One-to-One Nishiki-ori Weaving Experience with a Master Craftsman

History and Culture, Woven in Silk

Located near Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto’s quiet Shichiku district, Koho Nishikiori Studio has been producing traditional silk textiles since 1894.

Nishiki-ori weaving uses fine, lustrous silk to create intricate patterns. The resulting textile, nishiki, has enjoyed a long association with high society, celebration, and good taste. While its roots lie abroad, nishiki-ori grew into a distinctly Japanese art over the centuries, and is now recognized as such the world over.

Patterns are expressed in glimmering silk

In this exclusive program, individual guests will learn how to weave a traditional brocade using silk threads and a takahata hand loom, guided by master weaver Amane Tatsumura.

Textile Traditions on Show

The breadth of nishiki-ori is apparent as soon as one enters the studio: a number of works are on display on the first floor. As a solo tour, focus points and explanations can be tailored to a guest’s specific interests and preferences.

The workshop, built by temple and shrine carpenters using traditional techniques, offers a sense of history and openness

Experience Weaving Firsthand

The peak of this experience is the chance to weave your own peony-patterned nishiki under Mr. Tatsumura’s guidance. Exclusively on Wabunka’s tour, guests have a choice of color: a vivid red, a cool light blue, or a regal purple.

All three colors are well suited to the elegant pattern

Guests will make use of the studio’s main workshop and loom. While its complexity may appear intimidating, Mr. Tatsumura’s careful guidance ensures that everyone can produce fine handiwork.

Enjoy one-to-one instruction at the loom

After getting started, feel your thoughts melt away as you focus on weaving. The completed piece is about 46 cm long and 16.5 cm long, and takes approximately three hours to complete depending on the person.

The sound of weaving reverberates peacefully around the workshop

A Private Viewing of Ancient Artworks

After weaving, guests will tour the basement workshop, which contains a number of rare and valuable textile works. Some are over a thousand years old, dating back to Japan’s rich Nara and Heian periods, while others were used to wrap mummies in China. Many have been expertly restored by Mr. Tatsumura or his ancestors.

A mummy’s face covering discovered in a tomb in Turpan, China

Handiwork to Enjoy Forever

Your woven piece is ready to be taken home on the same day. You may choose to enjoy it alone, or incorporate it into another textile in the future. Regardless, the experience of creating nishiki-ori with your own hands provides a link between you and centuries of weaving tradition. Exclusive to this plan, you will also receive a commemorative photo with the loom used to restore ancient textiles, and a postcard with a print of the brocade produced by the studio.

The loom used to restore textiles

‘Setouchi no umi’, a brocade work produced for the Japanese Crown Prince

Experience the joy and tradition of weaving with your own hands at Koho Nishiki-ori Studio.