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Experience information

At Tsutaya, visitors can experience life as it was in those days, using buildings and tools from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Weaving and dyeing cloth with your own hands, making charcoal, and talking around the hearth over a hot pots, just as people did in ancient times. These unique experiences will make your trip a memorable one that will never fade away.

Weaving Experience Experience 01

SAKIORI weaving experience using looms and traditional techniques of past days

From the Meiji period to the Showa period, farmers in the Saku region would reuse unused cloth and weave it on looms called "Sakiori. At that time, cloth was precious and it was expensive and difficult to purchase new clothes, so it was customary to tear apart old cloth and use it as material for weaving, to make clothing for the family. The owner of Tsutaya revived the tradition as "Sakuori" in order to pass on the fascination and beauty of the Sakiori weaving and the tradition of valuing things.

The looms used in the inn were collected from the old houses in Saku region from the Meiji and Showa periods and repaired them one by one so that they are once again functional. As you work the loom, imagining the finished product, you will lose track of time and become immersed in the process.

Remarks

There are 4 looms on the second floor and 2 looms on the first floor. 6 looms are available for use. Please enjoy the weaving experience as much as time permits. The inn will finish the processing of the looms for takeaway before your departure. (It will take about 30 minutes.) There is no charge for the experience.

Indigo Dyeing Experience  Experience 02

The blessings of nature and the wisdom of man.
Ai-dye, which is used in this experience, is made of fermented indigo leaves cultivated from our own farm.

Ai grass, the raw material of indigo dye, has a detoxifying effect and is said to keep poisonous insects away. Ai grass is also grown in the inn's small field. Depending on the season, fresh leaves can be used to dye a noble color called "secret color. Ai liquid is made by mixing fermented indigo plant with sake and wood ashes. The stream next to the inn is used wash out the excess dye. The end result is a beautiful color that mysteriously appears when dyed in the sparkling water. The color intensity and pattern will change completely depending on the length of time, the number of washes and location of the cloth soaking in the indigo solution. Enjoy creating a one-of-a-kind work of art while envisioning the finished product.

※Dyed with a mixture of Ai indigo and indigo pure.

Remarks

Handkerchief or hand towel for dyeing, work gloves, boots, and apron are provided. There is no charge for the experience.

Notes

Indigo dyeing is practiced in the stream next to the inn. However, there are areas that flow fast and deep. Children are not allowed to approach the river alone.

Flower Raft Experience 03

Weaving with a wish. Floating with a wish

Visitors can experience making a flower raft using the loom at the inn, weaving flowers into a raft and floating it in the stream next to the inn. You can use either indigo-dyed fabric or torn fabric. Choose from a wide variety of materials. There are no rules for the design. Why not create your own original flower raft while having fun and devising ways to make it float on the water.

Small Experiences

Irori (hearth)

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Irori (hearth)

Irori (hearth)

Irori (hearth) has become a rarity nowadays. In the old days, the hearth was the center of the family gathering. After dinner, enjoy spending time around the sunken hearth, watching the flickering fire and talking with your loved ones.

Remarks

Food will be prepared at the inn. (Included in the room rate).

Kamado

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Kamado

Kamado

You will cook rice while tending the fire yourself. Cooking rice while adjusting the heat level is a time-consuming task that requires a lot of patience and attention. However, the aroma that rises when you open the lid of the pot is exceptional. The rice is fluffy, sticky, and has a silver like shine. It is so delicious that you can eat another bowl or more without any side dishes.

Remarks

There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to the use of the hearth. Please be sure to ventilate once every 15 minutes.lease be aware that fire sparks may fly, and nylon-type clothing may get holes.

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