2 hour private experience
Location: Kunigami District, Okinawa
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Step into the workshop of a professional bashofu weaver. See where the ito-basho plants are grown, then learn about the production process of bashofu. Finally, under the guidance of the weaving master, tie together and craft a portion of the string used for weaving the bashofu textile.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (09:30 - 11:30)
Session 2 (13:00 - 15:00)
Session 3 (15:00 - 17:00)
Due to the summer heat, bookings between June and October may be difficult to accommodate.
Who can attend
Children must be 10+
Access
1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Tied Together with Heritage
Said to be the textile that best represents the culture and traditions of Okinawa, the bashofu textile is made from the fibers of the ito-basho plant, closely related to the banana plant. With records of its production dating back to the 13th century, this more than 800-year-old Okinawa tradition textile was woven to be worn by all members of Okinawan society, from members of the royal family of the Ryuku Kingdom to the common people. The fabric, with its breathable texture, was the perfect material for the humid climate of Okinawa. With its complete 23 steps all done by hand, bashofu is a craft that flows in reverse to the modernization of traditional art and craft. It was nearly lost in the Pacific War, but was brought back from the brink of extinction by the late Toshiko Taira, a Living National Treasure who devoted herself to the revival and preservation of the craft. At this bashofu workshop, learn about the history and importance of bashofu from one of Toshiko's apprentices, now an independent weaver with a studio of his own. Then, try your hand at the thread-making portion of the bashofu production process, under the guidance of the weaving master. Take home a piece of Okinawa's more than 800-year-old heritage, bringing the past into the present.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
