Immerse in the rich colors of a Tokyo textile tradition led by a master for over 50 years
2.5 hour private experience
Location: Koto-ku, Tokyo
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 master’s workshop and learn more about Tokyo mujizome. Learn about the history of the workshop, and get a glimpse of the work of the master. Then, use handmade wooden kata created by the master to create your own patterned fabric (cotton, silk available on request). Finally, hand dye your cloth to a mujizome color of your choice and take the work home with you.
What’s included
Hand-dyed cotton tenugui
Who can attend
Children must be 10+
What to wear
Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty
Availability
Monday to Friday
Session 1 (09:30 - 12:00)
Session 2 (13:30 - 16:00)
Unavailable on national holidays
Access
2 minutes walk from Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station
10 minutes by car from Tokyo Station
Plain and Simple
A longstanding dyeing tradition with more than a millennium of history, the origins of mujizome dyeing are said to have sprung from ancient vegetable and plant-based dyeing methods, reflecting the very colors of nature. The arrival of Buddhism in the 6th century brought the vibrant colors of Japanese indigo and benibana red, and then during the Edo period, a vibrant purple known as edomurasaki, diversifying the colors favored in the craft. To create these colors accurately, artisans must refine a highly-trained eye, carefully hand dip dyeing the white ittan fabric with their own blend of color, a testament to true precision. And although colors and tastes have changed over the course of Japanese history, mujizome has remained steadfast, with the artisans adjusting to the colors of the times. Since its founding in 1951, this workshop has meticulously created mujizome for kimono, but with the changing of garment needs, this second-generation master has expanded to include dyeing of daily use items, such as tenugui and scarves, as well as creating patterns with wooden kata of various shapes. In this central Tokyo dyeing studio, design your own unique tenugui textile and take a swatch of the ancient art of mujizome dyeing home with you.
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.