A Hands-On Experience with Artisans From the Only Factory in Japan Still Preserving Local Traditions of Spinning, Dyeing and Weaving Ina Tsumugi Pongee Fabric
The kimono is famed worldwide as a symbol of Japan. Silk kimono, which are soft to the touch and have a gorgeous luster, are extremely precious to Japanese people.
In this special program, guests participate in a unique, hands-on tour led by the Managing Director of the factory, and try out weaving firsthand under the guidance of a weaver at the only remaining workshop that still performs the spinning, dyeing and weaving of Ina Tsumugi – a local, traditional silk fabric used for making kimono – which is one type of Shinshu Tsumugi (tsumugi made in Nagano Prefecture – designated as one of Japan’s national traditional handcrafts).
Ina Tsumugi is a textile woven from a mixture of raw silk, dupion silk, and silk wadding. It is a fabric that is very time and labor-intensive to weave. Local, naturally pigmented plants are used as part of the dyeing process. These lengthy techniques produce high-quality textiles with a deep luster – it is said that no two pieces have the same texture and color.
Komakane City in Nagano Prefecture, located at the foot of Japan’s two alpine ranges, has long been a center for sericulture (the farming of silkworms). We hope that guests will be mesmerized by the wonder of Japanese silk textiles and kimono culture through interaction with the people and places that preserve this rare, regional traditional craft.
Culture/Activity
・Learn more about silk fabrics and kimono from Ina Tsumugi Pongee, one of the types of Shinshu Tsumugi, which is designated as a traditional Japanese craft!
・This is a special program, guests participate in a unique, hands-on tour led by the Managing Director of the factory, and try out weaving firsthand under the guidance of a weaver at the only remaining workshop that still performs the spinning, dyeing and weaving of Ina Tsumugi. (NOTE: Each group will take turns weaving up to two vase mats.)
・After the weaving experience, please enjoy conversation with the managing director over a cup of tea and local Japanese sweets.
・Products of Ina Tsumugi Pongee are available for purchase at the workshop.
26,500JPY~ for 2ppl
19,600JPY~ for 3ppl
17,500JPY~ for 4ppl
14,000JPY~ for 5ppl
13,500JPY~ for 6ppl
Heartland Japan
09:00/14:00
(The time can be arranged according to your request. The activity duration is approx. 150 min, depending on the total number of participants)
Between 09:00 ~ 14:00
(Your itinerary can be arranged according to your request.)
Meet at Komagane Station (JR Iida Line) → Walk to Kubota Factory → Special factory tour led by Management Director → Hands-on weaving experience guided by a weaver → Friendly chat with Management Director (enjoy Japanese green tea and local sweets!) → Walk to Komagane Station, end of program.
Komagane Station (JR Iida Line)
Komagane Station (JR Iida Line)
[Parking: Available: 130 JPY per hour per standard passenger car]
Year-round
No restriction
3 weeks prior
Minimum 2 Maximum 6
Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be moving your arms and legs during the weaving experience.
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This is an indoor and relaxing program.
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No skills are necessary. Even if you are new to Japanese weaving, you will be carefully guided by a weaver, so please relax and enjoy yourself.
Workshop tour fee, hands-on weaving experience fee, English guide fee
Transportation to/from the meeting point, insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country), anything else not specifiedin “what is included” above.
(bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the participants)
During the experience, weavers may be concentrating on weaving. Please be considerate not to interfere their work.
[Cancellation at customer’s convenience]
-8 to 20 days prior 20%
-2 to 7 days prior 30%
-Day before 40%
-Same day/No show 100%
[Cancellation at the discretion of the organizer]
-In the case of stormy or freezing weather, departure cancelation will be determined the day before
and contact will be made only if the tour is canceled. In the case that the activity is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, no cancellation fee is required.