Easily experience the Japanese Culture of "Somemono": Dye a wrapping cloth in the Yama no Sachizome method

【Outline】

Let's make a wrapping cloth with the Japanese craft of [Somemono].

Won't you enjoy the Japanese craft of somemono? This time you can make a wrapping cloth, something that is practical and is often used by Japanese people. Turn it for example into a motif of natural flowers and leaves, somemono can change depending on the way how it is made. In this experience you will use a cutting-edge experience called [Sachizome] where you do not use fire or water. Please try this special experience with teachers that will teach you everything about the Japanese culture of somemono.

【Highlights】

• Enjoy a Japanese somemono experience in only two hours
• 「Happiness Color Mats」 are used that are kind to the environment
• Introduced in various media such as television and magazines

【Schedule】

Arrival→Sachizome experience→Finished→End

【Details】

 1.Choose your favorite color

First choose your favorite color of the wrapping cloth and the color of your paint (Paper type dye Happiness Color Mats) Happiness Color Mats that are used here are friendly to the environment and it is a way of dyeing that does not pollute water and air because you do not need fire or water to dye. Depending on the color, the atmosphere of the somemono will completely change. Pale colors are easy to use when it comes to fashion but strong colors can be used as an accent color. You can choose from many colors, so please choose a new one.

2. Sachizome experience

Next you will choose your own design with the motif of flowers and leaves. In Japan is is said that leaves of trees are a charm for longevity and for each design there is a different meaning. Choosing your design while listening to the explanation could be interesting.When your design is fixed, follow the process and dye the material with Happiness Color Mats using the heat of an iron.

3. Finished

If you have completed the dyeing along with the design, you work is done. Sachizome is strong against machine washing and rubbing, so there is no need to worry about loosing the colors. Please use the wrapping cloth, a part of Japanese culture, painted with somemono in many different ways!

【Things to note】

• Time：120 min./1 person

• Meeting point：Happiness　[MAP]
  Kagurazaka 6-chome 74, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
  
• Access：
  1.Get off at Kagurazaka station on the Tozai line. Walk around 5 minutes from exit 1 in the Kagurazaka direction.
  Get off at Kagurazaka station (T05), leave the station from exit 1 in the Kagurazaka direction. Go to the left for around 230 meters.When you see the Risona bank on your right ,go right at the Family Mart building and enter a narrow street for around 100 meters. Shiawase Culture Happiness Salon is a red brick building.
  
  2.Get off at Ushikari Kagurazaka station on the Oedo line. Walk around 3 minutes from exit A3 in the Kagurazaka direction.
  Get off at Ushikari Kagurazaka station on the Oedo line (E05), leave the station from exit A3 in the Kagurazaka direction. Go to the right and walk for 60 meters.
  In Kagurazaka, go to the left at a big crossroad (Coco Karafine Pharmacy) and walk for 40 meters. At the Family Mart (next is the Risona bank) go inside the narrow street on the left and walk for around 100 meters. Shiawase Culture Happiness Salon is a red brick building.
  
  3.Get off at the JR line Iidabashi station. Walk around 10 minutes from the Kagurazaka shimo exit
  Get off at the JR line Iidabashi station, Kagurazaka direction. Get out from the west exit and walk straight ahead for 100 meters. 
  Cross the bridge on the right of a crossroad with a koban (police box) and go to the direction of Kagurazaka for around 650 meters. At the Family Mart (next is the Risona bank) go inside the narrow street on the left and walk for around 100 meters. Shiawase Culture Happiness Salon is a red brick building.
  Get off at Iidabashi station (subway)（T06/Y13/N10, leave from exit B3 and go to the right for about 500 meters.At the Family Mart (next is the Risona bank) go inside the narrow street on the left and walk for around 100 meters. Shiawase Culture Happiness Salon is a red brick building.
• Minimum number of participants：2 people
  
• Language support：Japanese、English
  
• Included ：Material cost・Course fee
  
• Excluded ：Optional materials etc.
  
• Participation requirements ：10 years or older.Until 15 years children need to accompanied  by a guardian.
• Free Wi-Fi ：×

【Trivia】 

Since ancient times, the traditional colors of Japan are often given names derived from plants of the four seasons, flowers, birds and animals It is said that there are about 1100 traditional colors in Japan and every colors has a meaning and the impression is different as well. These colors have always enriched the hearts of the Japanese people and have been developed response to changing times. The technique [Yama no sachizome] that you can learn is a technique that is born with the desire to convey the true beauty of nature.

【Nearby area introduction】 

In the Edo period, Kagurazaka was located in the center of commerce at the Bishamonten Zenkokuji, where many visitors came from all over Japan. Furthermore, Kagurazaka was also the centre of culture and poets and artist from Meiji liked it there and wanted to live there. Right now Kagurazaka is also called the Paris of Japan because there are so many alleys and slopes, there are many scenic views full of atmosphere. In culture it is the centre of classical performing arts and the geisha world and it is famous as the city where you can enjoy Japanese traditional arts. Kagurazaka is a stylish town with a new charm while still having the side of an Edo town.

【Cancellation policy】

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price