Tour to explore the development of indigo at Aizumicho Historical Museum, “Ai-no-Yakata”

■Exploration point 1
Why is the indigo Dyeing Experience here?
The indigo dyeing experience will stimulate your curiosity about “indigo” and bring you closer to the indigo industry deeply rooted in the Tokushima region. Local history, geographical benefits, and culture can also be learned in an integrated manner, promoting learning of local history and culture through educational tours.

■Exploration point 2
The northern part of Tokushima Prefecture was already known as an indigo production area from the 14th to 16th centuries, and from the 17th to the beginning of the 20th century, indigo dye produced in Tokushima was distributed to indigo product producers throughout Japan, supporting the Japanese dyeing and weaving culture.
The Yoshino River, Tokushima's famous first-class river, is greatly connected to the cultivation and distribution of indigo.
Through the indigo dyeing experience, visitors can become familiar with indigo and understand the role it has played in a wide range of areas, including local history, geography, culture, and industry.

■About Aizumicho Historical Museum, “Ai-no-Yakata”
The story of indigo in this area has been recognized as “Awa - The Birthplace of ‘Japan Blue’” as part of Japan's Heritage.
The museum and the Okumura Family Residence (designated as a tangible cultural property by Tokushima Prefecture), which was the residence of an indigo merchant, exhibit easy-to-understand displays of the cultivation, processing, and distribution of indigo, along with paper dolls. Visitors can learn about the historical and geographical background of the indigo industry that flourished in this area nurtured by the blessings of the Yoshino River. Visitors can also enjoy an authentic “indigo dyeing” experience to further deepen their understanding of local culture.

【Indigo Dyeing Experience】
Visitors can experience indigo dyeing using dye solution produced by lye fermentation. Experience is available for one person. Let's make your original indigo-dyed work.
○Price of dyeing experience
・Handkerchief 1000 yen / Hand towel 1000 yen / Bandana 1500 yen / Lace handkerchief 1500 yen / TENUGUI (Hand towel) 1500 yen / Silk stole (small) 2000 yen / Silk stole (large) 3500 yen / Towel scarf 3500 yen

【Okumura Family Residence】
The Okumura Residence was built in the 19th century, when the Okumura family developed their business as an indigo merchant. 1808 saw the construction of the main house, which was gradually expanded, and 1887 saw the construction of the west room. The luxurious appearance of the time can be seen. There are 13 buildings, including the main building, an indigo dye processing plant, and rooms for employees.
It was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property (building) by Tokushima Prefecture in 1987.

【Exhibition Rooms】
Materials are displayed in the archives and in the sleeping quarters (south and east) of the Okumura family house. In addition to a set of Awa indigo cultivation and processing tools, which are designated a National Important Folk Cultural Property, visitors can see materials related to the distribution of indigo, the management of the indigo trade and the furnishings of the Okumura family.

【Objective】
By learning about the history and culture of these Tokushima indigo plants, we hope to nurture as many people of the younger generation as possible to carry on this tradition.


・Time required for the programme: Indigo dyeing experience 40 min. Each tour about 30 min.
・Time of year: Indigo Dyeing Experience is available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on days the museum is open.
　*Closed on Tuesdays (open on national holidays) and December 29-January 3.
・Minimum number of participants: From 1
・Maximum number of participants: Up to approximately 30 people can experience indigo dyeing at one time.
・Price: Admission fee