Pure indigo dyeing involves a fermentation process carried out by thousands of microorganisms. In addition to dyeing, this process requires careful management of the living indigo, a test of the skills and steadfastness of the craftsperson. Even among Kurume Kasuri makers, Aizome Kasuri Kobo deals in the most traditional indigo dyeing methods. In this program, first take an inside look at the workshop’s studio space before creating your own piece of art by dyeing cloth with indigo. Through this experience, enjoy the color of rich indigo blue itself.

A World of Indigo and Geometric Patterns

Aizome Kasuri Kobo is a Kurume Kasuri workshop located in Hirokawa, Fukuoka Prefecture that was established in 1891. There are two main types of Kurume Kasuri: the indigo dyed, hand woven type, and the chemical dyed, machine woven type. Even amongst weavers that use indigo dye and hand weaving methods, Aizome Kasuri Kobo places particular emphasis on valuing traditional methods. The workshop creates beautiful gradations in the indigo’s color by dyeing pieces over and over, sometimes more than 50 times. They also design geometric patterns through interpretations of traditional motifs, creating pieces with a charm unique to Aizome Kasuri Kobo. The workshop space itself is also beautifully decorated with seasonal plants and flowers.

Reference： Aizome Kasuri Kobo | JAPAN BLUE

The Pursuit of Chikugo Blue

Used all over the world, indigo is said to be the oldest dye known to humans. Even amongst indigos, the dye differs greatly by region. Aizome Kasuri Kobo values the colors and tones unique to Chikugo. When preparing indigo, Kensuke first burns sawtooth oak and adds its ashes to groundwater. Once the ash settles to the bottom, he extracts the top liquid and adds wheat bran and the ash of shells collected from the Ariake Sea, incorporating them all with the indigo to promote its fermentation.

〈Program Contents〉

Learn About Traditional Indigo Dyeing

In this experience, first learn about indigo dyeing and Kurume Kasuri in a room surrounded with the fabrics of Aizome Kasuri Kobo. Then tour the exquisite workshop to see the raw materials and indigo dyeing process for yourself.

Make and Take Home Your Own Indigo Blue

Create your own piece of fabric art, dyeing it with indigo in monochrome or in a gradation. Seeing the moment when brown indigo turns blue when exposed to air is like watching magic unfold before one’s eyes. After, head back to the fabric-filled workshop room to finish making your art. Also enjoy Yame tea and sweets prepared by Kensuke’s mother.

■Dates：10:30 AM〜、14:00 PM〜

＊ Tours held by request. Please send us your preferred date(s) through the inquiry form. Please submit your request for your preferred date and time, and we will let you know whether the workshop can accommodate your request.

■Price

Per person：16,000yen (tax included)

■Minimum 2＊1 person can participate if the price for 2 is paid　＊If you are participating alone, please select “For a single participant” from the pricing calendar.

■Maximum６　(For groups of 7 or more, contact tour@unalabs.jp)

＊When accompanied by an adult, children under 12 years old may participate:

・Workshop tour + experience: 10,000 yen

・Workshop tour only: Free

■Languages：Japanese

■Cancellation Policy：3 to 1 day(s) preceding the tour start date: 50% of the tour fee

Before departure on the tour start date: 100% of the tour fee

After the start of tour or no-show: 100% of the tour fee

Aizome Kasuri Kobo　241 Naganobu, Hirokawa, Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture 834-0105

*If traveling by public transportation:

Highway Bus: Approximately 60 minutes from Hakata Station or Tenjin Station to Hirokawa IC (Fukuoka <-> Kumamoto route on the Hinokuni-go Bus)

Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Hirokawa IC to the workshop.

*If traveling by car:

Approximately 1 hour from Hakata. Free parking is available.

Travel Planning: Implementation

UNA Laboratories Inc. (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Registration #2-951)

3-12-22-302 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0022

TEL: 092-982-7956E-MAIL: tour@unalabs.jp

Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors: Aya Tamura, Noriko Yahata, Rei Watanabe

Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays)

*Requests received outside of business hours will be processed the following business day.

*Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors are responsible for transactions held at the sales office that processes customers’ travel. Please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors with any questions or concerns regarding the travel contract.