Kyoto Master of Silk: Hands-on Weaving & Studio Tour

Experience the Aesthetics of "Nishiki-ori," the Pinnacle of Textile Art
Just as the word "Nishiki" is used as a synonym for "the most beautiful of things," Nishiki weaving represents the pinnacle of Japanese silk textiles. Introduced from China and uniquely evolved within Japan, we invite you to experience the rich history and radiant beauty of these intricate patterns that shimmer complexly under the light.

A Tour of a "Living Workshop" Steeped in 130 Years of Tradition, Led by an Artisan Couple
Guided by a master artisan couple, you will visit a studio that has been operating for 130 years. From the restoration of ancient textiles over 1,000 years old to Nishiki weaving infused with modern sensibilities, the creators themselves will explain the profound essence of this tradition, offering insights that cannot be found in textbooks.

[Sharing Kyoto Exclusive] An Authentic Creative Experience Starting with the Threads
Exclusive to this plan, your experience begins with "thread preparation" before the weaving process. You will select your favorite 5 colors from 30 varieties of silk thread and wind them onto the tools yourself. This process breathes life into a creation that is uniquely yours.

One-on-One Guidance: Take Home your Finished Piece the Same Day
With an artisan by your side providing attentive, one-on-one support, even beginners can weave authentic silk textiles with confidence. Your completed work will be carefully finished on the spot, allowing you to take it home immediately as a cherished memory of Kyoto.

The most defining feature of Nishiki-ori is that the fabric is woven not merely as a flat surface, but as a "three-dimensional structure" with multiple layers of threads. By intricately interlacing light-reflecting silk threads within this structure, a "fabric of light" is born, changing its expression with every glance. The process, utilizing a rich array of colorful threads and a traditional Takabata handloom passed down for over 1,200 years, is the true crystallization of masterful craftsmanship. Its profound beauty can never be fully captured in a photograph. We invite you to visit in person and experience the overwhelming brilliance of the genuine article for yourself.

Koho Nishiki Weaving Studio is a creative hub imbued with the lineage of the Tatsumura family, who have long explored the beauty and techniques of Nishiki-ori to pass them on to the future. Headed by the fourth generation, Amane Tatsumura—certified as a "Future Master Craftsman" by Kyoto City—the studio energetically promotes the art of Nishiki-ori both domestically and internationally, acting as a driving force in the traditional craft industry. Through the firsthand stories of active, frontline artisans and the immersive atmosphere unique to a working studio, we invite you to experience authentic craftsmanship continuously passed down through the generations.

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Studio tour
◎ Weaving experience
× Transportation costs

Studio Tour
Guided by the artisan couple, you will tour the studio of Koho Tatsumura. You will have the rare opportunity to explore the inner workings of the normally private studio, home to exquisite works of Nishiki art, historically significant restored ancient textiles, traditional Takahata (high looms), and valuable textile archives.

Thread Preparation Experience
Prepare the threads for your weaving session yourself. Choose your favorite 5 colors from an array of approximately 30 colorful silk threads to create your unique color scheme. You will then wind these selected threads onto the kuda (quill) used for the loom, setting the stage for your creation.

Hand-Weaving Experience
It is finally time to sit at the loom and weave your own piece. Using the threads you selected and wound yourself, you will weave a piece of silk fabric approximately 10cm x 10cm (about 4 x 4 inches).

Finishing Touches & Conclusion
Your completed work will be carefully finished by the artisan on-site, allowing you to take it home with you immediately.

・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 1 days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.

・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.