Some no Sato Ochiai - NINJA KOTAN

Traditional Dyeing in Shinjuku: Beat the Heat with a Cool Dyeing Experience by the River Enjoy Traditional Dyeing Experience in Shinjuku Our company offers dyeing experience tours at “Tomita Sen Kogei (Tokyo Some Monogatari Museum)” and “Some-no-Sato Ochiai.” Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you can dye your own cotton tablecloths, tote bags, and silk scarves, creating unique, personalized products. This summer, many children are participating in dyeing, an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn about the traditional culture of Shinjuku, Tokyo. The History of Dyeing in Tokyo Dyeing requires a large amount of water to wash away the dyes and starch, which is why Tokyo’s dyeing industry began along the water-rich Kanda River during the Edo period. In the Meiji and Taisho periods, dye houses moved upstream along the Kanda River, spreading to areas such as Edogawabashi, Waseda, and Ochiai in search of better water. Even today, this area remains a center for the dyeing industry. In the past, it was common in Tokyo to see people washing kimono dyes and starch in the river. “Iki” Born from “Tokyo Some-Komon” and Samurai Cultureread moreTraditional Dyeing in Shinjuku: Beat the Heat with a Cool Dyeing Experience by the River

25Jul, 20242024年7月24日

Experience

The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku (Dyeing Experience)

By ninjakotan

The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku (Dyeing Experience) Dyeing Experience at “Some no Sato Ochiai”: The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku Today, we would like to introduce one of the experiences listed in ‘The Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku,’ published by the Shinjuku Ward Cultural and Tourism Industry Department, which our company offers as a tour: “Walk Along the Myoshoji River and Take Home Local Specialties as Souvenirs.” Particularly, the “Some no Komichi” event held every February is a must-see. Shinjuku: One of Japan’s Key Dyeing Hubs The Myoshoji River originates from Myoshoji Pond in Myoshoji Park, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, named after the nearby Myoshoji Temple. It flows into the Kanda River near Tsumihashi Bridge in Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku Ward. Dyeing-related industries downstream of the Kanda River moved upstream to find clean water. They settled along the Myoshoji River in Ochiai and Nakai, making this area a major dyeing industry center. It is one of Japan’s key dyeing hubs alongside Kyoto and Kanazawa. Edo Sarasa Dyeing Experience at “Some no Sato Ochiai” Our company offers dyeing experience tours at “Some no Sato Ochiai.” During these tours, artisans directly teach you how toread moreThe Best 19 Things to Do in Shinjuku (Dyeing Experience)

02Apr, 20242024年3月31日

Experience Uncategorized

How to Experience Both Authentic Dyeing Artisans and Samurai in Tokyo

By ninjakotan

Do you know Edo Komon? How to Experience Both Authentic Dyeing Artisans and Samurai in Tokyo Exploring the Essence of Edo Komon: Authentic Dyeing Artisan Experience in Tokyo Edo Komon, a traditional Japanese dyeing technique, embodies the essence of Edo-era sophistication and subtlety. This intricate art form, developed during the Edo period, reflects that era’s cultural richness and elegance. Roots of Edo Komon Rooted in the Muromachi period, Edo Komon traces its origins to the patterns used on samurai armor and family crests. Over time, these motifs transitioned onto garments, becoming a staple of formal attire, particularly the “Kamishimo” worn by samurai. A “Kamishimo” is a type of formal attire for men in traditional Japanese clothing. It consists of a “Kataginu,” a sleeveless upper garment, and “Hakama” trousers, worn together over a “Kosode.” In the Edo period, it was considered ceremonial attire for samurai. Emergence of Edo Komon in Everyday Life During the Edo period, strict regulations governed luxury expenditure, leading to a flourishing underground fashion culture among both samurai and commoners. Despite limitations on materials and colors, artisans innovated within these constraints, perfecting the art of Edo Komon. The technique involved meticulous pattern carving on wooden blocks andread moreHow to Experience Both Authentic Dyeing Artisans and Samurai in Tokyo