Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan – No.8: Experience a Private Kumihimo Workshop with English Guidance

A Timeless Art of Silk, Spirit, and Samurai Precision—Now Yours to Experience

In a quiet studio tucked away in Tokyo, where 370 years of uninterrupted tradition breathe through silk threads, you can discover one of Japan’s most exquisite and underappreciated crafts: kumihimo, the ancient art of braided silk cords. Far beyond a decorative accessory, this elegant technique once fastened the swords of samurai, adorned Buddhist altars, and graced imperial garments.

Today, through an exclusive kumihimo workshop led by descendants of one of Japan’s oldest artisan families, you have the rare opportunity to not only witness this timeless beauty—but to create it with your own hands.

What Is Kumihimo? A Cord That Connects Japan’s Soul

The word kumihimo literally means “gathered threads.” Dating back over 1,400 years, this braiding technique reflects the essence of Japanese aesthetics: harmony, simplicity, and depth. What looks like a single silk cord may, in fact, contain over 50,000 interwoven threads—each precisely dyed, positioned, and braided into rhythmic perfection.

These cords are more than functional; they embody a cultural spirit. From the sageo cords that adorned samurai swords to the obijime that elegantly tie kimono sashes, kumihimo has long held symbolic and practical power in Japanese society.

Meet the Masters: A Kumihimo Workshop Guided by Generations of Excellence

This private experience is held at Domyo, Japan’s oldest and most esteemed kumihimo studio, founded in 1652. Under the guidance of either Professor Mihoko Domyo—a world-renowned textile historian and expert in Japanese folk costumes—or President Kiichiro Domyo, head of the Domyo studio, you’ll gain not only technical instruction, but deep cultural context.

Professor Domyo’s academic achievements and honors are unmatched in the field. Her explanations turn every silk strand into a story—of craftsmanship, of Zen, of cultural memory.

An Artform Rooted in Zen and the Discipline of the Samurai

What makes this workshop unlike any other is its blend of intellectual insight and meditative practice. Kumihimo is rhythm. Focus. Repetition. In feudal times, it was a form of mental training for samurai warriors, echoing Zen principles.

As your hands begin to braid under the careful instruction of artisans, you’ll feel that same serenity—an almost spiritual stillness, woven through centuries.

Design Your Own Piece of Living Tradition

During the workshop, you’ll craft your own kumihimo item—such as a silk bracelet or mobile strap—using traditional tools and techniques preserved for generations. This is not a simplified activity for tourists. It is authentic, hands-on engagement with Japanese heritage.

Afterward, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to browse and purchase master-level kumihimo pieces made by Domyo artisans—works of art that fuse elegance with legacy.

For the Cultured Traveler, Not the Casual Tourist

This kumihimo workshop is ideal for travelers who seek more than sightseeing. It offers intimate access to Japan’s living cultural heritage, guided by masters whose knowledge and skill have been passed down for centuries.

Whether you're a collector of fine crafts, a lover of Japanese culture, or simply someone who appreciates beauty with meaning—this experience invites you to braid together the past and the present, in the most literal and lasting way.

▶ Explore more: Kagurazaka Refined Wander Official Site

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes of any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.