A unique workshop event combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship and cultural heritage will take place on February 15, 2026, at the historic Ikutaniya Residence in Kyoto's Kamigyo Ward. The event, titled "Asayugoto," offers couples an immersive experience in hand-painted Yuzen dyeing and kimono coordination within a registered tangible cultural property.
About the Workshop
Preserving Kyoto's Townhouses and Cultural Heritage
Kyoto faces an ongoing challenge with approximately 800 traditional townhouses (Kyomachiya) disappearing each year. This initiative, adopted by Kyoto City's public-private collaboration platform "KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO," aims to introduce young couples to the beauty of these historic buildings and traditional crafts, fostering appreciation and understanding of Kyoto's cultural heritage.
Workshop Experience
Hand-Painted Yuzen Dyeing Experience
Participants will learn from Masashige Uenaka of染工房正茂 (Somekoubo Masashige), a Kyoto City-certified "Future Master" craftsman who trained for 13 years under Tokio Hata, a Living National Treasure designated for Yuzen dyeing. Unlike the typical division of labor in Kyoto's Yuzen production, Uenaka uniquely handles the entire process from initial sketching to final fabric dyeing himself. Workshop participants will dye cherry blossom patterns on both a "haneri" (kimono collar) and a handkerchief.
Kimono Coordination and Photography
After dyeing their haneri, participants will experience traditional Japanese attire coordination with kimonos provided by the long-established Kyoto costume shop "Oisho Sawaragi." Professional stylists will offer guidance on selecting and combining kimono pieces to create beautiful traditional ensembles. The experience concludes with commemorative photography in the historic Kyomachiya setting, capturing memories of the participants' traditional Japanese looks.
Event Details
- Name: Workshop Event "
Asayugoto" - Date: February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
- Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Venue: Ikutaniya Residence (15 Takezono-cho, 2-chome, Muromachi-dori Kuramaguchi-sagaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto - Registered Tangible Cultural Property)
- Participation Fee: ¥3,000 per couple (tax included)
- Eligibility: Couples or married partners
- Capacity: Limited to 8 couples (16 people total) - First come, first served
- Reservations: Required in advance (closes when capacity is reached)
Reservation Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJAXNRBcRG3OTnHrocaLlLOo_78KJsr0hd5Xxaox_siXdVRQ/viewform?usp=dialog
About Oisho Sawaragi
Located north of Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Oisho Sawaragi has been celebrating life's special moments for approximately 50 years. The establishment offers everything from traditional Japanese wedding attire featuring Nishijin textiles and Yuzen fabrics to carefully curated wedding dresses. With their experienced eye for quality and skilled kimono dressing techniques, along with deep connections to shrines and temples, they help preserve traditional Japanese aesthetics for future generations while creating memorable celebrations tailored to each couple.
KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO
KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO is a public-private collaboration platform where Kyoto City and private businesses combine resources to address social challenges and create new civic services. It serves as a gateway for implementing private sector technologies and expertise in Kyoto City, with administrative support facilitating connections between companies and city departments to enable pilot projects and business development through dialogue.
About Ikutaniya Residence
This precious Kyoto townhouse preserves the appearance of a merchant house from the late Edo to early Meiji period in Kyoto's Kamigyo Muromachi area. Once known by the shop name "Yorozuya," it has witnessed the history of the Nishijin textile district. The building features a magnificent vaulted structure with heavy beams illuminated by a skylight, and serene tatami rooms overlooking "Korin no Niwa" (Korin's Garden), named after the former residence site of Ogata Korin. The property beautifully preserves the period's architectural design and aesthetics, offering a glimpse into traditional Kyoto lifestyle. The residence is normally closed to the public.
About VMG
VMG Brand: https://vmg.co.jp
VMG Hotels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmg_hotels/
VMG Wedding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmgwedding/
VMG Hotels & Unique Venues YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClZggkMe3qwpNN8-nLU7_VQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/VMG-Hotels-100069520575286/
About VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES
VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES operates 24 hotel and accommodation facilities across Japan, specializing in providing lodging experiences that utilize historically significant buildings and culturally valuable locations. VMG regenerates and utilizes cultural property-grade buildings and regional resources, operating them as accommodation facilities that meet modern needs while offering guests special experiences. The facilities serve not only for lodging but also as unique venues for weddings, events, and MICE activities, creating environments where guests can fully experience traditional Japanese culture and local charm. Each VMG facility reflects the history and culture of its location, offering distinctive experiences.
About Value Management Co., Ltd.
Company Name: Value Management Co., Ltd.
Website: https://www.vmc.co.jp/
Established: February 14, 2005
Representative: President Atsushi Tarikino
Capital: 30 million yen
Location: Grand Front Osaka Tower A 17F, 4-20 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
Business: Tourism community development utilizing historical resources, utilization of historic buildings
Event Planning Cooperation
Oisho Sawaragi (content development, coordination, costume provision), Kyoto City, International City Co-Creation Promotion Office
