Authentic Japanese indigo dyeing, Yamanashi wine dyeing & sumi ink dyeing — surrounded by the serene nature of Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Today's Visitors Welcome
Visiting Kawaguchiko or Mt. Fuji area? Just walk in during business hours.
We speak English and will guide you through every step.
Each dye tells a different story. Select the one that speaks to you — or mix and match if you're in a group.
Japan's most iconic traditional dye, used for centuries in textiles and samurai garments. The deep, shifting blue is born through repeated dipping and oxidation.
Made from grape skins discarded during Yamanashi's wine production. Yields a gentle feminine pink that can shift to purple or blue — every wash is a new discovery.
Deep charcoal tones of traditional Japanese sumi ink transform into rich, moody patterns on fabric. Requires about 10 minutes of soaking.
More than a craft class — a genuine connection to Japan's traditions and natural beauty.
Indigo dyeing is a treasured part of Japanese culture spanning centuries. Feel the history behind every fold and hue.
Hands-on lessons let you see, touch, and feel the magic of natural dyes — no prior experience needed.
Design and dye a T-shirt, hand towel, or stole. Take your finished work home — wearable art made entirely by you.
Natural indigo and pumice (wine grape skin) dyes — reducing industrial waste while celebrating Yamanashi's resources.
Safe, simple process with clear guidance makes it exciting for children — colors transform before their eyes.
Our studio is home to rescue cats including the namesake "Sensei Takana." Create alongside friendly feline companions.
Our staff will guide you through everything — no experience needed. Walk-ins welcome anytime during business hours.
Walk-ins welcome anytime during business hours (11AM–5PM). Check-in at sister shop "Fujiya" across the street.
Staff explain the dyeing process and the cultural history of indigo dyeing and Yamanashi's pumice dye method.
Select from Pumice (wine grape skins), Indigo (traditional blue), or Sumi (black ink). Each person may choose individually.
Select a technique — spiral tie-dye, murakumo (cloud patterns), cylinder wrapping, or a combination.
Soak in water, then bind tightly with strings or rubber bands to create your pattern.
Submerge your bound fabric. Indigo takes a few minutes; sumi needs about 10. Watch the color develop.
Remove bindings, then rinse thoroughly. The right rinse is key to a crisp, vivid pattern.
Unfold and see your unique creation for the first time. Some results are exactly as imagined — others beautifully surprise you.
Hold up your creation and take photos. Crafted with Mt. Fuji spring water — the perfect Yamanashi souvenir.
Receive an aftercare guide before leaving. We also sell dye kits in-store so you can try again at home.
Tradition meets modern art. Express what tie-dye alone can't — intricate patterns and depth, fused onto your one-of-a-kind piece.
Yamanashi is not a traditional indigo region — but we wanted to carry Japan's culture forward. Conventional indigo dyeing uses tie-dye patterns. We went further.
By combining indigo's deep blue background with silk screen as the focal point, we create work with depth, dimension, and a truly contemporary edge.
All prices include tax. Bring your own item to dye and no material fee applies.
Bring your own material → no additional material fee. Children 12 and under: ¥500 discount. Children under 4: free (cannot dye independently).
| T-ShirtCreate your own wearable artwork | +¥1,000 |
| Handkerchief | +¥500 |
| Tote Bag | +¥1,000 |
| Scarf / Stole | +¥1,000 |
| Linen Shirt | +¥1,500 |
| Linen Pants | +¥1,500 |
| Dyeing + Hōtō Noodle-MakingMaterial fee billed separately | ¥6,800 |
| Dyeing + Soba-MakingMaterial fee billed separately | ¥6,800 |
| Dyeing + Yoshida Udon-MakingMaterial fee billed separately | ¥6,800 |
| Dyeing + Suridane Spice-Making | ¥4,980 |
| Dyeing + Shichimi Spice-Making | ¥4,980 |
| Indigo dyeing base fee | ¥3,500 |
| Material (Tenugui or T-shirt) | ¥1,000 |
| Silk screen printing1 large or 2 small designs | ¥1,000 |
| Total | ¥5,500 |
The color of wine-dyed fabrics may shift between pink, purple, or blue depending on washing conditions (anthocyanin pigment).
Walk-ins welcome · Reservations recommended for weekends
Open 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM · English staff · Free parking
Reserve Now — Free to Book →Guests from around the world enjoying their time at Indigo Takana Sensei's workshop near Lake Kawaguchi.
Kind words shared by visitors to Indigo Takana Sensei's Yamanashi Wine Dyeing Workshop.
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us anytime.
Yes! Walk-ins are welcome during business hours (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM). We recommend reserving in advance for weekends and holidays to secure your spot, but same-day visits are always welcome.
No — we also provide hand towels, stoles, tote bags, linen shirts, linen pants, and Thai pants. See our price list for the full selection.
Yes. Safe and fun for all ages. Children under 4 join for free but cannot dye independently. Parents or guardians are welcome to join together.
Yes. English-speaking staff are available throughout the experience.
Weekdays are generally quieter. For weekends and holidays, afternoons after 14:00 tend to be calmer.
Yes. We accept credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / American Express), QR codes, and cash.
Yes. Free parking is available in front of the studio. Tour buses welcome with prior reservation.
Approximately 60–90 minutes depending on the dye and pattern chosen.
Some fading may occur. Wash separately in cold water for the first few washes. For pumice-dyed items, use mildly acidic detergent to preserve the pink hue.
After rinsing and drying, you can wear it the same day. Indigo dye may rub off slightly until fully dry and washed.
Yes — the workshop is held entirely indoors and is 100% all-weather.
Up to 20 participants. For larger groups, please contact us in advance.
All materials and tools are provided. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting a little dye on.
Reservations & Walk-ins — Both Welcome
Available year-round · English support · Individuals, families & groups up to 20
After your dyeing experience, stop by our completely free rescue cat café just next door. 7 rescued cats — including the famous Takana-sensei — are waiting to meet you.
Entry is free. Drinks are free. No time limit. Donations welcome — your visit supports our ongoing rescue activities.
My name is Jun Kuwabara, founder of Indigo Takana Sensei and Japanese Cooking Class Fujiya.
I worked as a hairstylist for 10 years. In the beauty industry, chemical dyes are widely used — and I watched many colleagues leave the profession due to severe hand irritation, while customers developed allergies that prevented them from dyeing their hair at all.
This led me to discover natural plant-based dyes such as henna and indigo from India and Morocco. I was captivated by the authentic, earth-born colors. Over time, I began wearing clothes dyed with natural materials like charcoal and coffee, learning to enjoy the uniqueness of one-of-a-kind pieces created by nature itself.
I wanted to share this natural beauty with more people — which is why I started this workshop. Today, travelers from around the world enjoy this experience here in Yamanashi. I hope your finished creation becomes a lasting, joyful memory of your time in Japan.
Located in Fujikawaguchiko, minutes from Lake Kawaguchi and a 12-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.
| Address | 3250-3 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi 401-0301 |
| Parking | Free parking available · Tour buses welcome (reservation required) |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Walk-in | Welcome anytime during business hours |
| Capacity | 1–20 participants |
| Station | 12-min. walk from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line) |
| By Car | Approx. 5 min. from Lake Kawaguchi |
