Learn Traditional Indigo Dyeing Techniques 

Master the art of indigo dyeing at Mifuku-ya Yuba Dye Works, a store founded in the mid-1880s.

If you’re interested in indigo dyeing, this is the experience for you!  Mifuku-ya Yuba Dye Works is a family business founded in the mid-1880s. Mifuku-ya specializes in glue-resist dyeing, a kind of dyeing used for everything from shrine flags to everyday items like bedclothes and doorway curtains. Your teacher will be Kazuhiko Yuba, who is a third-generation member of the family that runs the business.

The course starts with an overview of indigo dyeing’s history. You then get to choose the stencil pattern for your design. The next stage involves applying glue to mark out the areas which will not be colored by the dye. Then, it’ll be time to dip the cloth in the indigo dye and dry it. You can take home your dyed piece of fabric, or for a small charge, Mifuku-ya will tailor it into an item for you, such as a hand towel or a tote bag.

There are two course options: the all-day course described above (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and a short two-hour course (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) where the stencils are chosen by the store and glue resist is applied in advance. Non-Japanese speakers may need to arrange for an interpreter (extra charge).

Access: From JR Hakata Station, take the “Sonic” Express Train to Nakatsu Station (1 hour 30 minutes). The venue is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Indigo Dyeing Experience (Mifuku-ya Yuba Dyer)