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By Patricia Belyea
Itano, Japan — Who knew an indigo museum could be so fun?
Stepping into the galleries of the Aizumicho Historical Museum, I was greeted by a long glass case filled with impeccable kimonos. The indigo textiles were simply stunning.
The room also featured interpretive displays explaining indigo cultivation and the intricate process of sukumo production.
Near the end of the hall, I noticed an exit door and assumed it led to the bathrooms. But stepping outside, I found myself transported back in time.
Before me stood the former residence of Takeo Okumura, an 11th-generation indigo farmer. The house was open for visitors to explore! Slipping on the provided slippers, I wandered through the pristine historic home.
Beside the entertainment room was a formal Japanese garden overlooking a spacious courtyard . This is where indigo leaves were spread out to dry each fall.
The surrounding outbuildings were filled with even more discoveries: dozens of dioramas featuring paper figures illustrating the entire indigo process, from planting to dyeing. And wonderful old tools.
My traveling companions, Liz and Saori, jumped at the chance to try indigo dyeing themselves. They experimented with sashiko tools to bind their fabrics before dunking them in an indigo vat.
Look at the smart-looking navy aprons embroidered with the Museum’s logo. These aprons repel liquids so they always look sharp!
Across the street from the museum entrance was a beautiful gift shop brimming with indigo treasures.
While I appreciated the main exhibits, I especially loved wandering through the old house, exploring the dioramas, and listening to the excitement of my companions as they dyed their projects.
It was far more than I ever expected from a small-town museum!
Location Details
Aza-Maezunishi, Tokumei, Aizumi-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima
Getting There:
A 30-minute bus ride from JR Tokushima Station on the Tokushima Bus bound for Nijo/Kamoshima. From the Higashi Nakatomi bus stop, it’s just a 5-minute walk.
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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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