1 Day in Chikugo : A traditional indigo dyeing experience from Japan’s Edo Period (Part 2)

Kurume Kasuri is a unique type of textile invented in Fukuoka. It uses completely natural indigo dyes that achieve the deep colors of other Japanese indigo products; however, rather than dyeing the cloth itself, bundles of cotton thread are dyed in the indigo vats. Because the dye cannot reach each individual fiber of the bundled threads, the threads are produced with patterns of white and blues, which when woven together, create uniquely beautiful patterns in the finished cloth. In its prime, Kurume Kasuri was used to make durable clothing for the common people, and today we see it making a comeback in stylish accessories and products made for modern lifestyles.

This tour introduces an indigo dyeing studio fusing traditional and modern styles and preserving the Kurume Kasuri textile making craft through a new generation of artisans. You'll also sample cuisine at a restaurant incorporating Yame's famous tea into its dishes in unique ways, stroll in a shrine popular for good fortune and happiness, and stay in modern luxury at a Japanese inn with a relaxing onsen hot springs bath.

Days required

1 Day
Transport Options

Taxi / Car / Public transportation

Itinerary features

9:00 Departure from Hakata Station
10:30 Arrival at Chikugo-Funagoya Station
10:40 Indigo Dyeing Experience at Kurume Kasuri Ikeda Kasuri kobo
14:10 Lunch at Ushijima Seicha Chikugo Keyaki-dori Street Shop
15:20 Stroll around Mizuta Tenmangu Shrine and Koinoki Shrine

START

9:00 Departure from Hakata Station

Transportation：Train
Time required：90 min

10:30 Arrival at Chikugo-Funagoya Station

Transportation：Walk
Time required：10 min

10:40 Indigo Dyeing Experience at Kurume Kasuri Ikeda Kasuri kobo

Experience the beauty of natural indigo dyeing at this workshop with a history of over 100 years in Chikugo. Artisans will guide you in creating your own unique patterns on a t-shirt, canvas bag, or other small items which you can complete in about an hour. Browse the gallery to see and purchase other items created by the local master craftsmen who specialize in this traditional art form.

English available

Basic Information
Address 1840, Hisadomi, Chikugo City, Fukuoka

Address	1840, Hisadomi, Chikugo City, Fukuoka

Address		1840, Hisadomi, Chikugo City, Fukuoka

Transportation：Taxi
Time required：30 min

14:10 Lunch at Ushijima Seicha Chikugo Keyaki-dori Street Shop

This cafe is run by a shop specializing in Yame tea, one of the finest green teas in Japan. The "Handmade Yame Matcha Pudding Parfait" and "Yame Matcha Aphogade" are made with luxurious Yame matcha, the tea of choice for matcha lovers. Please enjoy Yame tea sweets delivered by a creator who understands the heart of tea leaves.

Japanese support only.
If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for free multilingual support calls.
< TRAVEL SUPPORT Kyushu/Yamaguchi CALL CENTER >+81-92-687-6639

Basic Information
Address 405-4, Tsue, Yame City, Fukuoka

Address	405-4, Tsue, Yame City, Fukuoka

Address		405-4, Tsue, Yame City, Fukuoka

Transportation：Taxi
Time required：10 min

15:20 Stroll around Mizuta Tenmangu Shrine and Koinoki Shrine

Built in 1226, the shrine has a long history of attracting visitors looking for love. It is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to Koi-no-mikoto, the god of love, and you'll find love is in the air with heart-shaped amulets and decorations on the torii gate and within the shrine itself.

Japanese only.