Create colorful designs with natural dyes in an art tied to Hokkaido fishing culture
1 hour private experience
Location: Asahikawa, Hokkaido
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
Tour the artisan’s studio and learn about the studio’s history, as well as the history of honzome in Hokkaido. Get a glimpse of work being done in the studio and observe the artisan in action. Then, choose from several color options to dye a pre-selected design of your choice. Finally, under guidance of the artisan, apply the dye to your chosen design on the textile.
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
What to wear/bring
Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty
Availability
Monday to Saturday
Session 1 (10:00 - 11:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 15:00)
Not available on national holidays
Access
15 min taxi ride from Asahikawa station
From Brush to Waves
Flying high above the waves, the brightly colored tairyo-bata, or traditional Japanese fisherman’s flags, once signaled the arrival of a big catch to port. Now, they are for ceremonial or festive purposes, honoring not just a great haul of fish but also marriage, the birth of a child, and retirement. In Asahikawa, these brilliantly colored flags have been created using the traditional dyeing method of honzome, which utilizes natural plant-based dyes applies to patterns and outlines drawn with a special glue. Since its founding in 1898, this traditional honzome fabric dyeing studio have produced the brightly colored flags that adorn fishing boats in the waters off Hokkaido. Throughout the shop’s 120-year history, craftspeople with keen eyes and deft hands for curating the dynamic designs of the flags, have crafted them with care and pride. Specializing in the dyeing technique known as brush dyeing, these craftspeople have remained steadfast in preserving the traditional techniques in modern times. Try your hand at brush dyeing a textile with a pre-selected design of your chose to experience a piece of Hokkaido tradition.
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.
