A braiding craftsman from "Shoen kumihimo" teaches.Hands-on braiding experience
MBS "KYOTO CHISHIN" (Kansai local) 2019.06.16 #115
Braider
Shun Hattai
VIEW MORE※Japanese version only
Where we'll be

Shoen Kumihimo Uji Main Store
〒611-0021 146 -2 Uji Myoraku, Uji City
Since its establishment in Uji in 1948, the company has been making braids for more than 70 years "Shoen kumihimo". Kumihimo is a traditional craft made by assembling a bundle of three or more silk threads. Recently, we have developed a lot of cute products such as accessories and straps. Carefully crafted by hand by craftsmen, this item is vivid but somehow elegant, and brings out the charm of its owner.
Contents of Experience
It is an experience where braid is made from thread and the finished string is made into 2 items selected from strap, bag, charm and bracelet. You can choose your favorite color from 6 colors such as mauve, peacock, and matcha, so the flow from arrival to experience is smooth. It's perfect for a short sightseeing break.
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Select the items you want to make
Start with braids and an overview of your experience, then choose the strap bag charm bracelet you want to make. When I hear the word Kumihimo, I have an image of "Japanese", but it is a cute item that is easy to add to clothes! I don't know which one to choose.
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Form
This time, we will use a table called "Kakudai (Sakudai)" out of several types. It seems to be difficult at first glance, but you don't need any special force or technique. You can assemble a string by moving a bundle of threads in order. It is hard until you learn the order, but the craftsman will teach you cheerfully and politely.
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Be careful when you get used to it.
If you tie strings in a good rhythm, the order in which you tie them becomes messy and the eyes of the strings get messy! If you make a mistake, go back to the previous step one by one, make it clear and start again. The threads are assembled on top, so you will be aware of mistakes at an early stage.
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When the string is full.
I can't tie it anymore because the string is full! Then, raise the assembled string up, make space, and start assembling again. Let's loosen the thread wound around the wooden ball a little. It's made of silk, so it feels good to the touch, and you will be enchanted while you tie it.
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Finish it up... and it's done!
Once the string is assembled, the next step is to process it into an item. This is done by a craftsman, so you can take a break while looking around the store. The finished item was colorful and cute, and I couldn't help but cheering. I wonder what I should match it with... and my excitement won't stop.
More Information.
- Name of the activity
- Kumihimo Handmade Experience
- Price
- 2,500 yen (Tax included)
- Time required
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Number of admissions
- 1 ~ 4 (Children under elementary school age are not allowed.)
※ Select from 3 times in total, from 11 o'clock to 13:30 to 15:30 - What to bring
- None
- Others
- Not available for children
※ This link will direct you to a third-party site.
"Shoen kumihimo" A word from craftsman Hatta Shun.
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I wanted everyone to know about the history of Kumihimo and the process to its completion, and I wanted them to be interested, so I started this experience. You tie braid by repeating the same work. You don't have to think about unnecessary things, and you can work silently, so you feel refreshed after you finish. Feel free to enjoy traditional culture while chatting with artisans.
Column

What is your favorite place for Shun Hatta?
Noto no jo Inafusa Yasukane
My favorite is the tea dumpling shop "Noto no jo Inafusa Yasukane" that I have been eating since I was young. It is a long-established store located on the approach to Byodoin, and delivered sweets to Omuro Imperial Palace. The tea dango made with Uji matcha has a chewy texture and mild flavor. It is perfect as a gift.

Noto no jo Inafusa Yasukane0774-21-2074
11 Ujirenge, Uji City
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