In the hustle and bustle of Nagoya City, there is a peaceful corner filled with an ancient atmosphere. Arimatsu town was founded 400 years ago along Tokaido Road and nowadays, the town flourishes in shibori tie-dyeing. Follow our local guide to time travel and enjoy a special traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine lunch in an old house.
The town of Arimatsu, an area south of Nagoya, was founded on the Tokaido road in 1608 and flourished into a famous place for shibori tie-dying. Shibori is an ancient Japanese tie-dyeing practice resulting in beautiful, complex patterns. Because of the manual tie-dying practice each piece is lovingly handcrafted and unique – no two patterns are exactly the same.
There is an informative tie-dyeing museum about the arts in the local area. Some of the shops that still sell handcrafted original goods also have tie-dyeing demonstration so you can see exactly how the products are made. There are also chances to purchase items from these places which make a memorable and unique souvenir to take home.
The streets, architecture and tie-dyeing practice has remained unchanged for over 400 years along the historical Tokaido Road. You might recognize some parts of the town from the famous paintings in Hiroshige’s Ukiyo-e.
Stroll down to the main street and learn more about shibori dyeing at the Narumi Shibori Tie-Dyeing Museum, and the historical houses and families that lived in the area. There may even be a chance to participate in one of the demonstrations! We end the tour with a traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine course in an old style house by a peaceful garden where you can relax while enjoying some local cuisine.
At the end of the tour you have a few options – you can either return to Nagoya with the guide, stay and explore more of Arimatsu town, or participate in a full shibori workshop for an additional cost.
Meet at the Nagoya Station and transfer by local train
Take a stroll along this well preserved district on Tokaido Road, between the old post town of Chirifu and Narumi. Breathe ancient atmosphere among historical houses of important families like Hattori, Oka and Takeda.
See the history and materials about shibori tie-dyeing and assist in a demonstration if you like!
Taste traditional Japanese Kaiseki cuisine in a renovated wholesale residence in Arimatsu. Enjoy pure Japanese cuisine from ancient times in a seasonal atmosphere while looking at the charming historical garden.
You can come back to Nagoya Station with the guide or stay in Arimatsu and experience Shibori Dyeing (price starting from 1,300 yen)
