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Try your hand at a traditional form of cloth dyeing using the rare akane plant in Tokushima Prefecture, known for the culture of indigo dyeing
Nishi-Awa Tourism Association Sora-no-sato
Tokushima is famous for indigo plants and dye, but there is also a traditional form of dyeing that uses a much rarer plant called akane. This precious coloring agent was used in ancient times to create a deep red color, which was used in the flags and banners of feudal families and even the red center of the Japanese flag.
With the advent of chemical dies, the number of producers has dropped, but in western Tokushima you can participate in a natural akane dyeing workshop.
Achieving the rich red color with akane these days is costly, as production of the plant has dropped, so it’s more often used to create a delicate pink dye for clothing.
Join a workshop held by farmers who cultivate akane and try dyeing your own scarf. Opt for the natural light pink, or add some natural sudachi citrus juice, which makes the color deepen to a rosy-gold hue.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station (aｂout 45 minutes), then take the JR Limited Express to Awaikeda Station (about 1 hour and 20 minutes), switch to the JR Tokushima Line, and ride to Tsuji Station (about 10 minuites). The workshops take place in a number of locations, so details will be provided after booking.
Ikawa-cho, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima-ken
