Experience "Somemono": Dye a Stole with the "Yama no Sachizome" Method

【Outline】

Enjoy the traditional Japanese craft of "somemono".

Drawing inspiration from nature's colorful flowers and elegant leaves, somemono designs and the messages within the stoles change depending on the way it's made and who makes it. In this experience you will use a cutting-edge, environment-friendly technique called "sachizome" in which you do not use fire or water. Come enjoy this special experience with teachers that will teach you everything about the profound Japanese culture of somemono.

【Highlights】

• Enjoy an authentic Japanese "somemono" experience in only two hours.
• Use eco-friendly "Happiness Color Mats".
• Take part in an activity commonly introduced in various media such as television and magazines.

【Schedule】 

Arrival→Sachizome experience→End

【Details】

1. Choose your favorite color

First, choose a color for the stole base and then for your dye (we will use Happiness Color Mats for dyeing). The Happiness Color Mats used here are friendly to the environment because it is a fire and water-less dyeing technique that does not pollute water and air. 

Depending on the color, the feel of your somemono will change drastically. Pale colors are easy to use when it comes to fashion and give off a peaceful vibe, but strong colors can be used as an accent as a statement piece. You can choose from many colors! 

2. Sachizome experience

Next, using flowers and leaves as your motifs, you will be able to choose your own design. In Japan, it is commonly said that leaves of trees are a good luck charm for longevity, and each design has a different meaning. It might be useful to choose your design after listening to the explanations and meanings of the different designs. After you choose your design, follow the process and dye the material with Happiness Color Mats using the heat of an iron.

3. Finish

When you have completed the dyeing along with the design, your work is done! Sachizome is strongly resistant against machine washing and rubbing, so there is no need to worry about losing the colors. Feel free to strut your stuff and show off that beautiful somemono! 

【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.
• 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 ：×
• Other things to note：
  ・The size of the stole will be 25cm x 140cm.
  ・The sample photo is as shown in the image; the finished product will differ from the sample photo as each piece is handmade.
  ・The time required for the experience is only a general guideline.
  ・Please note that the experience time may vary depending on the customer.

【Fun Facts】 

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 color has its own unique meaning. These colors have always enriched the hearts of the Japanese people and have been developed in response to changing times. The "Yama no sachizome"  technique that you will learn is a technique that is intended to convey the true beauty of nature.

【Nearby area introduction】 

 In the Edo period, Kagurazaka was the center of commerce at the Bishamonten Zenkokuji, where many visitors came from all over Japan. Furthermore, Kagurazaka was also the centre of culture; thus, poets and artist in the Meiji period (1868-1912) were drawn to Kagurazaka and wished to reside there. Right now Kagurazaka is called the "Paris of Japan" because there are so many alleys, slopes, and scenic views. Today, it is the centre of classical performing arts and the geisha world, known as the city where you can enjoy Japan's traditional arts. Kagurazaka is a charming modern town that still retains traces of its Edo period past.

【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