-信州紬-

Here in the heart of central Japan, the Ina Valley is a beautiful mountainous, rural, rugged, yet agricultural area. In Komagane City of the Ina Valley, at Kubota Textiles, the Kubota family still run a traditional tsumugi fabric factory, which has been in business for over a hundred years.

What is Shinshu Tsumugi?

Shinshu Tsumugi is an historical, traditional, luxurious fabric which is handwoven with 100% silk. It is an officially designated traditional handicraft of Japan, one of only seven in Nagano Prefecture. The common use for Shinshu Tsumugi is to be made into traditional Japanese clothing such as kimono and obi.

What do they do at Kubota Textiles?

Throughout Nagano Prefecture there are several regional varieties of Shinshu Tsumugi, but here in Komagane City of the Ina Valley is the only producer that does all of the processing, from spinning, to natural dying, and then weaving, all in one facility. Inconspicuous from the outside, this a very special place!

What will you do during this experience?

• Meet and greet the owners: During this experience you will start by meeting the owners of the factory, the Kubota family. They always welcome guests with tea and impeccable Japanese hospitality.

• Factory tour: After learning about the craft you will enjoy a full tour of the factory. From the natural dying of the silk using local ingredients, to the spinning of the yarn, and the weaving of the cloth, the Kubota family will take you through it slowly, imparting their knowledge and passion as they go.

• Weaving experience: After the downstairs factory tour, upstairs is where the weavers work their magic. Here you will try the craft for yourself. Sitting down at a traditional Japanese weaving loom, surrounded by masters of the craft, a weaver at the facility will teach you the techniques as you weave your very own Shinshu Tsumugi place mat. You can take your creation home at the end and use it to decorate your table, home, or gift to a loved one, do with it as you see fit.

• Shopping and farewells: Finally you can peruse the Kubota Textiles handmade products before saying goodbyes and finishing your intimate half-day learning experience.

How do you get there?

Kubota Textiles factory is located only a five minute walk from Komagane Station, on the JR Iida Line. This very rural, slow but scenic train line is a great way to get there. As a general rule, the tour will start at Komagane Station, but if this is not convenient for you, please contact us and other arrangements can be made.

How to make a half day into a full day?

This tour can be combined with the following tours to make it into a full day:

• Tenryu Gorge hike and/or boat ride

• Wara-zaiku (traditional Japanese straw craft) experience

• Komagane Ropeway and small hike in the Central Alps at the Senjojiki Cirque