Discover Aizome: The Art of Japanese Indigo Dyeing Explore "Japan Blue" workshops around the country

Season
Summer
Trip type
Solo, Couple
What to wear
T-shirts
Featured Image: Blue-dyed fabric placed near traditional dye vats.
©Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association

Discover Japan's Indigo Heritage

Experience the soul of Japan through aizome, the treasured craft of Japanese indigo dyeing. This time-honored technique uses natural dyes from fermented indigo leaves to create ”Japan Blue”, a distinctive deep hue that has become synonymous with Japanese culture itself.
Journey to regions where indigo artisans thrive. Explore the workshops of Kurume in Fukuoka, home to one of Japan's three major kasuri fabrics. Visit Tokushima's Awa indigo villages, where centuries-old techniques are still used today. And discover Okinawa's unique Ryukyu indigo tradition. Each destination offers authentic glimpses into communities preserving this precious cultural legacy.
Immerse yourself in historic townscapes and artisan workshops that keep Japan Blue alive for generations to come.

Featured Image: Kurume kasui fabric rolls in traditional patterns displayed on a flat surface.

Discover the Time-Honored Tradition of Kurume Kasuri

A tradition for around 200 years, Kurume Kasuri is one of Japan's three major kasuri, a traditional textile technique. The painstakingly made fabric is famous for its tasteful patterns and remarkable durability, its texture improving with each wear.

Featured Image: Person stirring fabric in a dye vat during a traditional textile coloring process.

Hands-On Craftmaking at Ikeda Kasuri Workshop

At the century-old Ikeda Kasuri Workshop, artisans create beautiful kasuri patterns using time-honored techniques. Try the full kasuri-making process in a single day, give natural dyeing a go, then visit the adjoining shop for handcrafted souvenirs.

Featured Image: Casual sneakers and traditional Japanese sandals made from kurume kasuri fabric are displayed on a wooden shelf. Featured Image: Handmade purses in vibrant colors, crafted from traditional Kurume kasuri fabric, arranged for sale.

Explore Kasuri Heritage in Hirokawa Town

Venture to Hirokawa Town, Japan's kasuri heartland, where cozy streets boast Fukuoka's highest concentration of Kurume Kasuri workshops. Browse among the vendors for stunning handcrafted fabrics, accessories, and clothing steeped in tradition.

The area introduced this time

Spot name
Ikeda Kasuri Kobo
Address
1840 Hisadomi, Chikugo-city, Fukuoka, Japan

Enjoy Fukuoka to the fullest!

Discover the charms of Fukuoka

Map of Japan. Fukuoka located southwest of Tokyo (Haneda)
Fukuoka

Fukuoka blends urban energy with rich cultural heritage. Beyond its vibrant capital lies a treasure trove of craftsmanship ready for discovery. Nestled among rolling green tea plantations, the Tea Museum in Yame immerses you in Japan's renowned tea culture. In historic Koishiwara, behold master potters at Takatori-yaki Souke, a renowned kiln passed down through generations for over 400 years. Complete your journey at Jibasan Kurume, a souvenir paradise featuring authentic Kurume kasuri textiles, Rantai lacquerware, and local specialties perfect for bringing home Fukuoka's artisanship.

ANA brings Japan close to you

  • Fly on weekdays
    for greater savings!

    Great value with
    ANA Discover JAPAN Fare

    Book early for the best deals!

    Great value with
    ANA SUPER VALUE Fare

  • Haneda to Fukuoka
    Approximately 2 hours

    Efficient use of your travel time

  • Explore with ANA and fly to over 50 airports in Japan

    Convenient access to various parts of Japan

Fly with ease to Fukuoka

  • Tokyo
    (Haneda)
    To Fukuoka
  • Osaka
    (Itami)
    To Fukuoka
  • Okinawa
    (Naha)
    To Fukuoka

How to get Special Discounted Fares

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How to get Special Discounted Fares

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Featured Image: Group holding hand-dyed fabric pieces and indigo patterns outside a workshop.

Discover the Ancient Art of Awa Indigo

Tokushima's traditional craft of Awa indigo is Japan's premier natural dye and the backbone of "Japan Blue". Making up the majority of Japan's indigo production, it's celebrated for its rich hues and wide applications from fashion to interior design.

Featured Image: Townscape of Udatsu, Wakimachi showing preserved traditional buildings and serene road.

Stroll the Historic Townscape of Udatsu, Wakimachi

Step into historic Japan as beautifully preserved merchant mansions recall the town's prosperous indigo trade days. Discover local history and lifestyle through indigo dyeing, Mima umbrella making, and savoring cuisine made with local ingredients.

Featured Image: Two people display large indigo-dyed fabrics with white patterns inside a traditional shop.
©Hidden_tokushima

Hands-on Dyeing Experience at Udatsu Studio of Yamauchi

In Wakimachi's charming Udatsu district, immerse yourself in traditional indigo dyeing culture at the Udatsu Studio of Yamauchi. Try traditional charcoal fermentation dyeing then browse the shop's selection of beautiful indigo-dyed pieces.

The area introduced this time

Spot name
Udatsu Studio of Yamauchi
Address
45-1 Tsukinukemachi, Wakimachi, Mima-city, Tokushima, Japan

Enjoy Tokushima to the fullest!

Discover the charms of Tokushima

Map of Japan. Tokushima located southwest of Tokyo (Haneda)
Tokishima

Tokushima captivates with dynamic festivals, spectacular landscapes, and natural wonders. Begin at Awa Odori Kaikan to experience one of Japan's most famous dance festivals year-round through daily performance and workshops. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Iya Valley, a remote area known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear streams, and traditional vine bridges. Don't miss the Naruto Strait, where some of the world’s fastest currents create massive whirlpools for a mesmerizing show viewed from sightseeing boats or the glass-floored walkway above.

ANA brings Japan close to you

  • Fly on weekdays
    for greater savings!

    Great value with
    ANA Discover JAPAN Fare

    Book early for the best deals!

    Great value with
    ANA SUPER VALUE Fare

  • Haneda to Tokushima
    Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

    Efficient use of your travel time

  • Explore with ANA and fly to over 50 airports in Japan

    Convenient access to various parts of Japan

Fly with ease to Tokushima

  • Tokyo
    (Haneda)
    To Tokushima

How to get Special Discounted Fares

ANA Discover JAPAN Fare is a special discounted fare that is available for tourists visiting from outside of Japan.
If available, discounted fares will be displayed on screen that is entered from the “Search” buttons.

Learn More (In Chinese) Learn More (In Korean) Learn More (In German) Learn More (In German) Learn More (In French) Learn More

How to get Special Discounted Fares

If available, discounted fares will be displayed on screen that is entered from the “Search” buttons.

Learn More
Featured Image: Blue tie-dye textiles drying on lines in a garden with trees and green grass.

Uncover the Art of Ryukyu Indigo Dyeing

Thriving in Okinawa’s warm climate, the Ryukyu indigo plant yields the dye that bears its name. Through a process of fermentation and sedimentation, this vivid, deep blue dye enhances everything from traditional crafts to contemporary fashion.

Featured Image: Two people work on indigo dyeing, lifting a dark blue fabric from a large dye vat in a workshop.

Create Your Keepsake at Ryukyu Indigo Labo

Experience the full indigo journey from plant to product at Ryukyu Indigo Labo. Bring your own item to dye or pick something up at the workshop. Discover Okinawan culture and craftsmanship by creating your own indigo pieces that deepen over time.

Featured Image: Two people wearing gloves dip fabric into a large indigo dye vat during a traditional dyeing process.
©Aikaze

Experience Dyeing in the Forest at Aikaze

Nestled in Okinawa's northern Yanbaru forest, Aikaze offers an immersive Ryukyu indigo dyeing experience. Learn the natural fermentation technique as you craft your own special keepsake in Okinawa's distinctive deep blue.

The area introduced this time

Enjoy Okinawa to the fullest!

Discover the charms of Okinawa

Map of Japan. Okinawa located southwest of Tokyo (Haneda)
Okinawa

Let Okinawa enchant you with its Ryukyu artisanship, island hospitality, and subtropical natural beauty. Start at Yachimun-no-Sato, a pottery village where artisans create vibrant ceramics using traditional Okinawan techniques in large step kilns. Then explore Naha's vibrant Kokusaidori Shopping Street, a bustling 1.6 km avenue of dining, drinking, and shopping. Finally, venture to Daisekirinzan, a sacred landscape of towering limestone formations believed to be the island's oldest area. Walk ancient trails for breathtaking views and a profound connection to Okinawa's spiritual heritage.

ANA brings Japan close to you

  • Fly on weekdays
    for greater savings!

    Great value with
    ANA Discover JAPAN Fare

    Book early for the best deals!

    Great value with
    ANA SUPER VALUE Fare

  • Haneda to Naha
    Approximately 2 hour 40 minutes

    Efficient use of your travel time

  • Explore with ANA and fly to over 50 airports in Japan

    Convenient access to various parts of Japan

Fly with ease to Okinawa (Naha)

  • Tokyo
    (Haneda)
    To Okinawa
    (Naha)
  • Fukuoka To Okinawa
    (Naha)

How to get Special Discounted Fares

ANA Discover JAPAN Fare is a special discounted fare that is available for tourists visiting from outside of Japan.
If available, discounted fares will be displayed on screen that is entered from the “Search” buttons.

Learn More (In Chinese) Learn More (In Korean) Learn More (In German) Learn More (In German) Learn More (In French) Learn More

How to get Special Discounted Fares

If available, discounted fares will be displayed on screen that is entered from the “Search” buttons.

Learn More

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