A tote bag dyeing experience taught by the skilled craftspeople of "Pagong"Tote bag dyeing
Contents of Experience
Clothing items such as Kyo Yuzen Aloha Shirts started from the Kyo Yuzen dyer founded in the Taisho Period. You can experience dyeing using traditional shapes and colors etc. at the factory where craftspeople usually work. This time you get to dye a tote bag. How would you like to create your very own tote bag working under seasoned yet easy-going craftspeople?
-
STEP1
The experience starts at Pagong's main office, which is full of flamboyant items. First, choose a pattern between "Ryu (dragon)" and "Hana usagi (confection)". Then, you can pick the base and motif colors from the 12 color samples.
-
STEP2
After leaving your luggage, you will head to the factory equipped with an apron and arm covers. You can visit live scenes overflown with a feeling of reality, such as "ekiba" where dyes are combined, the dyeing tables etc. You might think "that makes sense", while they explain the basics and process of dyeing.
-
STEP3
This is the molding yard located in the 3rd floor of the factory. Precious molds carved by local craftsmen of Kyoto are lined up here. Sometimes more than 20 molds are used to dye a single pattern. This view is astonishing, and taking photos is allowed here.
-
STEP4
After the tour, it is time to dye. After practicing, your first task is choosing a color. Place the mold on the fabric and apply the color paste with a spatula called Sukeji. It is quite difficult to dye up to the top with full strength!
-
STEP5
After applying the color paste, wash the mold and the Sukeji immediately with water. This part will be done by a craftsperson, but I am moved by the realization how much strength this requires.... It's amazing that they do this many times a day.
-
STEP6
When the first color dries, comes the second color. It also surprised me that the craftsperson put the mold so that it does not slip off towards the first color. If you move the Sukeji at the same angle and pressure to dye it, the work is completed. When you remove the mold, the pattern you chose at the beginning will appear.
-
STEP7
Return the apron and arm covers at Pagong's main shop. The dyed fabric will be steamed, washed, passed through the sewing process, and will arrive at your home about a month later. Let's imagine what kind of finish it will be and what to put in it.
- Name of the activity
- Tote bag dyeing experience
- Price
- 5,500 yen (tax included)
- Time required
- 1 hour(Open weekdays from 3:00PM)
- Number of admissions
- 1~4 people(Reservation one day in advance) ※Group reservations one month in advance
- What to bring
- Nothing in particular
- Others
- English service available; Children aged 6 and above
Access
Pagon
615-0046 Kyoto City, Ukyo-ku, Saiin Nishimizozakicho 17
Google Map
※ This link will direct you to a third-party site.
Column

Mr. Noriaki Kameda's favorite place is...?
Hishiya
On the way to Kyoto station from the Pagong shop, you will find the Shimabara area of the old geisha district. It is a wonderful place with a gate (Shimabara Omon), and old pleasure houses, among which I recommend Hishiya. There is a well-known rice cookie called 'usubane', which I think is also a piece of art. It is sold out almost every day... If you have the chance to try it, then you must be lucky!

Hishiya075-351-7635
Kyoto City, Shimogyo-ku, Yakuencho 157
Recommended experience
- Kyo koma(tops) making experience
- Gold leaf stamping experience
- Tsuchi Twist Experience
- Japanese candle painting experience
- Hands-on braiding experience
- Making woodblock postcards
- Mini Japanese umbrella crafting experience
- Kyoto fan painting experience
- Denim Kyo-Yuzen-Zome Experience
- One-Day Kadou (Flower Arrangement) Experience
- Cherry Blossom Tsumami Zaiku Workshop
- Making your very own tegaki cherry blossom yuzen
- Experiencing handmade Kyoto-style confectionery
- Tegaki (hand-painted) Yuzen Experience
- Kyo Zogan Making Experience
- Scented sachet crafting experience, delivered by our craftsmen.
- Hanayui(flower head dress)Photo Plan
- KYOYAKI・KIYOMIZUYAKI Kochi painting
- Tote bag dyeing
- Tsumamizaiku [Pinching-craft] flower box making
- Mizuhiki-zaiku's flower card
- Making original mini lanterns
- Experience carving wooden covers of the stamp book
Recent
-
"Mikayu Shinji" and "Okayu Matsuri" based on historical events in the Heian period
- 2021.01.15
-
The birthplace of IGO "Hon-inbo"
- 2021.01.13
-
New Torii of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine
- 2021.01.11
-
Nishiki Tenman-gu Shrine
- 2021.01.06
-
At the Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts, "Longing trip to Europe"
- 2020.12.31
-
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine with old and new ema (large votive tablet)
- 2020.12.29
-
"Kotoshi no Kanji (Kanji of the Year)" is exhibited at the Kanji Museum.
- 2020.12.27
-
"Kuya Odori Yuyaku Nenbutsu" at Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple
- 2020.12.25
-
"Ayako Tenmangu Shrine" which is said to be the predecessor of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
- 2020.12.23
-
"Teuchi Daisen soba Hibiki"
- 2020.12.21