Indigo Dyeing Experience
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Indigo Dyeing Experience
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Experience Traditional Japanese Indigo Dyeingusing the “Natural Fermentation”
technique.
At Maito Design Works, located in the historic artisan district of Kuramae, Asakusa,
we have been hosting botanical dyeing workshops for over 10 years under professional guidance.
You can experience dyeing using our natural indigo fermentation method.
Why not create your own unique color by repeatedly immersing fabric in the vat,
feeling the living power of indigo fermentation with your five senses?
Experience the traditional art of fermentation, passed down since the Edo period,
and fully immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of indigo dyeing.
The Expansion of Indigo and the Spirit of “Ai”
Japanese indigo dyeing reached its golden age during the Edo period. The most distinctive feature is a culture unique to Japan that uses “Sukumo,” indigo leaves fermented for about 100 days.
The blue achieved through the work of microorganisms deepens with every dyeing cycle. From very pale shades to dark navy nearly resembling black, people in the Edo period used over 50 different shades of blue.
The unique depth created by this craftsmanship even captivated the British chemist Atkinson, who visited Japan during the Meiji era. He praised the beautiful blue seen throughout the streets as “Japan Blue,” which greatly surprised people abroad at the time.
Dyeing Cycles: Many
Hana-asagi
Nando
Hanada
Kon
Ai
Kon
Available Courses
Standard All-Inclusive Course
You can choose from Furoshiki (wrapping cloths), two types of scarves, or T-shirts.
Shantung Furoshiki
Material: 100% Cotton
Size: 90×90cm
Organic Cotton Stole
Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Size: Approx. 50×160cm + 9cm fringe
Indian Linen Scarf
Material: 100% Linen
Size: Approx. 40×160cm
Cotton Heavyweight T-shirt
Material: 100% Cotton, 6.2oz
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
※Experience fee includes materials, dyeing, lecture, bag, and consumption tax.
※Price is per item. Special discounts apply from the second item onwards.
【Accepted Products】
⚫︎Materials: Cotton, Linen, Tencel, Lyocell
Example: Natural fiber cloth bags, hats, shoes, etc.
※For blends, the lower the cotton/linen content, the lighter the dyed color will be.
※Parts made of synthetic fibers (such as sewing threads) will not be dyed.
※We may refuse items if we determine they cannot withstand the dyeing process, such as garments with significant deterioration or damage, or items requiring delicate handling.
【Items Not Accepted】
⚫︎Silk, Wool, Leather, Synthetic fibers (Polyester, Nylon), Paper
⚫︎Products without a care label
⚫︎Products labeled “Do not wash” or “Do not use high heat”
⚫︎Products with special finishes such as water-repellent, shape-memory, or anti-wrinkle processing
Indigo Dyeing Experience Details
| Schedule | Irregular weekdays / 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 ※For details, please check the this site on the reservation form. |
|---|---|
| Payment | Cash or Credit card. |
| Capacity | Reservation required, small groups (Max 10 people) |
| Duration | Approx. 1.5–2 hours |
| Eligibility | Adults and children (Aged 5+) |
| Studio Tour | Included |
| Demonstration | Included |
| Lecture | Included (Explanation of Indigo) |
Workshop Flow
Studio Tour
Studio Tour
First, we will give you a tour of the Maito Design Works indigo studio. See the artisans’ workspace and tools up close to deepen your understanding of indigo dyeing.
Demonstration
Demonstration
Our artisans will perform an indigo dyeing demonstration. Watch their expert techniques in real-time.
Determine the Pattern
Determining the Pattern
You can create various patterns by folding or tying the fabric. Decide on your own original design.
Dyeing Process
Dyeing Process
Carefully immerse the fabric into the indigo vat repeatedly to ensure even dyeing. The color depth will vary depending on the number of dips.
Washing & Drying
Washing & Drying
Carefully wash the dyed fabric in water to remove excess dye. You can take your item home the same day in a bag while it is still damp.
Workshop Notes
Important Notes
- For same-day bookings, please contact us by phone (03-3863-1128) or visit the Maito Kuramae shop. Reception hours are 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian.
- Duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- The dyed fabric can be taken home on the same day (while still damp).
- Please cancel at least 3 days in advance.
- For groups larger than 10 people, please consult us via “Special Botanical Dyeing Workshop”.
Payment
Please pay by cash or Times Pay on the day of your experience.
Furoshiki: ¥7,000 (Incl. Tax)
Organic Cotton Stole: ¥8,000 (Incl. Tax)
Indian Linen Scarf: ¥7,000 (Incl. Tax)
T-shirt: From ¥8,500 (Incl. Tax)
Bring-your-own Course: From ¥8,000 (Incl. Tax)※Fee includes materials, dyeing, lecture, bag, and consumption tax.
Attire
- Aprons and rubber gloves are provided.
- Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Indigo may splash, so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Colors & Patterns
- The intensity of the blue changes depending on the number of dyeing cycles. While the vat concentration varies by season, you can aim for your preferred shade in 3 to 10 dips.
- Patterns such as gradation or shibori can be created.
Finish
- Existing stains, unevenness, or dirt may remain visible.
- If the fabric is damaged, the dyeing process may cause further wear.
- The final color is a combination of the indigo and the original fabric color, so results vary depending on the original item.
- Synthetic fibers like sewing threads or tags will not be dyed.
After Dyeing
After dyeing, we will wash and spin-dry your item in the studio, and hand it to you in a bag while still damp. Please hang it to dry in the shade as soon as you get home.
Q & A
Q. Will the color fade after dyeing?
A. By nature, indigo dyeing is prone to color transfer or fading when first used. We recommend washing it separately from other items for the first few times.
Q. How long do indigo-dyed items last?
A. Indigo is said to have insect-repellent, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties. With proper care, you can use your items for a long time. Please enjoy the “aging” process as the color settles and the texture changes the more you use it.
Access
4F Kobayashi Bldg., 1-6-2 Misuji, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0055
TEL: 03-3863-1128
Approx. 10 min walk from “Kuramae Station” (Toei Asakusa Line, Exit A0)
Approx. 10 min walk from “Kuramae Station” (Toei Oedo Line, Exit A6)
Approx. 10 min walk from “Asakusabashi Station” (JR Sobu Line, East Exit)
