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Hakomotokan Konya
Experience the local culture by seeing and touching in the town of indigo dyeing and goldfish.
Located in the old town of Yamato Koriyama, known for its indigo dyeing and goldfish, this complex facility preserves the historic atmosphere. It has restored and revitalized the townhouse of the Okuno family, indigo dyers since the Edo period, where they exhibit materials and books related to indigo dyeing.
The name "Konya," both the place and the facility, refers to the merchant houses engaged in indigo dyeing. Inside the building, a variety of tools such as indigo dye pots, brushes, and patterns used in these establishments are displayed, allowing visitors to feel the artisan life of the past. While just touring is worthwhile, it's recommended to experience indigo dyeing and get a taste of the work done in the "Konya." Using indigo fermented with natural lye in the traditional method known as "Tennen Kairui Tate," anyone can easily experience indigo dyeing. Programs like pattern-making using everyday items like clothespins and rubber bands are available for elementary school students and above.
Additionally, there is a collection corner dedicated to goldfish inside the building. With about 1,000 goldfish-related items collected by local researchers, it's worth seeing. In July 2020, a self-cafe and an exhibition corner for goldfish tanks were newly established, providing a space to relax during your stroll.
Highlights
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Re-experience the work of indigo dyers with an easygoing indigo dyeing experience.
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A must-see collection of about 1,000 goldfish items.
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The renovated space of old Edo-period townhouses is also charming.
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Newly established self-cafe and goldfish tank exhibition corner can be used as a rest area during your stroll.
Photos
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![The building is a renovated townhouse of indigo dyeing merchants that has continued since the Edo period.]()
The building is a renovated townhouse of indigo dyeing merchants that has continued since the Edo period.
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![Many valuable materials related to indigo dyeing are exhibited.]()
Many valuable materials related to indigo dyeing are exhibited.
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![The dye used for the experience is made using the traditional method of "Tennen Kairui Tate."]()
The dye used for the experience is made using the traditional method of "Tennen Kairui Tate."
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![The process of rinsing the dyed handkerchief.]()
The process of rinsing the dyed handkerchief.
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![The collection of goldfish items collected by local researchers amounts to about 1,000 pieces.]()
The collection of goldfish items collected by local researchers amounts to about 1,000 pieces.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there services in foreign languages? (If so, please provide the supported languages.)
Yes. We can provide support using the "Pocketalk," a multilingual AI translation device. With "Pocketalk," we can communicate in many languages.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Yes, it is.
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Is free WiFi available in the facility?
Not available.
Q
Is eating and drinking allowed? Also, is it possible to bring in food and beverages?
Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the building. *However, if necessary, you can eat and drink under the tent outside at the tables provided. You can also enjoy your purchased coffee or paper-packaged juice from the self-cafe inside at the tables or on the floor space outside the building under the tent.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Coin lockers are available for customers participating in the indigo dyeing experience to store their belongings. However, coin lockers for visitors who are only touring or taking a break are not available.
Q
Are there any discounted tickets available?
For customers using the self-cafe, you can purchase a coffee ticket book (11 sheets). Each sheet entitles you to one free cup of coffee.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 箱本館「紺屋」
- Postal Code
- 639-1148
- Address
- 19-1 Konyamachi, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara
- Telephone
- 0743-58-5531
- Closed
- Mondays (If Monday is a holiday, closed the following weekday), Year-end and New Year holidays, and occasional temporary closures
- Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm (Indigo dyeing experience available three times a day for five people each on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; once a day for three people each on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; approximately 1.5 hours per session; reservation required) *Details need to be confirmed on the official website
- Admission
- Free (Indigo dyeing experience costs 1,100 yen and up)
- Access
- 5 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Koriyama Station
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)