To learn about Okan Arts’ textile tours to Japan +click here
By Patricia Belyea
KYOTO JP Beyond mini-workshops, the Blue Japan Indigo Tour featured insider visits with some remarkable Japanese luminaries:
Naoko Oena, an indigo master, and her husband Kota, in the mountain village of Miyama—known for its thatched farmhouses
Kazuyoshi Watanabe, a 15-generation indigo dyer and his wife Keiko, at their historic shop in Gujo Hachiman
Sally Hancox and Junichi Okada of AiAii, who grow and dye with their own indigo on Awaji Island
Gardens, historic sights, and serendipitous moments abounded:The buckwheat fields and Folk Craft Museum in picturesque Miyama
Netsuke treasures in Japan’s only museum dedicated to this miniature art, housed in a former samurai residence
Majestic Nijo Castle and its impressive gardens
Momotara Jeans featuring Japan’s famous red-selvedge denim on Kojima Jeans Street
A salt merchant’s home tucked off Kojima Jeans Street
The Bikan Historic District in Kurashiki City
Shosei-en Garden, an oasis in the heart of bustling Kyoto
And then there was the food!
Japanese cuisine served with all its delightful, delicious details
To see photos of the hands-on workshops included in the Blue Japan Indigo Tour +click here
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ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria import vintage Japanese textiles, host in-person and online creative quilting experiences, and lead textile tours to Japan.
FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts
