Shoai Samurai Indigo Dyeing

- Shoai Samurai -
Experience, Tour, and learn about Indigo Dyeing

Looking for a sustainable, enviroment friendly, traditional Japanese culture experience?

Look no further! Why not visit Shoai Samurai to try traditional indigo dyeing (Aizome)? You will not only learn about the craft of indigo dyeing (and create your own item), but you will also support the local community as this activity offers kids with learning difficulties a place to shine, offer work, and help produce local organic fruit.

You can learn about Ai (Japanese indigo plants) and how their leaves are fermented and the dye is created. After a short lecture, we will help you make patterns to dye an item of choice.

From plant

We create our indigo solution from scratch. We grow our own Japanese indigo plants in our farm in Mibu town which is fermented to make a traditional indigo solution.

No Chemical dyes are used

Unlike many indigo dyeing experiences, we offer authentic 'Edo style' technique, which means our dyeing is done without chemical dyes. This means our items are very kind to the delicate skin and friendly to the environment.

No waste

The natural indigo dye is actually a natural insecticide. So the left over dye doesn't go to waste. We use it to grow organic vegetables and even mango trees! You can taste our organic vegetables and mangos at our cafe 'Merry & Pono' (5 min drive)

Providing education and livelihood

At Shoai Samurai we run a school for children with learning difficulties. Indigo offers these children an opportunity to learn the art of indigo dyeing and farming. Some also work for us and help us preserve the Aizome tradition.

Merry & Pono Cafe

Enjoy a delicious meal (or a desert) made with ingredients from our garden where we use indigo as natural insecticide. Tea made from indigo leaves is also popular. ( 5min drive away in Mibu Town)

For sale

Many of our beautiful items for sale are made by children and adults with learning difficulties. We have a wide range of items including earrings and traditional Japanese wear.

To book an experience, please use the form at the bottom of this page.

2024 Opening Times

We are usually available;

9:00-18:00 Mon-Sun & National Holidays,

except a few times a year, so don’t hesitate to contact us in advance to book an activity.

To book an experience, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Monday : 9:00-18:00

Tuesday : 9:00-18:00

Wednesday : 9:00-18:00

Thursday : 9:00-18:00

Friday : 9:00-18:00

Saturday : Closed

Sunday: Closed

National Holiday : Closed

*Opening hours may change for unforeseen reasons. Please check the open-hours calendar here for the most up-to-date info.

For Overseas Visitors

Wi-Fi available

Speak English

Uses a Translation device
(Voice translator App)

English Leaflet

Online Booking Available

Vegetarian dishes available

Vegan dishes available

Gluten free dishes available

Other food requirements

Halal friendly

Kosher friendly

Contact Details

Call +81 (0)0-000

Visit Japanese Website

Find us on Google Maps

Find us on TripAdvisor

Access

2284 Yougai, Ienaka, Tsugamachi, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan 328-0111 (〒328-0111 栃木県栃木市都賀町家中要害2284)

8 min walk from Ienaka Station (Express trains to Nikko do not stop here) on the Tobu-Nikko Line.

15 min by taxi from Shin-Tochigi Station (Some express trains to Nikko do not stop here) on the Tobu-Utsunomiya & Tobu-Nikko Lines.

20 min by taxi from Tochigi Station (Express trains stop here) on the Tobu-Utsunomiya & Tobu-Nikko Lines & JR Ryomo Line

6 min by car from Tsuga IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway.

Things to do Nearby

Find things to do locally in Tochigi City – click to view the city info page.

Indigo Dyeing Experience - Handkerchief 2,000 Yen

*Material is supplied
Indigo Dyeing Experience - Bandana 2,500 Yen

*Material is supplied
Indigo Dyeing Experience - Tenugui (Japanese Hand Towel) 3,000 Yen

*Material is supplied
Indigo Dyeing Experience - Scarf (Stole) 8,000 Yen

*Material is supplied

Address :

〒328-0111 栃木県栃木市都賀町家中要害2284 ( 2284 Yougai, Ienaka, Tsugamachi, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan 328-0111)

Contact Shoai Samurai Indigo Dyeing

This page was created by Nearbytokyo.com for Shoai Samurai to use as their English information page. The contents of this page a regally updated on request and should be used as a guide only. NearbyTokyo.com and the parent company Japan Wold Link is not liable for any misinformation. Inquiries will be sent to Shoai Samurai, but also shared with NearbyTokyo.com to help answer your questions. Please also see their official page (Japanese) for the latest information.

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