Private Tour and Traditional Braiding Workshop at Domyo Braid Shop

Handiwork Passed Down Through Centuries

Since its establishment in 1652, Domyo in Ueno has produced hand-dyed and -woven kumihimo silk braids.

In kumihimo, silk thread is dyed then woven into a three-dimensional cord. These cords' bright color combinations and distinctive feel soon made them highly prized. As well as making kumihimo, Domyo conducts research into the history of the craft, which has its origins in the seventh century. Domyo aims to protect the traditions handed down through hundreds of years while developing new products to fit the times.

Individual strands are woven using a wooden stand

In this experience, guests will tour Domyo’s five-story workshop then join a master craftsman in a private room to create their own kumihimo accessory, such as a pair of earrings or a bracelet.

The craft workshop focuses on the nara-gumi braiding style, which is known for its delightful rounded form.

Nara-gumi earrings and bracelets

Guests may select their own thread from a range of bright colors.

Weaving History in Colored Silk

After a brief introduction to the history and context to kumihimo weaving, the tour begins with a look at how Domyo dyes and shapes the silk thread. These and other processes which take place on the upper floors are not usually shown to the public.

Dyeing silk thread

Each thread of silk is painstakingly dyed by hand, then hung up to dry. This process is often repeated multiple times — while labor-intensive, it ensures a lustrous and resilient color.

Dyed silk drying

On the second floor, dyed threads are braided to create finished kumihimo pieces. This tour is one of the few opportunities that visitors have to witness this craft being performed by working artisans. Not only that, but guests can watch their work up-close and hear more about the process directly from those who perform it.

Weaving kumihimo

After visiting the workshop, guests will visit the first-floor store, where finished products are displayed and sold. Knowing the effort which goes into each piece is bound to increase one’s appreciation for kumihimo’s delicate and beautiful patterns.

Kumihimo braids on display

A Unique, Handmade Accessory

Having seen the masters at work, guests are invited to try their own hands at making kumihimo. The craft workshop focuses on the nara-gumi braiding style, which is known for its delightful rounded form.

Nara-gumi earrings and bracelets

Guests may select their own thread from a range of bright colors, then load them onto a wooden frame. Taking up each thread in a certain order can create remarkably intricate patterns.

Silk threads on a braiding frame/p>

While the process can seem complex at first, the rhythm quickly comes through and the mind starts to clear. When focusing on the feel of silk and wood, the time seems to fly by.

Braiding silk

Completed cords will be handed off to Domyo’s artisans, who will work them into an accessory of your choice. These will be mailed at a later date.

Finished kumihimo accessories

A Unique Piece in an Ancient Tradition

We rarely come into contact with truly handmade works in our daily lives. This experience is an opportunity to peek into another world over a thousand years in the making, constructed one thread at a time by those who have devoted their lives to a single craft.

A nara-gumi bracelet