Kaga Yuzen artisan Kunichika Tsurumi in his Kanazawa studio

Kaga Yuzen Artisan Studio Visit

Tour

61,000yen/ 2 persons

14:00-16:00 (2hrs)

Meeting Point:

Tsurumi Dyeing and Decorative Crafts (MAP)

Language:English/Japanese/French*/German*/Spanish*/Chinese*

What's Included: English-speaking Guide, Transportation fee to the workshop, Tea

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Private Kaga Yuzen Artisan Studio Visit in Kanazawa

Meet a Kaga Yuzen Artisan Inside His Private Working Studio

Step inside a private working studio dedicated to Kaga Yuzen, Kanazawa’s celebrated tradition of hand-painted kimono dyeing. During this private two-hour experience, you will meet second-generation artisan Kunichika Tsurumi, observe the tools and techniques used to create Kaga Yuzen, and learn how its distinctive colors and realistic natural motifs are applied to kimono.Unlike a museum visit or a general craft demonstration, this experience gives you direct access to a working artisan. You can ask questions, examine the details of Kaga Yuzen up close and enjoy tea and conversation with the artist. The experience concludes with an opportunity to try on an authentic Kaga Yuzen kimono. Please note that this is an artisan studio visit and cultural demonstration rather than a full hands-on dyeing workshop.

Tour Highlights

Enter a private working Kaga Yuzen studio in central Kanazawa
Meet second-generation Kaga Yuzen artisan Kunichika Tsurumi
Discover the Five Colors of Kaga and their cultural meaning
See traditional dyeing tools, materials and techniques up close
Learn how realistic natural motifs are created by hand
Ask the artisan questions with support from an English-speaking guide
Enjoy tea and personal conversation with the artisan
Try on an authentic Kaga Yuzen kimono
Join a fully private experience reserved for your group

What Is Kaga Yuzen?

Kaga Yuzen is a traditional hand-dyeing technique developed in Kanazawa and the surrounding Ishikawa region. It is regarded as one of Japan’s three major Yuzen dyeing traditions. Kaga Yuzen is known for its realistic depictions of flowers, plants and natural scenery. Its designs often use soft color gradation and details such as insect-eaten leaves, giving each motif a natural and lifelike appearance.

The tradition is also associated with the Five Colors of Kaga:

Indigo
Ochre
Grass green
Ancient purple
Deep crimson

Compared with the brighter and more decorative style often associated with Kyoto Yuzen, Kaga Yuzen generally expresses a restrained, natural elegance connected with Kanazawa’s samurai and craft culture.

What Will You Experience?

1. Enter a Working Artisan Studio

Visit Tsurumi Senshoku Kogei, a private Kaga Yuzen studio in Kanazawa.

This is a genuine working space where the complete Kaga Yuzen production process takes place. A small stream-like water feature runs through the studio and reflects the traditional connection between dyeing work and flowing water.

2. Learn How Kaga Yuzen Is Created

Your guide and the artisan will introduce the main stages involved in producing a Kaga Yuzen kimono.

You will learn about:

Preparing the design
Drawing the outline
Applying color by hand
Creating soft color gradation
Using paste to protect parts of the fabric
Washing and finishing the dyed textile
The meaning of seasonal and natural motifs

Because every kimono requires extensive time and specialist skill, the visit focuses on observing, understanding and speaking with the artisan rather than completing an entire dyeing project.

3. Meet Artisan Kunichika Tsurumi

Kunichika Tsurumi is the second-generation successor of Tsurumi Senshoku Kogei. Born in 1969 as the eldest son of Kaga Yuzen artist Yasutsugu Tsurumi, he began studying textile art after graduating from university. He first trained in Tokyo Yuzen before returning to Kanazawa to study Kaga Yuzen under his father. He has also studied crafts and painting in Germany and the United Kingdom, bringing an international perspective to his work while preserving traditional Kaga Yuzen techniques. Today, he creates kimono, accessories and decorative panels that combine Kanazawa’s traditional aesthetics with contemporary lifestyles.

4. Ask Questions and Enjoy Tea with the Artisan

The private format gives you time to ask about the artist’s training, inspiration, techniques and the future of Kaga Yuzen. After exploring the studio, enjoy tea and informal conversation with the artisan. An English-speaking guide supports communication and provides additional cultural context.

5. Try On an Authentic Kaga Yuzen Kimono

At the end of the experience, you will have an opportunity to try on an authentic Kaga Yuzen kimono.

Seeing the colors and patterns on the body provides a deeper appreciation of how the design, fabric and movement work together. Availability and suitable kimono sizes may vary.

Is This a Hands-On Dyeing Workshop?

This experience is primarily a private artisan studio visit rather than a hands-on dyeing class.

Guests do not produce a complete dyed item during the two-hour visit. Instead, you will observe the studio, learn about the traditional process, speak directly with the artisan and try on an authentic Kaga Yuzen kimono.

This experience is best suited to travelers who value direct access, cultural understanding and personal interaction with an active craftsperson.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This private Kaga Yuzen experience is particularly recommended for:

Travelers interested in Japanese textiles and kimono
Art, design and fashion professionals
Craft collectors
Couples and private families
Luxury travelers seeking private cultural access
Travelers who want to meet local artisans
Guests looking for an experience beyond general sightseeing

No previous knowledge of kimono or Japanese crafts is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaga Yuzen?
- Kaga Yuzen is a traditional hand-dyeing technique from Kanazawa. It is known for realistic natural motifs, subtle color gradation and the Five Colors of Kaga.
Is this a hands-on Kaga Yuzen workshop?
- This program is a private artisan studio visit and cultural demonstration. Guests do not complete a full dyeing project, but they can observe the tools and process, speak with the artisan and try on a Kaga Yuzen kimono.
Is this experience private?
- Yes. The studio visit is reserved exclusively for your group.
Is an English-speaking guide included?
- Yes. An English-speaking guide is included in the price.
Can other languages be arranged?
- French, German, Spanish and Chinese support may be arranged in advance for an additional fee of ¥15,000.
Can I try on a Kaga Yuzen kimono?
- Yes. The visit includes an opportunity to try on an authentic Kaga Yuzen kimono. Available sizes and designs may vary.
Can children participate?
- Children may participate with their family. Please contact us in advance regarding age, kimono sizes and any special requirements.
Can I take photographs?
- Photography is generally possible in designated areas. Please follow the artisan’s instructions, as certain works, designs or production areas may not be photographed.
Can I purchase Kaga Yuzen works?
- Works or related products may be available for purchase depending on the studio’s current collection. Purchases are not included in the tour price.
How far in advance should I book?
- Because this experience requires direct coordination with a working artisan, we recommend booking as early as possible.