Kyoto-Style Yuzen Dyeing Art in a Historic Machiya Experience

Create Your Own Kyoto-Style Yuzen Dyeing Art in a Historic Machiya

Step into the heart of Kyoto’s textile culture with this unique hands-on experience in Kyo-Yuzen dyeing, a traditional Japanese art form born in the Edo period. Under the guidance of local artisan Mr. Minami, you'll not only create your own Yuzen-dyed piece but also explore a beautifully restored Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse) rich in history and charm.

🧵 What You’ll Experience

Kyo-Yuzen Dyeing Workshop (Choose from Hand-Painted or Stencil style)

A guided tour of the machiya space restored by Mr. Minami himself

Viewing of finished Yuzen artwork samples and cultural storytelling

Experience conducted in a historic Nishijin textile district, once known as "Senryo ga Tsuji"—the crossroads of wealth and craftsmanship

Let your creativity flow freely as you choose your own colors and design your original work of art with the support of a translator. No experience required—just curiosity and an appreciation for beauty.

📍 Location

Oatsurae Shinichiro (お誂え 進一郎)
575 Kitano-Gomoncho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8214
View on Google Maps

⏰ Time Slots Available

Daily between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Advance reservation required

⏳ Duration

Hand-Painted Yuzen: approx. 2 hours
(Stencil-style also available upon request)

👥 Group Size

Minimum participants:
　– Hand-painted: 1 person
　– Stencil: 2 people

Maximum participants: 6 people

Booking Deadline: 1 day in advance

💬 Language Support

Experience conducted in Japanese

Interpreters available (with prior request):
English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, German, French, Polish, Hebrew, Thai

💰 Price Includes

Yuzen dyeing workshop fee

Interpreter/guide support

Access to machiya tour

Viewing of finished Kyo-Yuzen works

❗ Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before

3 days to 1 day before: 20% fee

Same day: 50%

No-show or post-departure: 100%

🏯 Cultural Background

The Yuzen dyeing technique was founded in the Edo period by fan painter Miyazaki Yuzen, introducing beautiful curved motifs of animals and plants directly onto fabric using a brush. Today, Kyoto-style Yuzen is known for its vivid colors and refined elegance.

The experience takes place in the Nishijin district, once one of the wealthiest areas in Kyoto due to the thriving textile industry. Mr. Minami’s machiya is located on a street historically known as “Senryo ga Tsuji”, named for the enormous wealth exchanged daily through kimono trade.

✨ A Journey Beyond Art

What makes this experience special is Mr. Minami himself—an artist and machiya revivalist who personally restored this historic space over 20 years ago. Many locals have followed in his footsteps to preserve Kyoto’s architectural legacy. During the workshop, he will share not only techniques, but living stories of Kyoto’s textile heritage.

Ready to design your own piece of Japanese tradition?
Inquire or book this experience through the Kyoto Tabigokoro contact form.