"Where should I go to learn natural dyeing in Japan?"
I often get this question from natural dye lovers who is visiting Japan.
And I often think "I wish I could join them and share how enjoyable it is to visit dyeing studios in Kyoto together." So... I have been planning to organize a natural dyeing tour (or convention!) in Kyoto in Fall 2025.
Who is interested to join me? Message me to make sure you get official announcement.
The first one will be the test trip. It is a lot to figure out...!
I am from Kanasai area, Osaka and Kyoto. I'm fortunate to call Kyoto home, where I can connect with diverse artisans. Kyoto, renowned for its natural dyeing and Sake brewing, owes its craft to the soft clean well water. The city's artisans have a long history of serving royal families, shrines and temples for generations. These artisans have preserved their skills and protected their secret "recipes" from others. Unfortunately, these studios still don't accept any visitors. However, many new rising studios have been starting to offer hands-on learning experiences.
There are so many natural dyeing studios all over in Japan. I can only speak for wherever I have visited in Kansai area. Here are some of my favorite studios I have visited.
In 2015, I visited TEZOMEYA (hand dye shop) in Kyoto. Mr. Aoki is the very well known natural dyer and he published several natural dyeing books. I tried areca nuts dyeing and I learned so much from him. It seems like he moved to the new location since then, but it seems like he is having people over for the workshops.
TEZOME-YA
MITSURU KOUGEI Persimmon Dyeing Studio is located about one hour north from Kyoto City. You need a car to get there, but it's so worth to rent a car and visit Ohara. It is one of my favorite spot in Kyoto with gorgeous temples. Persimmon Dye is one of our very special traditional Japanese dye. Along with Indigo, you don't have to mordant. The gorgeous brown to black color is one of my favorite color of all time.
MITSURUÂ KOUGEI
OHARA Studio is also located in Ohara. Not only you can experience dyeing but also you can request learnings spinning and weaving. I tried cotton spinning and dyeing there, and I learned spinning was not for me... (It was so hard!) I don't know they speak English, but you can always ask and hey, you can use google translation!
OHARA Studio
I visited the indigo dyeing studio, MIYABI-ORI in 2015 as well. ORI means weaving. The studio has been working for weaving / kimono studios for a long time. When I visited there, many indigo dyers were dyeing long skeins of silk and cotton. It was just breathtaking to see gorgeous blue strings. The location is a bit off the grid from the center of Kyoto city. It is in Yamashina district in Kyoto. However, I was able to visit them with train, subway and a car ride! They offer variety of workshops to choose from such as half day, all day or just dyeing one handkerchief.
If you are "Indigo Heads", you have to visit Tokushima.
Tokushima is NOT in Kansai area, it is in Shikoku island. It is about 3 hours drive from Kyoto, Osaka. (Highly recommend to rent a car since everything is spread out in Tokushima. )
Tokushima has such a rich history of growing Persicaria tinctoria plants and its famous sukumo, fermented composted indigo.
Again, there are many indigo studios in Tokushima, but I loved my workshop experience at the Watanabe's studio. The very knowledgeable dyer showed me not only the process of dyeing, history, but also everything where they grow indigo plants and make sukumo. They have the beautiful catalog in English as well : )
***Make sure to visit the awesome hot spring spot, MISATO NO YU & Awagami paper factory where you can make washi paper and dye papers with indigo.
Watanabe's
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