Discovering New Aspects of Attractive Shinjuku Vol.2

Discovering New Aspects of Attractive Shinjuku Vol.2

Dyeing

Shinjuku City is a big city located at the center of the 23 cities of Tokyo. It is home to Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest station, entertainment districts including the famous Kabukicho, skyscraper buildings in the Nishi-Shinjuku area, and one of the most prosperous commercial areas in Japan around the station, all of which attract visitors from all over the world. Meanwhile, simply by making a little side trip from Shinjuku Station, you can visit a town that has many diverse and distinctive aspects as well as experience Japan-style charms. We introduce you to traditional dyeing in the Ochiai and Waseda areas along the Kanda River.

Access

Ochiai area

5 min. from JR Shinjuku Sta. (get off at Takadanobaba Sta. on the JR Sobu Line)

6-8 min. from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (Shimo-Ochiai Sta. or Nakai Sta. on the Seibu Shinjuku Line)

10 min. from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Sta. (Nakai Sta. on the Toei Oedo Line)

Waseda area

12 min. from Seibu-Shinjuku Sta. (change at Takadanobaba Sta. on the Seibu Shinjuku Line and take the Tozai Line to get off at Waseda Sta.)

Other train line: get off at Omokagebashi Sta. on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)

Area Where Traditional Fabric-dyeing Techniques Continue Even Today

Tokyo fabric-dyeing, one of the traditional fabric-dyeing techniques for a variety of beautiful patterns of kimono, and a representative of the traditional culture of Japan, is still vibrant in Shinjuku, along with the fabric-dying techniques of Kyoto (Kyoto Pref.) and Kanazawa (Ishikawa Pref.). Fabric-dyeing factories started gathering along the river about 100 years ago, looking for clean water necessary for dyeing. There are various fabric-dyeing techniques, including Yuzen and Komon. At present, 19 fabric-dyeing factories and studios are each honing their own techniques.

Some no Komichi, a Colorful Sight to See Just Once a Year

Feb. 22 – 24, 2019

Some no Komichi festival is held to offer large numbers of people opportunities to see, feel, and understand the traditional fabric-dyeing culture of the Ochiai area. There will be “River Gallery,” where many tanmono (long strips of cloth) will be hung out to float above the river, and “Road Gallery,” where colorfully-dyed noren (split-curtain signs for shops) will be displayed on the front of the stores. Don’t miss this lively and colorful scene available only three days a year.

Try Traditional Dyeing

There are some studios that offer hands-on classes of traditional fabric-dyeing. Your personal product will make a perfect souvenir.

・Tokyo Dye Museum (Tomita Dye Crafts)

You can try dyeing various patterns using a paper template and brushes.

・Futaba-en

This place offers hands-on dyeing classes to make daily items, such as table runners and tote bags.

Must-see Cherry Blossom Alley!

If you are visiting Waseda area during the season of cherry blossoms, around early April, it is highly-recommended to walk along the walking path lined with cherry blossoms along the Kanda River. Start from Omokagebashi Sta. on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line). Mesmerizing illuminated cherry blossoms at night are also a spectacular sight.

Access and detailed information about these places are available at Shinjuku Tourist Information Center (at East-South Exit of JR Shinjuku Station)!

Please check out the website for the latest event information