Indigo Dyeing experience, Japanese Paper Making tour

We visit indigo-colored dyeing shop, Amano Kouya. From the Edo period (1603-1868) to the Meiji period (1868-1912), indigo was used for all kinds of dyeing in Japan. The dye is mainly made from the plant called tade. A pigment called "indigotin" is extracted from this plant and is used to make dyes. At Amano Konya, you will actually observe the skilled yarn dyeing process and experience indigo dyeing of tenugui hand towels, shawls, T-shirts, etc. by yourself under the guidance of the craftsmen. Another place we visit is the Abe Eishiro Memorial Museum. Abe Eishiro created Izumo mingei paper that has a unique character never seen before in the history of washi. At the Eishiro Memorial Museum, visitors will learn how to make washi paper in the washi-making workshop, and experience making uchiwa (Japanese fans) from the paper.