This immersive program offers a unique opportunity to explore the treasures of Arimatsu, a town recognized as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and a Japan Heritage site. Known for its rich history in shibori dyeing, Arimatsu is a place full of surprises and discoveries.

To help you truly appreciate its charm, this introductory course takes you inside the heart of the local industry. You will visit an artisan’s workshop—normally inaccessible to the public—and experience the traditional craft of shibori dyeing by creating your own hand-dyed tenugui (Japanese hand towel).

Highlights of the Experience

• Visit an artisan’s workshop that is usually not open to the public.
• Explore the oldest existing workshop in Arimatsu.
• Learn about the history and origins of the Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori tradition.
• Experience shibori dyeing using the Sekka Shibori (snowflake tie-dye) technique and create two original tenugui (Japanese hand towels).
• Take home your beautifully hand-dyed tenugui as a special souvenir.

Program Schedule

① Visit to the Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Museum

Participants will meet on the first floor of the Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori Museum, which serves as the reception area.

Learn how Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori originated and has been passed down through generations. Inside the museum, skilled artisans will demonstrate their craft. You’ll not only watch their precise and fluid hand movements but also have the opportunity to speak with them directly.

※ Admission fee is included in the participation cost.

② Strolling Through the Historic Shibori Town

Walk along the former Tokaido Road, lined with charming historic buildings and long-established shops. Some of these buildings may feel a bit intimidating to enter alone, but with a group, you’ll have the chance to step inside and explore!

You might even hear interesting stories from shop owners about the unique relationship between Shibori dyeing and the architecture of Arimatsu.

③ Factory Tour: Arimatsu Kogei

Visit Arimatsu Kogei, the oldest existing shibori workshop in Arimatsu.

Mr. Hamajima, the workshop’s representative, will personally share the history of the factory.

Did you know that this factory was the first in Arimatsu to introduce a special machine or equipment for XXXXX? (Join the tour to find out what it is!)

④ Hand-Dyeing Experience: Shibori Tenugui

Try your hand at Itajime Shibori, a folding technique similar to origami, to create your own hand-dyed tenugui (Japanese hand towel).

Choose from three colors: blue, pink, or green. The patterns and colors will be selected at the workshop.

In this experience, you will create two tenugui to take home as your own handmade souvenirs.

⑤ Group Photo & Dismissal

Hold up your freshly dyed Arimatsu Shibori tenugui and take a group photo together!

The program will conclude on-site after the photo session.