Cultural Experience

Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome”

Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome”

Experience “Sho-Aizome,” one of Japan’s oldest indigo dyeing techniques, passed down in Kurihara City and designated an Intangible Cultural Property. This traditional method uses natural fermentation without heating. Due to the delicate process, the dyeing experience is available for a limited time in early summer (early June to early July). Participants create a one-of-a-kind piece by choosing between shibori-zome (tie-dyeing) or kata-zome (stencil dyeing).

Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work Learn and experience Japan’s oldest dyeing technique – “Sho-Aizome” image

Details

Plan Price

Please choose one experience:
■ Stole: from ¥5,250 to ¥15,750
Reference price: Silk stole ¥10,500
■ Handkerchief (Shibori dyeing or Katazome stencil dyeing): ¥2,100
■ Bandana (Shibori dyeing or Katazome stencil dyeing): ¥3,200
■ Tenugui towel (Shibori dyeing or Katazome stencil dyeing): ¥3,200

What’s Included
  • Experience Fee
  • Handling Fee
Not Included
  • Transportation costs,
  • Insurance Fee
  • personal expenses (e.g., beverages)
Set Dates

June 1st 2026 – July 15th 2026
*Except every Wednesday
*This program will be offered in future years as well.

Excluded Date

July 16th 2025 – May 31st 2026.
*Closed every Wednesday.

Time Length

Approximately 2 hours

Meeting Place&Time

[Meeting Place]
Island-Monji (103, Kajiya, Monji, Kurikoma, Kuihara City, Miyagi, Japan)

[Meeting Time]
Please arrive 15 minutes before requested start time

Map

Min. # of Participation

1 person

Max. # of Participants

6 people
*The shibori dyeing experience can accommodate up to 30 participants.

Supoported Languages

Japanese
*Please arrange for an interpreter if participants do not speak Japanese.

Plan Details

This program offers an opportunity to experience “Sho-Aizome,” one of Japan’s oldest indigo dyeing techniques, passed down in the Monji area of Kurikoma, Kurihara City.

Sho-Aizome is a traditional method of indigo dyeing that does not involve heating. Instead, indigo fermentation and dyeing are carried out using natural temperatures and wood ash as a mordant. Due to the delicate nature of the process, dyeing is only possible during a short period in early summer (from early June to early July). The resulting indigo color is known for its soft and gentle hue.

In 2010, this technique was officially designated as an Intangible Cultural Property by Miyagi Prefecture.

This traditional indigo dyeing experience is available exclusively through Island-Monji, a local preservation group. The program is offered for a limited time each year, allowing participants to engage with a traditional craft deeply rooted in the Monji community.

Course Details

Try your hand at Sho-Aizome, a traditional indigo dyeing technique said to be the oldest in Japan, passed down for generations in the Monji district of the Kurikoma area in Kurihara City.
This is the only place in Japan where you can experience Kurihara’s authentic indigo dyeing culture. Choose between shibori-zome (tie-dyeing) or kata-zome (stencil dyeing), and create your own one-of-a-kind piece.

– Experience Flow –
●Apply your favorite pattern to a handkerchief. For stencil dyeing, choose a stencil and apply glue to create the design.
●Dip the handkerchief into a vat of ai-mizu (indigo liquid) and gently move it in the water to let the dye absorb.
●Fan the fabric to expose it to air — as it oxidizes, the color gradually changes to blue.
●Finally, rinse the handkerchief in fresh river water. The moment the fabric instantly transforms into a brilliant blue is a highlight of the experience.

Necessary When making a reservation

1. Desired tour date and time

2. Name of Representative

3. Number of Participants

4. Contact Information of On-site Accompanying Person (must be reachable on the day)

5. Your preferred course
*For details of the experience, please refer to the ” Plan Price ” section.

Other(Notes)

•The shibori dyeing experience can accommodate up to 30 participants. Please note that the required time may be extended depending on the group size.

•For groups of 7 or more, we kindly ask participants to bring their own aprons and gloves if possible, as the number of available rentals is limited.

•A visit to the workshop of Mr. Chiba, who carries on the tradition of Sho-Ai　Hiyazome, may be arranged depending on your request and Mr. Chiba’s availability. Please note that an additional fee applies. For details, please contact the Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Federation.
*Note: “Sho-Ai Hiyazome” is a registered trademark specific to the Chiba family. The technique is officially registered as “Sho-Ai Hiyazome” in Japan’s cultural heritage registry. Ayano Chiba (1889–1980), a former head of the family, was designated as a Living National Treasure (Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Property). Today, the tradition is carried on by her great-grandson, Shoichi Chiba.

Cancellation Policy

1 day before the tour start date: 50%
Day of tour: 100%

Closing Date

14 days before date of Tour

Operating Company

Island-Monji (Monji Community Revitalization Council) 103, Kajiya, Monji, Kurikoma, Kuihara City, Miyagi, Japan 〒989-5361
Tel: +81-228-47-2141
Closed: Wednesday Business
Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (JST)

Inquiries

Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Federation
14th floor of the Miyagi Prefectural Government Building, 3-8-1, Hon-cho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi, Japan 〒980-8570
Tel: +81-22-221-1864　Fax: +81-22-211-2829
Email: dmo@miyagi-kankou.or.jp
Business Days: Monday to Friday
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 5:15 pm (JST)