Mikuriya Dyers and Weavers Indigo Crafts Featured at Gora Karaku Hakone
Natural indigo-dyed products bring traditional Japanese craftsmanship to winter travelers
Gora Karaku, a luxury ryokan in Hakone (managed by Orix Hotel Management, General Manager: Yojiro Chiba), now presents indigo-dyed crafts from Oharaya Authentic Indigo Dyeing (Gotemba City, Shizuoka, 4th generation: Hiroyasu Obara), a designated Shizuoka Prefecture folk craft tradition called "Mikuriya Dyers and Weavers." These traditional crafts are available at the ryokan's shop and gallery.
Indigo-dyed items colored with natural dyes develop richer character with use, gradually evolving into unique hues personal to each owner. These pieces serve as cherished travel mementos and lasting craft pieces for home enjoyment.
The collection features deep, elegant "Japan Blue" achieved through natural Awa indigo, presented in contemporary forms including scarves, handkerchiefs, accessories, and other craft items.
Mikuriya Dyers and Weavers accessories bring refined color to everyday life
Shop & Gallery Features Mikuriya Dyers and Weavers Crafts
Indigo dyeing created with natural materials and nature-derived dyes has long been cherished in Japan as "functional beauty." At Gora Karaku, guests can experience these carefully handcrafted items in the ryokan's serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the depth and beauty of indigo while connecting with the artisan's dedication, selecting pieces to incorporate into their own lives.
Indigo dyeing for winter's quiet moments - pieces that satisfy the soul.
Product Selection
Scarves, handkerchiefs, accessories, and other indigo-dyed crafts
Sales Details
Location: 1st Floor Shop & Gallery
Hours: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Add indigo color to winter attire with a Mikuriya Dyers and Weavers scarf - warmth and quality combined
Complementary Project: Photo Exhibition Celebrating Natural Awa Indigo Color Beauty
The World of Natural Awa Indigo Ash Lye Fermentation Vat Dyeing Inherited from the Edo Period
Gora Karaku has consistently partnered with regional communities to create sustainable cycles of long-term, stable fan development and regional revitalization, offering guests opportunities to experience Japanese history, culture, and nature. To commemorate the sales launch, the ryokan now presents a photo exhibition in the observation open-air bath's relaxation area, introducing the workshop scenery and works of Mikuriya Dyers and Weavers.
The exhibition features the traditional "natural indigo ash lye fermentation vat" technique using indigo vats and ash lye made from wood ash, bringing visitors close to the artisan's skill and indigo's beauty. Experiencing the background and history of indigo dyeing during travel makes the encounter with works in the shop even more memorable.
Hands and nails dyed indigo blue from natural Awa indigo are the artisan's badge of honor
Photo Exhibition Details
Regional Collaboration Project Volume 5: "Indigo Dyeing Photo Exhibition"
Period: Until May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Location: Observation Open-Air Bath Rest Area
Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
In cooperation with: Oharaya Authentic Indigo Dyeing
※ Registered guests only
Re-carving traditional stencils passed down from Oharaya's first generation
About Mikuriya Dyers and Weavers: Folk Crafts from Oharaya Authentic Indigo Dyeing Since the Edo Period
This Shizuoka Prefecture-designated folk craft tradition employs natural Awa indigo with ash lye made from wood ash, lime, bran, and sake, fermented in vats buried in an earthen floor. Following dyeing techniques from the Edo period, threads and cloth are immersed several to dozens of times in the indigo liquid. Oharaya Authentic Indigo Dyeing creates these crafts by weaving fabrics on hand looms and applying various techniques depending on the work, including long board middle pattern dyeing, pattern dyeing, tube drawing, and tie-dyeing. Traditional stencils used since the Edo period are re-carved and incorporated into contemporary works. At the Gotemba workshop, visitors can experience dyeing and weaving, with works available for purchase at the attached gallery. Visit to experience the master craftsman's skill and indigo's beauty firsthand.
| Location | Oharaya Authentic Indigo Dyeing 676 Hagiwara, Gotemba City, Shizuoka |
| Business Hours | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Dyeing Experience | Morning session: 10:00 AM (approximately 2 hours) Afternoon session: 1:00 PM (approximately 2 hours) Dyeing experience prices (tax included): ・Cotton hand towel: ¥5,000 ・Cotton handkerchief: ¥5,500 ・Silk scarf: ¥6,600 ・Silk stole (regular width): ¥14,300 ・Silk stole (wide/large): ¥18,700 ・Cotton T-shirt: ¥13,200 ※Advance reservation required ※Weaving experiences and bringing items for dyeing also available - please inquire |
| Contact | 0550-82-0511 |
About Sustainability Initiatives
The 14 ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS facilities, including Orix Hotel Management's operated and business-supported 21 facilities, advance sustainability initiatives along five priority themes: "Environmental Consideration," "Comfortable Stay," "Coexistence with Local Communities," "Rewarding Workplace," and "Fair Business Practices." The company continues practicing sustainable facility operations that create new enrichment with local communities while maintaining hospitality attentive to each individual guest. https://www.orixhotelsandresorts.com/sustainability/
About Karaku
Karaku is a luxury ryokan resort created for all visitors to spend time in their own way. Under the brand concept "A place where graceful vitality is born," the ryokan delivers supreme experiences that uncompromisingly pursue essentials while cherishing thoughtful hospitality and various "ma" (intervals). Born as the ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS flagship brand, both Gora Karaku in Hakone and Atami Izusan Karaku received "1 Michelin Key" recognition for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.
About Gora Karaku Hakone
In Hakone's Gora area, where abundant nature and refined cultural currents flow, Gora Karaku offers open-air baths with mountain and sea views alongside diverse dining options. With hot springs, spa, lounge, terrace, and restaurants - numerous choices that inspire wanderlust - the facility ensures fresh stay experiences every visit. This place where everyone can spend time as they wish delivers luxurious journeys immersed in fulfilling moments.
Official website: https://www.gora-karaku.jp/
