Let's walk around the origin of indigo dyeing that dyed all of Japan blue! Udatsu townscape Model Course
- Udatsu townscape
- Aizome
- Indigo dyeing
- Japan Blue
Indigo is called "Japan blue" by people overseas.During the Edo period, Awa indigo flourished and was said to dye the whole of Japan. In Tokushima Prefecture, there are still residences of indigo merchants who sent sukumo, the source of indigo dye, to various parts of Japan. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the hometown of indigo?
Highlights by the plannerHighlights
-
1
Natural indigo dye - AI TANUKI
From wearing indigo to eating indigo, this studio allows visitors to learn about Awa Ai and enjoy indigo with all five senses. In addition to making "sukumo", the base of indigo dye, and dyeing indigo, the studio is also involved in the "eating indigo" program. You can also try "Awa Ai Tea" tasting and indigo dyeing of handkerchiefs.
-
2
Udatsu townscape
"Udatsu" is a firewall built on the second floor of a building to prevent fire from spreading to neighboring houses. This area is commonly known as "udatsu-no-machinami" ( Udatsu townscape) because of the large number of udatsu at both ends of the townhouses.You can enjoy walking around the streets as there are restaurants and souvenir stores too!
-
3
PAYSAGE MORIGUCHI
The hotel is a renovated Moriguchi Residence, a private house built in 1881. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing time in a calm space with artwork by contemporary craft artists and high-quality furniture.
Itineraries of the courseItineraries
Day 1
-
09:30
Eat indigo, Dye with indigo at "Natural indigo dye AI TANUKI"
-
13:00
Walk through the Udatsu Streets, a photogenic area with a Japanese flair
-
19:00
Relax at PAYSAGE MORIGUCHI
About the courseDetails of itinerary
Day 1 9:30
Eat indigo, Dye with indigo at "Natural indigo dye AI TANUKI"
Do you know the saying "Ai craftsmen never get sick"? Awa Ai has not only been popular as a dye, but has also been consumed to maintain health due to its nutritional value and functionality.You can have a special experience of eating indigo by tasting "Awa Ai Tea" made from edible indigo grown without using agricultural chemicals in the mountains of Mima City, and tasting sweets made from "indigo powder. Afterwards, try your hand at indigo dyeing a handkerchief (45 x 45 cm) and create your unique item.

Edible indigo tasting & Indigo handkerchief dyeing experience
★★Tasting of edible indigo and indigo dyeing experience using SUKUMO (indigo dyestuff ) produced by our company★★ ∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴ Indigo has long been said that "indigo artisans never get sick," and because of its nutritional value and functionality, it has not only been popular as a dye, but has also been eaten for its health benefits. Although indigo is familiar as an indigo dye, it has been popular as a medicine since ancient times. Its use is described in China's oldest book on medicinal herbs, the "神農本草経". In Japan, indigo merchants were said to carry it in their pockets as a "good-luck charm" for long journeys during the Edo period. ∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∵‥∴‥∴‥∵‥∴ ●Enjoy "eating indigo" by tasting "Awa Ai Tea" made from edible indigo grown without using agricultural chemicals in the mountains of Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture, as well as sweets made from "indigo powder". *Please note that the sweets may change depending on the day of the event. ●Please enjoy dyeing of handkerchiefs (45 x 45 cm). *Aprons and gloves will be provided, so feel free to try it ! (^^)/ *Please do not wear anything with too long sleeves or hems, and shoes that you do not want to get dirty. 【Location】 Natural indigo dye - AI TANUKI 〒771-2106 63-1, Aza Tenjin, Kirai, Mima-cho, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture *Site of former Kirai Kindergarten
Mima・Wakimachi・Tsurugisan
Craft
Traditional Craft
Culture
Indigo Dyeing Experience
JPY 4,000 ~ (Incl. tax)
Add to cart
Day 1 13:00
Walk through the Udatsu Streets, a photogenic area with a Japanese flair
From the Edo period to the Meiji period, the "Ai-yashiki" were the residences and places for business negotiations of the indigo makers and indigo merchants who were responsible for the production, processing, and distribution of indigo "Sukimo"(the base of indigo dye).The udatsu rows of houses with whitewashed walls and brick walls remain as they were when the Ai industry was at its height of prosperity. There are also cafes and stores that have been restored from the old mansions, so enjoy strolling around the area.
Day 1 19:00
Relax at PAYSAGE MORIGUCHI
This hotel is a renovated old private house located in the udatsu-lined streets, where time passes as leisurely as the town itself.The hotel is close to the Yoshida Family Residence, where a wealthy indigo merchant lived, the Odeonza, and Michi no Eki (Road Station), making it convenient for sightseeing in the area.Take a breather and forget about everyday life. Or, indulge in reading a book in the lounge. How about spending a quiet night in the National Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings?

Bespoke Trip Planner
We can plan a special trip just for you to meet your desired destinations and purposes.
Please feel free to contact us if you need help.
*Additional charges may apply depending on the content of the consultation.