Arimatsu Shibori Experience: Historic Town Walk & Tie-Dye Workshop
Step back in time and discover the historic town of Arimatsu, famous for its 400-year-old Shibori tie-dye tradition. On this cultural experience, you’ll stroll through charming old streets, learn about the history and craftsmanship of Arimatsu Shibori, and watch local artisans at work. The highlight of the tour is creating your own one-of-a-kind dyed piece in a hands-on workshop — a unique souvenir and special memory to bring home from Japan.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Arimatsu Station
- Meet me at the ticket gate of Arimatsu Station on the Meitetsu Line. I will be waiting for you with a name sign.
Arimatsu historic town
The historic town of Arimatsu developed along the old Tokaido Road, one of Japan’s most important travel routes during the Edo period. The area is known for its beautifully preserved traditional streetscape and its 400-year history of Arimatsu Shibori tie-dye craftsmanship. During the walk, you will also visit the Arimatsu Shibori Museum, where you can learn about the history, techniques, and cultural significance of this traditional Japanese craft.
Lunch upon your request
Historic Shibori merchant house--workshop
Enjoy a hands-on Shibori experience inside a historic merchant house in Arimatsu. First, draw your favorite design on traditional Japanese cotton fabric. You can try the delicate and traditional “Makiage Shibori” stitching technique, or, if sewing is not your thing, create bold and playful patterns using super balls and other simple binding methods. There are no strict rules — this is your chance to unleash your creativity and make a truly one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Ending Point
Arimatsu Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Shibori tie-dye workshop
Entrance fee for the Shibori museum
Lunch and drinks
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Tommie T.
Welcome to Nagoya! I’m Tommie, a nationally certified guide based in central Japan.
Having lived in six different countries since childhood, I have a passion for cultural exchange and connecting with people from all walks of life. After spending 14 years abroad, I now enjoy sharing the hidden charms of my lovely hometown, Nagoya, with international travelers like you!
With experience guiding small groups and couples, I focus on creating warm, flexible, and meaningful tours. Whether you’re into history, local food, cars, modern city life, or traditional crafts, I can tailor the tour to match your interests.
If you’ve already visited Tokyo or Kyoto, you’ll find Nagoya refreshingly less crowded and more relaxed. Here, you can enjoy authentic experiences with a local touch. Known not only as the home of TOYOTA, Nagoya also has strong roots in Samurai culture and offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Meantime, you can enjoy unique local specialities, such as Miso-Katsu( Pork cutlet with Miso), Hitsumabushi(grilled eel)etc., and also enjoy hands-on cultural experiences like Shiori dyeing or traditional fan-making. There’s so much to explore here.
I’d love to be part of your memorable journey.
Let’s enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure together!
Reviews
Faith B.
“Highlight Tour of Nagoya”
I had such a lovely time with Tommie on my solo trip to Nagoya! She was extremely knowledgeable about the city and places we visited, and had answers to all of my random little questions I asked. She took me to many places in the time that we had and always made sure I was comfortable. I told her I enjoyed nature, so she took me to a tea house and garden which was beautiful. She even recommended some food places for me to try after our tour, which I visited afterwards and had the best meal of my entire trip. Thank you so much, Tommie! I enjoyed talking and spending time with you. I recommend her to anyone visiting Nagoya!
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Tommie T.
Dear Faith, Thank you very much for your lovely review! I was delighted to read it, and your kind words truly motivated me. I'm glad to hear that you went to the food place(perhaps the basement one?) for dinner and enjoyed it! And also, I still can't forget the adorable baby piglet you showed me! She was so cute that now I want to hold a piglet someday myself. Thank you again for spending the day with me, I always remember you whenever I pass by in front of the hotel with my dog. I hope you have an even more wonderful time in Japan when you return in November. Tommie
Linna W.
“Great Tour!”
Thank you, Tommie! My guest said she had a wonderful tour with you. I really appreciate your support and hope we can work together again soon.
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Tommie T.
Dear Linna-san, Thank you so much for your kind message! I’m very happy to hear that your guest enjoyed the tour. It was truly a pleasure guiding her to Nabana no sato, and I also really appreciate your support and smooth coordination throughout the process. I’d be very happy to work together again anytime in the future. Looking forward to it!
Carl W.
“Nagoya Highlights”
Tommie T. Was excellent, we did not know what to expect at this port stop. She took us around to many sights seamlessly. Subway, bus and walking, do not think we missed anything. Tommie was very knowledgeable and explained items that the onsite guides did not know or forgot to tell us. Highly recommend her for your tour in Nagoya.
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Tommie T.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring Nagoya and that the tour went smoothly for you. It was a real pleasure guiding you around the city and sharing some of the local stories and culture. I really loved the warm, positive atmosphere you both created — I hope to travel like you two someday! Please come back to Japan if you have the chance. Until then, stay well and keep enjoying your adventures!
$199/ per group
More tours by Tommie T.
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Nagoya's Best and Hidden Gems in 6 hours - Totally Customizable
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Nagoya Highlights: Toyota, Castle & Foodie Paradise
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Fascinating Kakouzan and Motoyama. Don't miss the giant green Buddha!
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The Classic Nagoya Tour with the local
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