Authentic Traditional Cultural Experiences in Tokyo: Discover the Art and Joy of Traditional Dyeing
In this sixth part of our series on Authentic Traditional Cultural Experiences in Tokyo, we introduce the Dyeing Studio. Here’s an overview of what you can gain from this unique experience.
As of November 8, 2024, our tours have received an impressive average rating of 4.93 out of 5 (equivalent to 98.7 out of 100). This high level of satisfaction reflects the “something special” that participants feel they gain from our tours. We believe that the comments in our “Users’ Voices” section reflect this “something special” and how it connects to a sense of happiness for our guests. Here’s a summary of what each tour offers to bring that sense of happiness to you.
The dyeing experience is featured as one of the “The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku” by the Shinjuku City Tourism and Industry Division. The city of Shinjuku also highly recommends it as an experience that is not to be missed.
No.6 Dyeing Studio
What You Will Gain from This Tour
Learn about the history of dyeing in Shinjuku, one of Japan’s three major dyeing centers alongside Kyoto and Kanazawa, from an “A Master of Traditional Craft” with the highest distinction in Japanese craftsmanship.
Discover core Japanese concepts like “Wabi-Sabi” and “Iki” through Edo Komon patterns.
Gain insights into kimono history, depth, and design through Edo Sarasa textiles.
The dyeing experience involves creating either Edo Komon or Edo Sarasa. Edo Komon is available on tote bags at Tomita Sen Kogei, while Edo Sarasa is offered as silk stoles at Tomita Sen Kogei or as tablecloths at Some no Sato Ochiai.
Edo Komon: The Art of Intricate Patterns and the Essence of Iki
Edo Komon is a form of stencil-dyeing known for its intricate, small patterned designs. Originating in the Edo period, it was first used on samurai attire, especially for Kamishimo formal wear. Over time, the designs evolved with more playful patterns that became popular among townspeople. From a distance, Edo Komon appears solid-colored, but up close, you can see the entire fabric covered with delicate patterns, embodying the concept of Iki, a refined aesthetic unique to Edo (Tokyo).
Edo Sarasa: The Journey of Indian Textiles to Japan and the Subtle Beauty of Wabi-Sabi
Edo Sarasa traces its roots to Indian textiles known as sarasa, which were introduced to Japan through Nagasaki and Kyoto in western Japan. While Kyoto’s Kyo Sarasa is known for its bright, colorful patterns, Edo Sarasa is more subdued, reflecting a sophisticated beauty. This distinct quality stems from the local water used for dyeing. While Kyoto has soft water, Shinjuku’s Kanda River, central to Tokyo’s dyeing industry, provides hard water with a high iron content, creating the unique tones associated with Edo Sarasa. This refined color scheme harmonizes beautifully with the Japanese aesthetic ideals of Wabi-Sabi.
Experience Iki and Wabi-Sabi in Tokyo: Hands-On Dyeing and Cultural Activities to Deepen Your Understanding of Japanese Aesthetics
Through this dyeing experience, you will learn about these defining qualities of the Japanese spirit, Iki and Wabi-Sabi. Many foreign visitors head to Kyoto’s temple gardens to understand the Japanese mindset through rock gardens, but here in Shinjuku, in central Tokyo, you can experience these qualities firsthand using your own hands and eyes. Alongside your rock garden visit in Kyoto, why not add a dyeing experience in Tokyo to your travel itinerary?
In addition, our Zen meditation, Kumihimo braiding, tea ceremony, and samurai sword training experiences provide excellent ways to explore Japanese values. These activities allow you to enjoy and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Please consider these options as well.
Tour Details
Tablecloth Dyeing
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Location: Some no Sato Ochiai, nearest stations are Nakai Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line and Ochiai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
Price: 15,000 yen per person (non-private, includes a 1,000 yen voucher). Please inquire for private bookings.
Age Requirement: Ages 6 and above
Booking Period: Next-day bookings available
Accessibility: Due to steps in the workshop, wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed.
Tote Bag Dyeing
Tour Duration: 1 hour (includes a workshop tour)
Location: Tokyo Some Monogatari Museum, nearest stations are Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Takadanobaba Station on the JR Line.
Price: 14,000 yen per person (non-private). Please inquire for private bookings.
Age Requirement: Ages 6 and above
Booking Period: Next-day bookings available
Accessibility: Due to steps in the workshop, wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed.
Silk Stole Dyeing
Tour Duration: 2 hours (includes a workshop tour)
Location: Tokyo Some Monogatari Museum, nearest stations are Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Takadanobaba Station on the JR Line.
Price: 35,000 yen per person (includes 20,000 yen for the silk material). Non-private; please inquire for private bookings.
Age Requirement: Ages 6 and above
Booking Period: Next-day bookings available
Accessibility: Due to steps in the workshop, wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed.
Meeting Point for All Dyeing Tours
The meeting location will be determined in consultation with the customer. Hotel pickup is also available for an additional fee.
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