Weave together history and craft, led by a family of award-winning artisans
2 hour private experience
Location: Itoman City, Okinawa
You will be accompanied by a friendly guide who will provide interpretation in English.
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
Learn about the history and techniques of Ryukyu shuri-ori weaving from descendants of a National Living Treasure weaver. See the creation of woven shuri-ori fabric right before your eyes, and even get the chance to try some hands-on weaving. Feel the thriving culture of this over 500-year-old craft.
Who can attend
Children must be 10+
Availability
Monday to Friday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (15:00 - 17:00)
Unavailable every weekends and holidays.
Access
15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Stitch by Stitch
With intricate patterns, a variation of colors and motifs, and influences from both international and Indigenous sources, shuri-ori is one of the defining textiles of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A dynasty with origins over 500 years ago, Ryukyu established flourishing trade with neighboring regions, resulting in the importation of various weaving techniques and materials that led to envigorating innovations to the nation's culture, from the historical usage of Thai rice when making awamori alcohol to the various architectural influences on the kingdom's castles. Unlike other types of textile produced in mainland Japan, which generally divides the production of labor into different specialists, shuri-ori artisans complete all steps themselves by hand, working on the same fabric from start to finish. It was also a craftmanship completed and prized by the aristocratic women, from the royal and samurai families, with even the queens expected to weave shuri-ori textiles of high caliber. Enter the studio of a family of shuri-ori artisans, descendants of a former National Living Treasure credited for assisting to keep the craft alive following the physical and cultural destruction caused to Okinawa by World War II, and learn more about this regal cultural craft that's adorned the people of Okinawa for countless generations.
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.
