To learn more and book at place on the FEB 2027 Textile Treasures of Okinawa Tour +click here
By Patricia Belyea
NAHA, JP Victoria and I just concluded our inaugural Textile Treasures of Okinawa Tour. One traveler summed it up perfectly: “I knew what the itinerary would be, but not how much the experience would affect me.”
Exactly. The tour delivered far more than a list of activities. The people, the places, the vibe — they all came together to create something unforgettable.
WEAVING
Everyone’s coaster collections expanded with three different weaving workshops!
In Haebaru, we tried ikat weaving with cotton yarns. Each loom was prepared to produce an intricate kasuri pattern based on the miezu—the official design charts created during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. While half the group wove coasters, the others strolled along the famous Kasuri Road.
To experience tsumugi weaving, we took an early morning flight to Kumejima. The welcoming weavers helped each tour participant make an ikat-patterned coaster — woven with botanically dyed yarns. On a tour of the weaving center, we saw a bathtub full of iron-rich mud used for dyeing rich black tones.
At the Chibana weaving center, the whole community paused to cheer us on during our hanaori coaster weaving. There was laughter while trying on hanaori kimono (and even a little hula dancing!). And more chortles when dropping coins into the gashapon, turning the handle, and hoping for a small woven treat — like a hanaori turtle pincushion — in a plastic capsule.
BINGATA DYEING
At the studio of Makoto Fujisaki Sensei, we dove into the world of bingata dyeing. Over three mornings we worked with base colors, highlight dyes, pointed brushes, and blunt brushes to bring peony, waterway, and phoenix designs to life in full technicolor.
PRECIOUS
BASHO-FU
The pride of Okinawa, bashō-fu is made with the inner fibers of the ito-bashō — a wild banana plant. Our group stripped layers off harvested banana stalks — the first step of a meticulous process. Inside the Ogimi Village Bashō Museum, we learned more about the production of this traditional, hand-loomed textile.
A DYNAMIC DUO
Yasuhiro and Ritsuko Fukushima of Banananesia, master artisans, shared their passions. Yasuhiro utilizes the bashō fiber to make clothes and paper, while Ritsuko specializes in bingata dyeing of her own playful patterns.
HANDS-ON FUN
The calligraphy class with Kenji Tamashiro Sensei began with stroke exercises, then writing our names, and finally creating a project featuring a single Japanese character.
A visit to Yomitan Pottery Village preceded a sculpture workshop in a spacious Naha kōbō. Happy textile gals made grinning little shisa — guardian lion-dogs of Okinawa.
Shopping was the key activity at Shiyon, a weaving studio where five artisans create colorful, affordable products for folks who love hand-made clothes and accessories.
ALIVE WITH HISTORY
We explored castle ruins, fortification walls, sacred sites, and a wooden palace — taking in the beauty and culture of the Ryukyu people. 
INTO THE WILD
The Southeast Botanical Gardens featured more than 1,300 tropical and subtropical plants, animal encounters (including petting the straw-like fur of capybara!), and a lively bird show.
At Churaumi Aquarium, a gentle whale shark shared the spotlight with massive manta rays and schools of colorful fish in a gigantic tank. Other highlights of the Aquarium included a family of manatees, a flotilla of sea turtles, and a dolphin show filled with leaps and spins.
WATERFRONT VIEWS
We enjoyed six nights on the Naha waterfront and five nights on the Nago beach. Spacious solo-occupancy rooms boasted sitting areas, balconies, and big soaking tubs (a favorite of mine). Both hotels offered pools—and in Naha, a world-class spa/onsen.
FOOD GALORE
We never went hungry! There were buffet breakfasts with a view, group lunches at local restaurants and elegant hotels, and private dinners featuring flame-fired shabu-shabu and talented chefs. And, of course, plenty of Blue Seal ice cream in flavors like Purple Yam (Beni-imo), Ryukyu Royal Milk Tea, and Okinawan Salt Cookie.
OUR PARTNER FOR SUCCESS
Yumi Sugai reigns as our longstanding Japanese guide and expert. On this tour, we got a two-fer! Yumi’s husband Roppu (with the nickname Q) joined in and helped us out in so many sweet ways.
We came for textiles and left with friendships, inspiration, and a deeper love for Okinawa. Until the next adventure, our hearts — and our suitcases — are full!
To learn more and book at place on the FEB 2027 Textile Treasures of Okinawa 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
