Kyo-Yuzen Workshop Marumasu Nishimuraya

This workshop lets you experience Kyo-Yuzen, a dyeing tradition that supports Kyoto’s kimono culture. The technique you’ll try is surikomi yuzen, a form of kata-yuzen stencil dyeing in which dye is applied with a brush through a stencil.

You can choose from dozens of materials, from handkerchiefs to sacoches, pen cases, T-shirts, and more. There are more than 3,000 stencil designs, including animals, plants and flowers, and Kyoto-inspired motifs, and you are free to combine them as you like. You can truly create your own original Kyo-Yuzen piece.

The most popular experience is the introductory Kyo-Yuzen course, with prices varying by material and starting at 1,600 yen. The experience takes Approx. 60 minutes and is popular because it offers an easy way to try making a Kyoto craft. There is also a course where you can make chopsticks from Kitayama cedar and a chopstick case decorated with Kyo-Yuzen.

In addition to the hands-on experience, you can purchase Kyo-Yuzen coin purses, pouches, smartphone cases, and other items made by artisans. If you are lucky, you may even get to see Kyo-Yuzen craftsmanship up close in the workshop attached to the experience facility.