Story Take a Fun Tour of Japan’s Unique Towel Museum
Explore Quality Towels Produced in Imabari City By JNTO on 20 September 2022

Step into the world of fluffy towels at the Towel Museum and be fascinated by the attention to detail put into creating these high-quality towels. Located in Imabari city, Ehime Prefecture, this is an interesting and unique museum dedicated to the art of towels!

 

 

Ehime prefecture takes the top rank for the total shipment value of towel products in Japan and Imabari city is renowned for being Japan’s largest towel-producing town with a long history. The Towel Museum Group started operation in 1974 and opened the museum with an aim to exhibit towels as forms of art.

 

Each step of the towel production, from weaving to yarn string dyeing, is an artisanal skill perfected by craftsmen with years of experience. With a host of impressive design innovations, these towels are well known for their exceptional quality and workmanship.

 

Spend a Day at The Towel Museum

 

 

It is easy to spot this huge brick building nestled in the mountains on the outskirts of Imabari city. More than just a museum, the Towel Museum is a fun experience that is all about the creation of a towel culture. Here, knowledge and history are combined with art and some shopping, as well as a restaurant and a cafe.

 

 

Start off the towel-culture experience by learning about the history of towels and the fascinating process of towel production. The main part of the exhibit shows visitors the meticulous towel-making process from start to finish, from raw cotton and dyeing to spinning and weaving on a loom.  

 

 

Moving forward, you can see an impressive display of 1,800 spools of yarn in about 200 varying colours transforming a wall into a colourful canvas.

 

 

You can also check out interesting works of art created using the raw material of the towels. Do not miss the new exhibition 'Itomaki no Ouchi (House of Spools)', located right next to the wall of spools, that is a great spot to take some cool photographs for your social media!

 

After getting acquainted with towel manufacturing, head over to the 5th floor to check out some exhibitions that will delight people of all ages. There is a permanent gallery dedicated to the world of Moomin on the top floor and a fascinating display of a large colourful quilt made by Kathy Nakajima, a famous Hawaiian quilt artist.

 

 

With all that exploring and learning about towels, take a break and rest your feet at the museum’s two lovely cafes offering delicious lunch and tea time items. These cafes overlook a beautiful garden with rows of flowers that change with the seasons. 

 

 

Make sure to take a piece of the Towel Museum with you before leaving. There is a huge selection of towels produced in Imabari City available at the shop section, as well as souvenirs such as cute plushies. Also, check out the speciality shops that sell a variety of authentic produce from Ehime!

 

More Than Just A Day Trip

 

While you are in Imabari City, take some time to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities that this lovely coastal city has to offer. There are scenic cycling trails and beautiful inland sea views to rejuvenate your mind and body. Go on island-hopping adventures, boating and fishing activities or explore the stunning Nibukawa gorge, one of Ehime Prefecture’s top 100 natural attractions.

 

 

Located on the outskirts of Imabari, just 25 minutes by car, Nibukawa gorge is an outdoor sanctuary of crystal-clear water running through the forest. It is a place where you can appreciate the changing scenery throughout the seasons. Nature-lovers can follow the river trail and take a hike through this gorgeous gorge to soak in the beauty of nature.