Discover the timeless beauty of Arimatsu Shibori on this hands-on tie-dye experience and heritage walk in Nagoya.
Just a short train ride from Nagoya Station, Arimatsu is a charming Edo-period town famed for its 400-year-old tradition of Japanese tie-dye, known as shibori. This immersive tour offers the perfect blend of cultural discovery, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Founded in 1608 as a post town along the historic Tōkaidō Road, Arimatsu became renowned for its distinctive shibori techniques, which are dyeing methods once favored by samurai and merchants. The craft has been passed down through generations, and today Arimatsu is officially recognized as a Japan Heritage Site, with beautifully preserved architecture and active artisan workshops.
Join our expert guide for a journey through Arimatsu’s shibori legacy. Visit the Arimatsu-Narumi Tie-Dyeing Museum and immerse yourself in this living art form. Finally, unleash your creativity by designing your own shibori fabric in a hands-on workshop with a skilled local artisan.
🎨 Unleash your creativity and bring home a handmade piece of Japan!
Price for 2 people:
12,900 yen + taxes/person
6 – 12 years old: 6,450 yen + taxes/person
0 – 5 years old: free
Solo Traveler Price: 19,350 yen + taxes/person
Arimatsu Station ( Google maps)
Arimatsu Shibori Artisan Shop
09:30 – 12:30 (3 hours)
13:00 – 16:00 (3 hours)
English
Yes! This experience is suitable for children aged 6 and up and is a great way for families to experience traditional Japanese culture together. The hands-on workshop is especially popular with children and gives them the chance to create something of their own.
Yes! You can take your finished shibori piece home with you straight from the tour. There’s no need to wait for it to be shipped later, so you can enjoy your handmade souvenir for the rest of your trip and take it home with you. It also makes a wonderful and personal reminder of your time in Japan.
Not at all! The workshop is designed for beginners, and your guide and local artisan will show you how to fold, tie, and dye your fabric. You’ll be able to experiment with traditional shibori techniques and create your own unique design.
The walking level for this tour is easy, with approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) of walking through the historic streets of Arimatsu. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour is stroller accessible, although some of the older buildings may have steps and are only partially wheelchair accessible.
The tour includes an English-speaking local guide who is also an experienced Arimatsu Shibori artisan, admission to the Arimatsu-Narumi Tie-Dyeing Museum, and the hands-on shibori workshop. Transportation to and from Arimatsu Station is not included, but Arimatsu is easily accessible by train from Nagoya Station.
I’m a designer and artist with over ten years of experience in Arimatsu Shibori. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from traditional artisans. I’m passionate about sharing my love for Japanese crafts, art and culture, and I hope I can share some unique perspectives on life in Japan.
My husband and I had a fantastic time on this tour! Desiree was an amazing guide, full of information, not only about the history of the Arimatsu area and Shibori traditions, but also on the business of the industry itself. Her English was impeccable, and she was so friendly and responsive to all our questions. We enjoyed the tie-dye hands-on workshop and were delighted with the outcome, and how it helped us appreciate even more the skill of the local artisans. We also appreciated, especially, that Desiree is an artisan herself, and knows people on the street, and we felt privileged to learn about so many things on the tour even beyond the regular stops. All in all, a terrific experience!
My husband and I spent a delightful day with the Nagoyaisnotboring guide, Desiree in the spring of 2025. She met us at our ship and escorted us on a custom itinerary that was coordinated by Taylor at Nagoyaisnotboring. I explained before leaving home that I was interested in traditional Japanese crafts especially Shibori. They coordinated a train trip to Arimatsu, a charming town known for Shibori, tie-dying. A private hands-on dying experience was arranged and was a highlight of our day. Our Japanese speaking instructor was charming, knowledgeable and we successfully folded and dyed our own towels. I mentioned my interest in seeing the Nagoya Castle and that was arranged on our escorted return to the ship. Our custom tour arranged by Nagoyaisnotboring was one of our most enjoyable experiences while in Japan and I highly recommend working with them.
