Watanabe Indigo Dye House, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

the perfect day in gujo

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By Liz Stone, guest blogger
GUJO JP  “Say it 10 times fast! Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture.” As the rental car rambled through the mountains and far away from Kyoto, tongue twisters passed the time.

Although Gujo is less than two hours from Kyoto, it feels a world away —  remote enough that even our Japanese friend Yuki, who joined Patricia and me for the day, had never been there. 

Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture

Gujo was built over 400 years ago in a valley where three rivers meet. A white-winged yamashiro (traditional mountain castle) appears to float above the town, providing a beautiful contrast against the clear blue sky and surrounding greenery.

Pristine canals lining the streets are still used today for washing food, dishes, laundry — and rinsing out indigo dye! 

Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Our first stop upon arrival — hitsumabushi (grilled eel). Yuki’s favorite! The speciality dish features charcoal-grilled eel over a bowl of rice, served with a variety of condiments and side dishes. We left with big smiles, full bellies, and in firm agreement it was one of the best meals we’d ever had. 

Charbroiled Nagoya eel lunch in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Next, we headed to the Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse. Founded in 1580, the dyehouse once made clothing for Samurai who controlled the area. Back then, it was one of 17 shops; today, it’s the last one standing, known for honoring the ancient art of indigo dying and making massive koinobori (carp banners). 

Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, JapanWatanabe Indigo Dyehouse, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, JapanWatanabe Indigo Dyehouse, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

The 15th-generation indigo master, Kazuyoshi Watanabe, and his wife Keiko, greeted us. After tying or stitching different designs on our cotton scarves, we set to work hand-dying them in ancient vats.

Kazuyoshi Watanabe, and his wife Keiko, Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, JapanWorkshop Experience at Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, JapanWatanabe Indigo Dyehouse in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

It was a perfect dye day; blue bubbles bloomed atop the vats, indicating the natural indigo was healthy and ready to work. 

Dye at Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Once our scarves had been dyed a rich blue, we washed them in the river water flowing in front of the shop. Each emerged an indigo masterpiece! Yuki created his company brand Wonderwood, Patricia got creative with tying, and I tried my hand at ombre.

Dyeing at Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, JapanDyeing at Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, JapanWatanabe Indigo Dyehouse in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

The fresh mountain air, succulent hitsumabushi, and warm welcome from our new artisan friends left us charmed.

While the Okan Arts team is still planning their upcoming indigo tour for October 2025, one thing is clear — everyone must experience the perfect day in Gujo. 

Watanabe Indigo Dyehouse in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

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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 sell Japanese textiles online, host creative quilting experiences, and lead quilting & textile tours to Japan.

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