Product Description

Hands-on Cultural Experience | Small Group | Historic Venue | English-Speaking Staff | Includes Museum Tour & Matcha Break

Overview

Step into centuries of tradition at Domyo, a braiding atelier in Tokyo founded in 1652 and trusted by the Japanese Imperial Court. This immersive workshop offers an exclusive opportunity to learn Kumihimo—the intricate Japanese art of silk braiding used in samurai armor, kimono sashes, and ceremonial objects.

Set in Domyo’s serene Kagurazaka location, this cultural experience includes a guided tour of the in-house Kumihimo museum, live artisan demonstrations, and a hands-on braiding session using 100% hand-dyed silk threads. Discover the meditative beauty of this timeless craft and leave with your own handcrafted strap, bracelet, or keychain.

Why Choose This Experience?

• Historic Setting: Learn Kumihimo at a traditional shop with over 370 years of history
• Authentic Craftsmanship: All materials are spun, dyed, and braided by hand using traditional methods
• Small Group Format: Intimate experience with personalized guidance
• Multilingual Support: English-speaking instructors available
• Take-Home Souvenir: Leave with your own handmade silk Kumihimo accessory
• Relaxing Finish: Enjoy matcha tea while your item is completed

What You’ll Experience

1. Welcome & Orientation (10 min)
Meet at the Domyo Kagurazaka shop. Guests are welcomed into a reserved lounge space. Lockers are available for personal belongings.

2. Guided Museum Tour (30 min)
Explore Domyo’s private archives featuring ancient kumihimo braids, traditional tools, and museum-quality reproductions. Watch experienced artisans demonstrate various braiding techniques.

3. Kumihimo Braiding Workshop (60 min)
Try the Naragumi technique, one of Japan’s oldest braiding styles, under expert guidance. Choose your own color set and design a strap, bracelet, or keychain using 100% hand-dyed silk threads.

4. Tea Break & Completion (30 min)
Relax with a cup of matcha while staff finish assembling your braided item into a final product. Take time to browse the shop’s premium handmade accessories.

Schedule

Morning Session

• 11:00 — Meet at Domyo Store
• 11:00–11:30 — Museum Tour & Artisan Demo
• 11:30–12:30 — Hands-on Kumihimo Workshop
• 12:30–13:00 — Matcha Break & Completion

Afternoon Session

• 14:00 — Meet at Domyo Store
• 14:00–14:30 — Museum Tour & Artisan Demo
• 14:30–15:30 — Hands-on Kumihimo Workshop
• 15:30–16:00 — Matcha Break & Completion

Location

Domyo Kumihimo Store – Kagurazaka
6-chōme-75 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan
Located in the heart of Tokyo’s historical Kagurazaka district, easily accessible by train or taxi.

Package Details

Package Name: Kumihimo Craft Experience by Domyo
Price: ¥10,000 per person
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Group Size: Small group (ideal for personalized attention)

Buy Ticket

Includes:

• Museum admission and guided tour
• Live artisan demonstration
• Hands-on braiding experience with all materials included
• Matcha tea break
• Finished silk accessory to take home

Not Included:

• Transportation to/from the venue
• Meals or additional purchases from the store

Good to Know

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience needed
• Workshop is suitable for adults and children over 10 (must be accompanied by an adult)
• The experience is conducted in English and/or Japanese
• Bookings may be canceled or rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., emergencies or natural events)

Reviews

“Absolutely worth the price. We got an in-depth history lesson, saw live demonstrations, and made our own accessory. It was beautiful, calming, and extremely well-organized.”

“A hidden gem for culture lovers. The staff was warm, fluent in English, and deeply knowledgeable. Braiding with real silk was meditative. I’ll treasure my finished piece forever.”

“Beginner-friendly but very authentic. Watching the artisans work was like peeking into history. Highly recommend this experience over more touristy crafts.”