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Traditional Japanese Dyeing & Stencil Printing Workshop
When
Monthly
Where
Kashiwara city
(easy access from Osaka)
Price
¥25,000 per person
(tax included)
Duration
Half-day
Meet the artisan and try nassen stencil dyeing in a historic textile workshop in rural Osaka.
You don’t need to speak Japanese or have any craft experience. I stay with you throughout, translating and making sure you feel comfortable and at ease.
This is a very limited, personally produced experience in collaboration with Okada Dye Workshop (岡田染工場), a family-run studio with more than sixty years of history. Because it is an active dye studio — and I also travel for work — it is only offered a few times per month.
The goal is not only to attend a class, but to spend meaningful time with people who continue traditional craft in Japan today.
- 岡田 元｜Okada HajimeNassen (stencil dyeing) artisan and head of Okada Dye Workshop. He continues his family’s craft by hand, from design to dyeing, using minimal machinery.
- 南クリスティーナ｜Kristina MinamiYour host and guide for the workshop. I support the experience in English so you can relax and enjoy the time in the studio.
The Osaka You’ve Never Experienced Before
Only thirty minutes from Namba and Dotonbori, there is another side of Osaka that most visitors never see: mountains on the horizon, a quiet river, retro shopping streets from the Showa era, and textile traditions woven into daily life.
I have lived in this area on and off for several years, and many readers tell me they want to see the “real Japan” — meet craftspeople, slow down, and spend time in small towns. Together with Okada-san, we decided to open his studio to a small number of guests.
This experience is my way of sharing my Osaka with you.
I have lived in this area on and off for several years, and many readers tell me they want to see the “real Japan” — meet craftspeople, slow down, and spend time in small towns. Together with Okada-san, we decided to open his studio to a small number of guests.
This experience is my way of sharing my Osaka with you.
What to expect
- Historic dye studioYou will step into a working dye studio located in a 100-year-old wooden building, with long tables, worn tools, and a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere.
- Traditional techniqueYou will learn nassen — a traditional method where dye is pressed through stencils directly onto fabric.
- Archive of handmade stencilsThe studio holds an extensive archive of kata stencils, carved and collected over decades. Many were made by Okada-san's father, and you can choose your own design from this collection.
- Create your own piecesYou will make two items during the workshop: a fabric coaster and a cotton tote bag, both of which you take home as souvenirs.
- Tea and conversation with the artisanInside the studio, we share tea and Japanese sweets. You can talk directly with the artisan about his work and daily life — I translate so you can simply enjoy the conversation.
- Walk through Kashiwara (optional)If time and weather allow, we may take a short walk through Kashiwara to experience everyday life: quiet streets, a small shrine, and the river.
What to expect
Historic dye studio
You will step into a working dye studio located in a 100-year-old wooden building, with long tables, worn tools, and a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere.
Traditional technique
You will learn nassen — a traditional method where dye is pressed through stencils directly onto fabric.
Archive of handmade stencils
The studio holds an extensive archive of kata stencils, carved and collected over decades. Many were made by Okada-san's father, and you can choose your own design from this collection.
Create your own pieces
You will make two items during the workshop: a fabric coaster and a cotton tote bag, both of which you take home as souvenirs.
Tea and conversation with the artisan
Inside the studio, we share tea and Japanese sweets. You can talk directly with the artisan about his work and daily life — I translate so you can simply enjoy the conversation.
Walk through Kashiwara (optional)
If time and weather allow, we may take a short walk through Kashiwara to experience everyday life: quiet streets, a small shrine, and the river.
What is "Nassen" (捺染)?
What is
"Nassen" (捺染)?
Nassen is a traditional Japanese stencil-dyeing technique. A stencil called kata is placed on cloth, and dye is gently pushed through it by hand so the pattern appears clearly on the fabric.
Nassen is a traditional Japanese stencil-dyeing technique. A stencil called kata is placed on cloth, and dye is gently pushed through it by hand so the pattern appears clearly on the fabric.
Access
Kashiwara is very easy to reach from central Osaka. Train routes are simple, and I will meet you directly at the station.
Kashiwara City, Osaka Prefecture
🚄 ~30 minutes from Namba
🚄 ~40–50 minutes from Osaka Station / Umeda
🚶 7-minute walk from the station to the workshop
It works perfectly as a half-day trip from Osaka, or on the way between Osaka and Nara.
Kashiwara City, Osaka Prefecture
🚄 ~30 minutes from Namba
🚄 ~40–50 minutes from Osaka Station / Umeda
🚶 7-minute walk from the station to the workshop
It works perfectly as a half-day trip from Osaka, or on the way between Osaka and Nara.
Pricing for this experience
This is not a mass tour. It is a small, carefully arranged experience made possible through trust with a local artisan and access to a real working studio. Your participation directly supports the family workshop and helps to preserve a craft that is slowly disappearing.
Price: ¥25,000 per person (tax included)
All tours are private and include:
✔️ Guidance and translation throughout
✔️ Private workshop access
✔️ Nassen dyeing lesson
✔️ All materials and dyes
✔️ Creating a tote bag and a coaster
✔️ Tea and Japanese sweets
✔️ Short town walk, if time allows
Price: ¥25,000 per person (tax included)
All tours are private and include:
✔️ Guidance and translation throughout
✔️ Private workshop access
✔️ Nassen dyeing lesson
✔️ All materials and dyes
✔️ Creating a tote bag and a coaster
✔️ Tea and Japanese sweets
✔️ Short town walk, if time allows
All in all it’s an experience that only exists because of this collaboration.
All in all it’s an experience that only exists because of this collaboration.
More Details on this Tour
Do I need art experience?
No. Most guests are complete beginners. Okada-san will explain every step gently and you can simply enjoy the process.
Do I take my items home?
Yes, your tote bag and coaster are yours to keep.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. Older children (around 7+) and teenagers love it.
Is this a tourist attraction?
No. This is a real working dye studio, open only on limited dates.
Is it easy to get there?
Yes. About 30 minutes from Namba by train. I will meet you at the station.
How many people are in each group?
Usually up to three. For larger groups, please ask.
Notes for comfort and safety
Because this is a real workshop, please follow instructions and move carefully. Dye can stain clothes permanently, so wear something comfortable that can get a little dirty. If you have dye allergies or sensitivities, please let me know in advance.
We work at a relaxed pace, with breaks, and I am always beside you to support you.
Seasonal & facility notes
This workshop may take place during colder months. The studio is a traditional wooden building, so please dress warmly, especially in winter. At the moment, the toilet inside the workshop is not available. If needed, a toilet at the artisan’s nearby home (a one-minute walk) is available. Thank you for your understanding.
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