Welcome to Takana Sensei’s Yamanashi Wine Dyeing Workshop!​

We are Takana Sensei’s Yamanashi Wine Dyeing Studio, a dye shop that tackles the issue of industrial waste in Yamanashi while creating new value through natural materials.

 While Yamanashi is famous for wine, the industry also faces an environmental issue—large amounts of grape skins, known as pumice, are discarded during the wine-making process. At our workshop, we repurpose these natural by-products to create eco-friendly dyes, contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) while offering visitors a hands-on, earth-friendly experience.

Through our workshops, you can create your very own dyed T-shirts or hand towels using pumice-based dyes, connect with Japan’s traditional craft culture, and help give new life to what was once considered waste. Our mission is to brighten both the environment and the future of our community.

Who Is This Workshop For?

  • Anyone looking for a unique fabric dyeing experience

  • Visitors searching for activities near Lake Kawaguchi or in Fujiyoshida

  • Those who love hands-on, creative experiences

  • People who want to design their own one-of-a-kind items

  • Families and friends seeking a memorable group activity

  • Travelers who wish to learn about Japanese traditional craft techniques

  • Indoor activity seekers who want something fun to do, rain or shine

Six Features & Promises of Our Workshop

Participating in our dyeing class is not just about learning—it’s about creating something truly personal while having fun. Here are six things that make our workshop special:

1.Connect with Tradition

Indigo dyeing is a treasured part of Japanese culture. Learn this time-honored technique and feel the history behind every fold and hue, as though traveling back in time.

2.Learn by Doing

From basic dyeing methods to mastering color techniques, our hands-on lessons let you see, touch, and feel the magic of indigo.

3.Create Your Own Masterpiece

Design and dye a T-shirt, hand towel, or other everyday item. Take your finished work home—a lasting memory and a piece of art you made yourself.

4.Natural & Eco-Friendly

We use natural indigo and pumice dyes, offering an environmentally conscious craft experience that celebrates the gifts of nature.

5.Fun for Kids & Families

Our simple, safe process and clear guidance make the experience exciting for children, fostering curiosity and creativity as they watch colors magically transform.

6.Meet Our Resident Cats

Our studio is home to four rescue cats, including our namesake Sensei Takana, the beloved “teacher” cat. Relax and create alongside these friendly companions.

Why We Use Pumice (Grape Skins)

Yamanashi, Japan’s top wine-producing region, generates tons of grape skins during wine production. These skins are often treated as waste, even though they hold natural pigments and nutrients. By transforming this “waste” into vibrant, sustainable dyes, we reduce environmental impact and create new value for the local economy—helping both people and the planet.

Our Mission

Yamanashi is one of Japan’s leading wine-producing regions, but a large amount of pumice—the leftover grape skins from wine production—still goes to waste.

We saw this as a missed opportunity. By transforming pumice into natural, people- and planet-friendly dyes, we aim to reduce environmental impact while creating new local value.

This initiative is more than just eco-friendly; it’s part of our vision for a sustainable future built on the treasures of our region.

Features of the Activity

  • Uses dye based on pumice (grape pomace)

  • Eco-friendly, helping reduce industrial waste

  • Focused on beautiful natural shades, resulting in a gentle pink color

  • Popular among women and children—easy and fun for anyone to enjoy

  • DIY at home possible using take-home dye kits

  • Emphasizes local sustainability, using resources from Yamanashi Prefecture

Recommended Experience

Dyeing Experience, Lake Kawaguchi, Grapes, Plant-Based Dyeing, Pumice

Overview

In this dyeing experience, participants use grape skins (pumice) and flowers to create their own unique works while enjoying the natural beauty of plant-based colors.
The vivid yet gentle pink tone is especially popular with women and children.
The process is simple, making it safe and enjoyable even for young children and beginners.
It’s a perfect activity to create lasting memories with family and friends!

Important Notes

The color of wine-dyed fabrics may change to light blue, purple, or pink, depending on environmental conditions.

 

This is caused by anthocyanin, a natural pigment found in grapes—the main ingredient in wine. The final color can vary based on pH levels and temperature during or after dyeing.

    • Using neutral detergent will give the fabric a purplish pink tone.

    • Using a mildly alkaline detergent will turn it light blue.

 

  • To preserve the pink hue, use a mildly acidic detergent, or soak the item in water mixed with citric acid after washing and before drying.

Workshop Flow

The pattern created during the dyeing experience is determined by how you tie the T-shirt.
Please decide in advance what kind of pattern you would like to make before starting the dyeing process.

1.Arrival & Check-in

2.Introduction

Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time.
Check-in takes place at our sister shop “Fujiya,” located just across the street.
Once you arrive, please enter the shop and complete the check-in process.
A staff member will guide you to the workshop after that.

You’ll be welcomed by our staff, who will introduce the workshop and explain how the dyeing process works.
In addition to creating your own piece, you’ll also learn about the unique pumice dyeing method rooted in Yamanashi’s wine culture, as well as the history and beauty of traditional Japanese dyes like indigo.
It’s more than just a craft—it’s a chance to connect with local tradition and sustainable practices.

3.Choose Your Dye

4.Choose Your Pattern

You can choose from three types of dyes:
Pumice (made from grape skins), Indigo (a traditional Japanese blue dye), or Sumi (black ink dye).
If you are joining as a group, each person may select their preferred dye individually.

Next, choose your preferred dyeing technique.
Our experienced staff will guide you through various options such as spiral tie-dye, murakumo (cloud-like patterns), cylinder wrapping, or rubber band tie-dye.
You can even combine multiple techniques to create your own unique design.

5.Prepare & Bind Your T-Shirt

6.Dye Bath

Soak your T-shirt in water to help the dye absorb better.
Then, bind it tightly using strings, rubber bands, or sticks.
If the binding is too loose, the dye will seep in too deeply, making it difficult to form clear patterns.
Since this step can require some strength, we recommend that children work together with an adult.

After tightly binding your shirt with strings or rubber bands, you’ll submerge it in a large container filled with your chosen dye.
Each dye requires a different soaking time—indigo takes just a few minutes, while sumi needs about 10 minutes.
While you wait, imagine how the colors and patterns will turn out!

7.Rinse & Reveal

8.Unfold & Admire

When the dyeing time is up, remove all strings and rubber bands.
Rinse your shirt thoroughly with water to remove excess dye—but not too much or too little, as either can affect how clearly the pattern appears.
After rinsing, wring out the fabric well to remove excess water.

Unfold your T-shirt and take a look!
Your one-of-a-kind design is now complete.
Some results may match your original image, while others might surprise you—but that’s the charm of hand-dyeing.
Whatever the outcome, it’s your own unique creation.

9.Photo Time & Memories

10.Final Notes & Take-Home Care

After completing your shirt, take photos together with your fellow participants!

Crafted at the foot of Mt. Fuji using its underground spring water, your creation makes the perfect souvenir from your trip to Yamanashi.

For kids, it’s a hands-on learning experience—and for adults, a joyful moment to relive childhood excitement.

Before you leave, we’ll give you a take-home care guide for your shirt.
It includes tips on how to wash and care for your dyed item at home.
We also sell dye kits in-store, so you can refresh your shirt’s color later or try dyeing something else!

Reservations

Our workshops are available year-round and accept reservations 24/7 online.

Click here to apply

Price List – Dyeing Experience

If you bring your own material to dye, there will be no additional material fee.

You can choose your preferred dye from three types: Pumice, Indigo, or Sumi ink.

All participants are required to pay a basic fee of 3,200 yen (ages 13 and up).
Children aged 12 and under receive a 500 yen discount.

The total cost will vary depending on the material you choose to dye, in addition to the basic fee.

All prices include tax.
Children under 4 years old can participate for free.

Individual Dyeing Menu (All prices include tax)

  • T-Shirt – Add unique colors and patterns to create your one-of-a-kind shirt.
    +1,000 JPY

  • Handkerchief
    +500 JPY

  • Tote Bag
    +1,000 JPY

  • Scarf/Stole
    +1,000 JPY

  • Linen Shirt
    +1,500 JPY

  • Linen Pants
    +1,500 JPY

  • Thai Pants
    +1,000 JPY

Children under 4 years old may join the workshop for free, but cannot dye their own items.
They are welcome to watch and participate alongside family members.
If you wish to bring clothing for your child (under 4) to dye together, a basic fee will apply—with a 500 yen discount for children aged 12 and under.

View Material Details

Guest Reviews

We’re grateful to have received wonderful feedback from visitors to Takana Sensei’s Yamanashi Wine Dyeing Workshop.
Here are just a few of the kind words shared by our guests:

Gallery

Here are some snapshots of our guests enjoying their time at Takana Sensei’s Yamanashi Wine Dyeing Workshop.
Take a look at the smiles, creativity, and unique designs made during our sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common questions we receive about our workshops.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us anytime.

(Tap or click a question to reveal the answer.)

Can I only dye T-shirts?

No. We also provide hand towels and stoles for dyeing.

Yes. Many children visit us, especially during school holidays for summer projects.
The process is simple and beginner-friendly, so feel free to bring your kids.

The workshop can be busy between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM around lunchtime.
For a more relaxed experience, we recommend booking after 2:00 PM.

Walk-ins are welcome, but as we have irregular closing days, we may not always be open.
To avoid inconvenience, we recommend making a reservation before your visit.

Yes. Our staff can assist you in English, so international guests are welcome.

Yes. We provide disposable gloves for those who prefer to protect their nails—please let our staff know.

Yes. We accept VISA, Mastercard, and American Express.

About 5 minutes by car.

The nearest station is Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line), about 12 minutes on foot.

Yes. Free parking is available in front of the workshop.

Yes. Tour buses can also park in front of our workshop.

Yes. Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day via our LINE contact.
Feel free to contact us anytime.

Reservations are prioritized, but you may visit without one.
If you prefer to book in advance, please contact us by phone or LINE via our Contact page.

We can accommodate up to 20 people at a time.
For larger groups, please contact us to discuss arrangements.

We provide all materials and tools, so you don’t need to bring anything.
However, we do not have small aprons for young children, so please bring one if needed.

As drying time is required, it will be difficult to wear the item on the same day.

Yes, the color may bleed at first.
Please wash your item separately for the first few washes.

Absolutely! Feel free to capture your memories and share them on social media or blogs.

Yes. Our workshop is held indoors, so you can enjoy it even on rainy days.

How to Book

  1. Access the Booking Page
    Reservations are required to join the experience.
    You can make a reservation using the online booking form, or contact us via WhatsApp or email.

  2. Send Your Preferred Date & Number of Participants
    Please check the calendar for availability before sending your request.
    Same-day bookings are not guaranteed and may not be accepted.

  3. Receive Confirmation
    In addition to the dyeing workshop, we also offer a cooking experience where you can make and enjoy Yamanashi specialties such as houtou (a local noodle stew) and soba.
    Feel free to add this to your visit for a complete cultural experience.

  4. Pay On-Site
    Payment can be made on-site by cash, credit card, or QR code.

Reservations are accepted 24/7.

Click here to apply

Message from Our Founder – “Designing with Nature”

Thank you for visiting our website.
My name is Jun Kuwabara, the founder of Takana Sensei’s Yamanashi Wine Dyeing Workshop.

I worked as a hairstylist for 10 years. In the beauty industry, chemical dyes are widely used, and I saw many colleagues leave the profession due to severe hand irritation, as well as customers developing allergies that made it impossible for them to dye their hair.

This led me to discover natural plant-based dyes such as henna and indigo from India and Morocco. I was captivated by the beauty and authenticity of these earth-derived colors.
Over time, I also began wearing clothes dyed with natural materials like charcoal and coffee, learning to enjoy the uniqueness of one-of-a-kind items created by nature.

I wanted to share this natural beauty with more people, which is why I started this workshop. Today, travelers from around the world can enjoy this experience here in Yamanashi.
I hope that with your own one-of-a-kind creation, your memories of Yamanashi will continue to bring joy long after your trip ends.

— Jun Kuwabara, Founder

Workshop Locations & Access

Takana Sensei’s Yamanashi Wine Dyeing Workshop (Lake Kawaguchi)

  • Address：3250-3 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

  • Parking：Free parking available

  • Reservation：Reservations are recommended to ensure availability, as we operate on an irregular schedule.
    Please make your reservation by the day before your desired date.

  • Hours：10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Closed：Irregular schedule

  • Capacity：1–20 participants

  • Nearest Station：12-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line)

Fujiya – Kofu Branch

  • Address：3-5-44 Aonuma, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0867
    (Inside Rich Diamond Community Hall)

  • Parking：parking available

  • Reservation：Reservations are recommended to ensure availability, as we operate on an irregular schedule.
    Please make your reservation by the day before your desired date.

  • Hours：Weekdays, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Closed：Every Tuesday & Thursday

  • Capacity：1 + participants

  • Phone：050-6882-5580

Access by Public Transport:

  • From JR Kofu Station Bus Terminal:

    • Take a bus bound for Narahara (via Fujimi) or Tamamoro Elementary (Fujikyu) and get off at Community Hall (Sogo Shimin Kaikan).

    • Or take a bus bound for Ise-cho Office (Yamanashi Kotsu) and get off at Ota-machi Mitsuke.

  • 15-minute walk from Minobu Line Minami-Kofu Station.

By Car:

  • About 20 minutes from Kofu-Minami IC (Chuo Expressway) toward Kofu Station / Yamanashi Prefectural Office.

  • About 15 minutes from Kofu-Showa IC toward Tokyo / Katsunuma.

Click here to apply