Welcome to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan.  Our objective in Hokkaido is to learn about the textile, arts, and crafts of Ainu, the indigenous people who primarily live in the region. 

Our tour starts in Sapporo (Shin-Chitose Airport) and we are excited to meet you at the airport.  In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner to meet the fellow textile travelers.  

Over the course of the following two days, we will allocate our time between the Nibutani Ainu village, a persistently active Ainu community situated two hours from Sapporo, and Uppopy, a recently established Ainu National Museum, with the objective of acquiring knowledge of the textile traditions of the Ainu people.

One significant aspect of Ainu textile resides in its material, known as Attusi, which encompasses elm bark clothing and its distinctive design. Ainu individuals incorporated design motifs inspired by nature and utilized limited resources to create stitching and “patch work” like methods, adorning the garments worn during ceremonial occasions.

These design motifs demonstrate variations across communities and individuals. Notwithstanding these variations, they collectively embody an appreciation for the beauty derived from nature, emphasizing their connection to their spiritual world of Kamui, the divine.  This is an experience beyond imagination. 

After a relaxing evening at a hot-spring ryokan, we start the day by visiting the Nanbu Sakiori Center to gain an understanding of the regional rag weaving technique, which is also referred to as recycled weaving. Due to the scarcity of cotton, the locals were compelled to conserve and reuse old fabrics and scraps, transforming them into durable, warm, and aesthetically pleasing materials. This sakiori was prominently featured in Akira Kurosawa’s film “Yume (Dreams 1990),” and we have the opportunity to try our hand at creating our own saki-ori creations.

In the afternoon, we will learn about the Hishizashi, one of the three primary sashiko, distinguished by its rhombus-shaped stitching method, unique to the Nanbu (southern Aomori) region.  A typical Hishizashi is where cotton thread is used to make sashiko designs on hemp fabric when cotton was not available. 

In Hachinohe, our textile friend, a certified traditional Hishizashi artisan, and representatives from the Hachinohe Museum will engage in a discussion and showcase the distinctive collection of local sashiko garments, also known as “boro”. They include noragi (workmen’s attire), Shitattsuke (pants worn under Hishizashi kimono), women’s garments, and maedare (aprons for special occasions).  Enjoy a bowl of smooth, rich, and earthy matcha, prepared by our friends in a traditional Nanbu style historical building.  This is a rare opportunity and not to be missed. Read a blog post about Hachinohe and Hishizashi here.

Hirosaki City is situated in the southwestern region of Aomori Prefecture, having once served as its capital. It is renowned for its iconic Hirosaki Castle and the exquisite botanical garden located in its vicinity. The city’s allure extends beyond these landmarks, as it also takes great pride in preserving its local festival known as Neputa, now an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan. During this festival, large and vibrantly decorated paper floats parade through the streets, illuminating the night sky and symbolizing the banishment of an invisible sleep demon said to induce drowsiness during the busy summer season.

During our visit to the Neputa village, we will immerse ourselves in the local culture and traditions. One significant aspect of this exploration will be the opportunity to experience Tsugaru shamisen, a three-stringed musical instrument tuned indigenous to the Aomori region.

Additionally, we will get our hands dirty at a vat indigo dyeing studio that has been an integral part of the neighborhood since the Edo era (1630-1868), where they have been tending to and care for the living Ai, the indigo. Furthermore, we will visit the Kogin Research Center to gain insights into Kogin Zashi, a prominent variation of sashiko embroidery.

This immersive cultural exploration, spanning two days, will provide an authentic glimpse into the rich heritage of Hirosaki City through engaging activities and interactive experiences.

We will spend the next four days in Sendai, a coastal town of Tohoku, relaxing and enjoying the town’s offering.  In Sendai city, we will experience the silk screening from the local textile dye and design studio who has been making Japanese festival jackets known as Happi, and navy blue aprons, Maekake for the last 130 years.  

In the forest town of Akiho, we will visit the Kokeshi wooden doll maker, who has diligently carried forward a family legacy spanning three generations. Originating from the Tohoku region, the Kokeshi doll is characterized by its simplicity and charm, capturing the hearts of international clientele and Japanese collectors alike. Nestled amidst the mountainous terrain of Akiho, we have the honor of visiting the award-winning Kokeshi maker and engaging in the creation of our own Kokeshi dolls, which we shall cherish as mementos of our time there.

While in Sendai, we will also take a day trip to the island-dotted coastal town of Matsushima. This renowned destination with 260 islands was once frequented by the world-acclaimed haiku poet, Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) , who sought inspiration from its unparalleled beauty.  It will be a great day to enjoy the natural beauty, great seafood, and the literacy.  

Our tour concludes in Asakusa, Tokyo, a bustling merchant town near Sensoji temple where Nippori Textile Town is a mere ten-minute taxi ride away. Enjoy the free time in the afternoon before our farewell dinner to reflect upon our shared journey. 

We will be delighted to assist you to book a shuttle bus to the Haneda International Airport the next day, or wherever your next destination might be.  It has been a pleasure and thank you for being a part of our Tohoku textile journey.