Past Guided Tours & Events

Traditional Kumihimo Strap Workshop

 

 

This small-group kumihimo strap-making workshop is conducted in English for international visitors interested in Japanese traditional crafts and color culture. Held in Kujokan, a historic building that is not usually open to the public, the workshop offers participants an authentic kumihimo-making experience led by Domyo, a kumihimo studio founded in 1652.

Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese braiding technique in which multiple threads are moved in a set sequence to create a single cord. Since ancient times, kumihimo has been used in many areas of Japanese culture, including court costumes, armor, Buddhist ritual objects, tea utensils, and obijime sash cords. It has long been part of Japanese daily life and aesthetics.

In this workshop, participants will use hand-dyed silk threads of the kind used in actual Domyo products and experience making a Nara-gumi braid on a marudai, a traditional round braiding stand. With each movement of the threads, colors overlap, patterns emerge, and the braid gradually takes shape. The finished braid will be made into a strap, which participants may take home as a keepsake of this special cultural experience at the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Explanations will be provided in English, and instructors and staff will offer support throughout the workshop, so first-time participants can join with confidence.

  

■How to Book

Please book through manatea, the reservation website operated by Watashi no Okyoshitsu Co., Ltd.

manatea website 

 

Date

July 17, 2026 (Fri)

Venue

The Garden-Kujokan

Session Times

（１）11:30-12:30　（２）13:00-14:00　（３）14:30-15:30

Capacity

10 participants per session

Instructor

Domyo Co., Ltd.

Price

10,000 yen per person, including tax
Includes the workshop fee and materials.
Admission to the Tokyo National Museum is required separately.

Language

English
(This workshop is primarily intended for international visitors interested in Japanese traditional crafts, color culture, art, and history.
Residents of Japan are also welcome to participate, provided they understand that all explanations and facilitation will be conducted in English.
Participants must be of elementary school age or older. There is no separate child rate.)

Information for Participants

No materials or tools are required.
Please arrive at the venue, Kujokan in the Museum Garden, at least 10 minutes before the workshop begins.
Participants will work seated on a chair, holding the braiding stand between their legs. For this reason, we recommend avoiding short skirts.
Thread colors may be selected on the day from the colors prepared for the workshop.
If the workshop is canceled due to severe weather or other circumstances, participants will be notified in advance.

Inquiries

manatea inquiry page
https://about.mana-tea.jp/forms