Kyoto Nishijin-ori Textile Gamaguchi Making Experience 👛
If you want to experience the traditional culture of Kyoto, I recommend the Gamaguchi making experience of Tomosakasokoten shop.
This is a shop where you can easily make Nishijin-ori Gamaguchi.
Why don’t you take Nishijin sightseeing as one of Kyoto sightseeing?
This time, I’ll introduce the experience.
What’s Nishijin-ori?
Nishijin-ori is a silk fabric made in the northwestern part of Kyoto City.
Nishijin-ori originated in a long time ago, and it’s said that it was in the 5~6 century when immigrants brought the technology of sericulture and silk weaving to Kyoto.
Later, in the Onin War (1467-1477) occurred in the Muromachi period, textile craftsmen evacuated from Kyoto.
After the Onin War ended, the craftsmen returned to the area (Nishijin) where the home base of the Western Camp was, and revived the textile business.
From this time, the place name of Nishijin was born, and the fabric made in Nishijin came to be called Nishijin-ori.
Today, in addition to traditional kimonos, they are also making efforts to produce items that match the times, such as Western-style kimonos and interior decorations.
Gamaguchi Making Experience
The Tomisakasokoten is located in Nishijin area where you can experience making the Nishjin-ori Gamaguchi. This is a shop selling Nishijin-ori crafts.
The experience course where you can easily make Gamaguchi is popular among people who travel to Kyoto.
It takes about 2 hours to experience, and the price is 2,000 yen including tax, which is very reasonable. Of course, you can take home the completed original Gamaguchi.
There’re many products with Nishijin-ori in the shop. Those who like Japanese accessories will surely be fascinated.
Variety of Nishijin-ori – International shipping available
Let’s start making Gamaguchi.
Then, let’s have a Gamaguchi making experience right away.
At first, you choose about 30 kinds of Nishijin-ori fabric sewn in the shape of a bag beforehand.
Nishijin-ori has a dignified appearance. None of them are the same, and you will have trouble choosing because they are all pretty. Let’s think about the image of the finished product and choose.
After choosing the fabric, you paint the groove of the metal fitting with glue. Don’t spread too much or too little, and spread it on the whole with moderate amount.
Next, insert the bag into the metal fitting. The diameter of the bag is wider than that of the metal fitting, so it’s quite difficult.
After that, you insert a string as a stopper between the bag and the metal fitting.
Inserting the string requires a lot of strength and it’s a delicate work that you have to insert the string equally.
It’s almost done. You pinch the metal fitting with pliers. Now the fabric and the metal fitting are together.
Finally, shape the fabric and it’s done!
Gamaguchi is about 11 cm wide. Not only coins, women can put lipsticks and earrings. It’s a thick fabric so it doesn’t lose its shape easily.
The Nishijin-ori Gamaguchi making experience allows you to casually experience the traditional culture of Kyoto and become a unique souvenir in the world.
Why don’t you visit during your trip?
Information
- Hours: 10:00～18:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Gamaguchi making workshop: 2,000 yen, Weekdays 16:00～, Weekends and Holidays 10:00～, 13:00～, 16:00～, 2~6 people, Reservation required 1 week in advance
- Website