Art of the Sash: Private Kyoto Kimono & Traditional Weaving
60–75 min-¥8,470 / per person|
English Speaking Guide
English Speaking Guide
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A Note from Our Staff
Engaging in direct conversation with the master producer to deeply understand the stories behind the obi is a truly special aspect of this experience. The gallery features not only obi but also beautiful items like plates and accessories that incorporate the elegance of Nishijin-ori into daily life. We highly recommend viewing the zuan (original design drafts). These are genuine, one-of-a-kind artworks that will never be produced again. We hope you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime encounter with rare art pieces available nowhere else.
Highlights of Your Journey
Discover the beauty of the sash (obi) and the meanings behind its patterns
The obi is a traditional woven masterpiece that beautifully accents a kimono. Each one is woven with people's hopes and wishes, reflecting Japan's deep appreciation for the beauty of the four seasons. In this experience, you will admire these beautiful textiles while unraveling the evolution of their designs and the meanings hidden within their patterns.
Learn the depths of Nishijin-ori directly from the master producer
Nishijin-ori is Kyoto's premier traditional kimono silk. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from the master producer who oversees the entire production process, from design and material sourcing to dyeing and weaving. The master producer will personally guide you through the creation process, sharing unique weaving techniques and explaining exactly how a single kimono sash is brought to life.
Admire rare silk pieces and original design sketches in the gallery
In the gallery, you can view rare kimono sashes and original design sketches. With accessories crafted from traditional Kyoto silk and pieces available at accessible prices, you might just find a special connection with a unique design or a one-of-a-kind work during your visit.
The obi is a traditional woven masterpiece that beautifully accents a kimono. Each one is woven with people's hopes and wishes, reflecting Japan's deep appreciation for the beauty of the four seasons. In this experience, you will admire these beautiful textiles while unraveling the evolution of their designs and the meanings hidden within their patterns.
Learn the depths of Nishijin-ori directly from the master producer
Nishijin-ori is Kyoto's premier traditional kimono silk. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from the master producer who oversees the entire production process, from design and material sourcing to dyeing and weaving. The master producer will personally guide you through the creation process, sharing unique weaving techniques and explaining exactly how a single kimono sash is brought to life.
Admire rare silk pieces and original design sketches in the gallery
In the gallery, you can view rare kimono sashes and original design sketches. With accessories crafted from traditional Kyoto silk and pieces available at accessible prices, you might just find a special connection with a unique design or a one-of-a-kind work during your visit.
Introduction
This is a special cultural experience where you visit the gallery of "Orisho Sakai," a master weaving workshop that has long overseen obi production in Nishijin, Kyoto, to unravel the story behind the creation of a single obi.
Here, we redefine the obi not merely as a garment for Japanese attire, but as a singular work of "fine art and craft." You will hear directly from the master producer about the meticulous "division of labor"—a system where dozens of artisans connect their specialized skills—and the evolution of design over time. You will also have the opportunity to touch an actual hand-weaving loom.
Witness how traditional beauty, passed down through the centuries, is sublimated into art that adorns modern spaces. For those with a deep appreciation for aesthetics and craftsmanship, we invite you to enjoy a moment that truly satisfies your intellectual curiosity.
Here, we redefine the obi not merely as a garment for Japanese attire, but as a singular work of "fine art and craft." You will hear directly from the master producer about the meticulous "division of labor"—a system where dozens of artisans connect their specialized skills—and the evolution of design over time. You will also have the opportunity to touch an actual hand-weaving loom.
Witness how traditional beauty, passed down through the centuries, is sublimated into art that adorns modern spaces. For those with a deep appreciation for aesthetics and craftsmanship, we invite you to enjoy a moment that truly satisfies your intellectual curiosity.
About the Experience
Orisho Sakai
The master producer that has orchestrated obi creation in Kyoto's Nishijin district for many years. While preserving traditional techniques and aesthetics, they also propose new styles that naturally blend the artistry of Nishijin-ori into everyday life, such as utilizing obi and design drafts in modern hotel spaces.
Nishijin-ori
Kyoto's representative high-quality silk textile. To weave beautiful patterns, it relies on an advanced "division of labor" system where many specialists—such as designers, thread dyers, and weavers—pass their techniques along like a relay. Its intricate beauty, requiring immense time and effort to complete, is highly acclaimed worldwide.
The master producer that has orchestrated obi creation in Kyoto's Nishijin district for many years. While preserving traditional techniques and aesthetics, they also propose new styles that naturally blend the artistry of Nishijin-ori into everyday life, such as utilizing obi and design drafts in modern hotel spaces.
Nishijin-ori
Kyoto's representative high-quality silk textile. To weave beautiful patterns, it relies on an advanced "division of labor" system where many specialists—such as designers, thread dyers, and weavers—pass their techniques along like a relay. Its intricate beauty, requiring immense time and effort to complete, is highly acclaimed worldwide.
What's Included
◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Gallery tour
◎ Weaving experience (includes a complimentary Nishijin-ori coaster)
× Transportation fees
◎ Gallery tour
◎ Weaving experience (includes a complimentary Nishijin-ori coaster)
× Transportation fees
Other Detail
| Start Time | Flexible start times available between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. |
| Dates |
Monday – Friday
|
| Fee | ¥8,470 / per person |
| Capacity | Minimum number of participants: 1 Maximum number of participants: 4 *Please contact us for larger groups. |
| Venue | ・Orisho Sakai, Utano Gallery |
| Contact | If you have any questions, please contact us via our contact form or Instagram DM. |
Additional Info
・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 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 due to traffic or other unforeseen conditions.
・Survey responses or reviews may be shared on our website or social media.
・Please book at least 2 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 due to traffic or other unforeseen conditions.
・Survey responses or reviews may be shared on our website or social media.
Cancellation policy
・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.
・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.
Where you'll be