata Orimono, a workshop in Hirokawa, Yame founded in 1948
- ● Tour the weaving workshop and dyeing room and receive detailed explanations about the process
- ● Dye a cotton gauze scarf in indigo and create an original pattern
- ● Receive a coupon for the Sakata Cafe, where domestic and international kasuri fabrics can be experienced.
- Sakata Orimono 坂田織物 Kurume Kasuri Weaver
- Sakata Orimono is a Kurume Kasuri weaver in Hirokawa, Yame that was founded in 1948. In addition to creating traditional fabrics, the company is actively involved in promoting Kurume Kasuri through various efforts including launching its original brand, "tugu.", expanding overseas, accepting students and interns from Japan and abroad, and holding workshops. In 2022, Sakata Cafe opened on the premises as a place where people can see, touch, and enjoy Kurume Kasuri.
Kurume Kasuri: One of Japan’s Three Major Ikat Textiles
Kasuri is a weaving technique where pre-dyed yarn is used to create patterns in the warp or weft threads, or both. This technique, also known as ikat, is said to have originated in India and spread throughout the world, coming to Japan through Okinawa. Kurume Kasuri was invented around the year 1800 by a young girl named Den Inoue, a weaver from the former Kurume feudal domain (what is now an area in southern Fukuoka Prefecture that contains towns such as Hirokawa, Chikugo, and Yame). Though there used to be over 300 Kurume Kasuri weavers, today less than 20 remain. These makers employ a wide range of techniques, from traditional hand weaving and indigo dyeing, to production that uses power shuttle looms — this diversity in production a defining characteristic of the modern Kurume Kasuri craft.
Tour the Machine-Weaving and Indigo-Dyeing Work Spaces
Sakata Orimono is a unique weaving studio where visitors can observe indigo dyeing and hand weaving, and chemical dyeing and machine weaving guided by a workshop artisan.
Dye a Cotton Scarf Woven by Sakata Orimono in Indigo
Create your own indigo-dyed scarf using Kurume-Kasuri fabric woven by Sakata Orimono. Learn how to create different patterns including gradations, tie-dye, and stripes. The craftsman can help provide tips and advice depending on your pattern of choice.
Experience Japanese and International Kasuri at Sakata Cafe
After the experience, visitors can enjoy Sakata Cafe, a cafe and store on the premises. Coffee from the world’s kasuri production areas, “yarn” themed noodle lunch plates, and sweets such as shaved ice are also available. Visitors can purchase Kurume Kasuri clothing and accessories here as well.
＼Testimonials of Past Participants／
- ・It was so exciting to rinse the scarf I had made and see the beautiful colors appear.
- ・Since we had earphone guides, it was easy to listen to the explanations inside the workshop.
| Tour Code | GFHK07 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Monday-Sunday, 10:30~, 14:00~ ※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. *The Sakata Cafe is closed on Monday but workshop visits (not in operation) and experience tours are still possible. |
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Schedule |
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| Language | English *We can help arrange for an English interpreter (additional cost required). Please contact us if necessary: tour@unalabs.jp |
| Participants | Minimum 2/ Maximum 6 (1 person can participate if the price for 2 is paid) (For groups of 7 or more, contact tour@unalabs.jp) |
| Meeting Location |
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| Reservation Deadline | Up to 7 days before the start of the tour
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| Payment Method | Advance payment by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Amex, JCB) using a form once the request has been confirmed. |
| Attire | Please wear clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting dirty. |
| What to Bring | All the items necessary for the experience are provided. |
| 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 or cancellation after the start of the tour: 100% of the tour fee |
Travel Planning: Implementation
- Sakata Orimono Co., Ltd.
- 602 Nagano, Hirokawa-machi, Yame-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture 834-0006
- TEL. 0943-32-1402
- Business hours and days：
10:00〜17:00 Closed on Monday
Seller: Inquire
- 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
- Monday-Sunday, 10:30~, 14:00~.
Tours held by request.
※Sakata Cafe is closed on Monday but workshop visits (not in operation) and experience tours are still possible.
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Recommended Age
- Suitable for All Ages
- Price
- 10,500yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- *1 person can participate if the price for 2 is paid
■Included in the tour fee:
Plain cotton gauze scarf for dyeing (1), 10% off drink discount or a free drink with a lunch set order at Sakata Cafe