Date(s)
October 22 (Thu)
Time(s)
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Cost
￥1,000
Rediscover Hagi’s colors and its indigo-dyeing heritage
During the Edo period, Hagi had facilities operated by the domain for producing indigo dye. Japanese indigo plant, used as the raw material, was grown around the castle town and throughout the Hagi Domain.
Unfortunately, the techniques for growing the plant and the indigo dye production in Hagi have not survived to the present day. As part of ongoing efforts to revive Hagi’s traditional colors and indigo-dyeing heritage, this workshop offers you the chance to experience indigo dyeing using leaves from Japanese indigo plants that were grown and harvested by the organizers themselves last year.
Meet the Hosts
Team Ai | NPO Hagi Open-Air Museum
A team of ten, working to revive Hagi’s indigo heritage by growing our own Japanese indigo and using it to create natural dyes (we’ve even incorporated the meaning into our team name—Ai means indigo in Japanese!). We’re also looking for new members to join us!
Why not experience Hagi-grown indigo dyeing for yourself and discover what makes it so special?
Schedule
- Meet at Hagi Seminar House at 10:00 am
- Begin by boiling the indigo leaves to extract the dye
- Tie a handkerchief with rubber bands and string to create your own pattern
- Dip the handkerchief in the natural dye and see how your pattern takes shape
- Hang the handkerchief to dry and check the finished pattern. Program ends around 12:30 pm
Photo Gallery
Treasures Found Here
The Colors of Hagi
Discover Hagi’s indigo—the color of a tradition cultivated and used here for generations.
The History of Aibagawa Waterway & Its Indigo Dye Production
Learn about the history of indigo dye production in Hagi, from the waterways that connected the castle town to surrounding areas to the facilities where Japanese indigo was brought in, processed into dye, and used.
Indigo Cultivated by Hagi’s Nature
Learn about Hagi’s natural environment and the history of indigo cultivation, from the fertile river basins where Japanese indigo was grown to the waterways that carried it into Hagi’s low-lying coastal area.
Information
| Date(s) | October 22 (Thu) |
| Time(s) | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm |
| Location | Hagi Seminar House 211-1 Horiuchi, Hagi-shi 758-0057 |
| Access | By Hagi City Circular Hop-on Bus: about a 5-minute walk from the Hagi Castle Ruins・Shizuki Park Entrance (W13) bus stop (Western Route). |
| Parking | Available |
| Cost | ￥1,000 |
| Payment Method | Cash only |
| Capacity | 12 people |
| What to bring | Comfortable clothes, drinks, and a hat |
| Please note | – |
| How to make a reservation | ・By phone: 0838-25-3177 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) ・By email: npomachihaku04@royal.ocn.ne.jp |
| Reservation Deadline | Please reserve at least 3 days in advance. |
| Cancelations | Please let us know if you need to cancel. |
Recommended for…
- solo-travelers
- friends
- families
- those looking to try indigo dyeing for the first time