Miyashita Kyoto Guide
This is not a shopping tour or a factory visit.
This is a private, in-depth visit to working kimono workshops, where you observe real craftsmanship, speak directly with artisans, and come into contact with the materials and techniques that support Kyoto’s textile culture.
The focus is not on souvenirs, but on understanding the work itself, quietly and respectfully, at the pace of the artisans.
During this private kimono artisan tour, you will:
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Begin the experience with a tea ceremony welcome at Kyogofuku Miyashita, offering a quiet moment to step away from the outside world
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Be introduced to Japanese hospitality through tea before visiting working artisan spaces
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Visit three active kimono-related workshops, selected together based on your interests
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Observe artisans at work, including weaving, dyeing, repair, and finishing processes
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Learn how kimono textiles are created, maintained, and passed down across generations
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Touch and examine fabrics, threads, and materials used in daily artisan work
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Engage directly with artisans through conversation and questions
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See both the finished works and the working environments behind them
This experience is designed to move from stillness to activity, allowing guests to first settle their attention through tea before encountering the rhythm of artisan work.
What to Expect
Tea Ceremony Welcome at Kyogofuku Miyashita
The experience begins at Kyogofuku Miyashita, where you will be welcomed with a tea ceremony.
This moment of hospitality offers a calm introduction to Japanese culture and sets the tone for the day.
Introduction to the Day’s Route
Over tea, your guide will introduce the workshops you will visit and explain how each relates to kimono making and care.
Workshop Visits (Three Locations)
You will then visit three kimono-related workshops.
The specific locations are selected together in advance, allowing the tour to reflect your interests and curiosity.
At each workshop, you will:
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Observe artisans working in real time
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Learn about the techniques, tools, and materials being used
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Touch fabrics or materials when appropriate
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Ask questions freely, with interpretation and explanation provided
Artisans, Materials & Work
Rather than focusing on shopping or sightseeing, the emphasis is placed on understanding the work itself and the people who sustain it.
Conclusion
The tour concludes after the third workshop, leaving you with a deeper understanding of kimono culture beyond finished garments.
Working Spaces, Not Showrooms
This tour takes place inside real, working kimono workshops across Kyoto.
You may visit:
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Traditional townhouses where weaving has continued for generations
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Narrow passageways leading to dyeing studios
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Family homes where kimono care and repair are performed
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Workshop-factories where handwork and machinery coexist
These spaces are not prepared for tourists.
They exist to support daily artisan work, and visits are conducted quietly and with respect for the people who work there.
As a fourth-generation kimono family member, your guide acts as a bridge, introducing guests into these environments in a way that honors long-standing relationships and trust.
Details
Duration
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM (approximately 4.5 hours)
Price
1 guest: ¥53,000
2 guests: ¥58,000
3 guests: ¥63,000
4 guests: ¥80,000
5 guests: ¥92,000
(All prices include tax)
Group Size
Up to 5 guests
(Private experience only)
Language
English / Japanese
Meeting Point
The tour begins at the following location:
Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
〒606-8336
Higashifukunokawa-cho 39, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Guests will be welcomed here before the experience begins.
The locations of the artisan workshops will be introduced on the day of the tour, allowing flexibility based on the selected route and workshop availability.
Transportation
Transportation during the tour will be arranged as follows:
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Public transportation, or
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Taxi arranged by the guest
Your guide will provide clear guidance throughout the day to ensure smooth movement between locations.
FAQ
Is this a shopping tour?
No. There is no obligation to purchase anything, and there is no sales pressure during the tour.
Can I take photographs?
Photography is generally allowed, but restrictions may vary by workshop. Guidance will be provided on site.
Will this interfere with the artisans’ work?
No. Visits are conducted with full respect for the artisans’ schedules and working environment.
Is this a tourist attraction?
No. This tour focuses on real working spaces rather than sightseeing locations.
