Curious to know about a dyeing technique that is practiced only at the Hachimantai Geothermal Dyeing workshop in Iwate? Called geothermal steam dyeing (Jinen-Shiki Mujosen), this is the only place in the world where you can witness and participate in this precise process. The resulting handiwork is truly beautiful.
The Power of Clean Steam
Geothermal heat refers to the amount of heat emitted from the earth’s surface. The first geothermal power plant in Japan, called the Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant, is located in Hachimantai, Iwate. The steam here is known to be the cleanest steam in the world.
Takahashi, a local dyeing artisan, observed that the high temperature and moisture contained in this steam were perfectly suitable for setting dyes. After extensive trial and error, he learned how to dye textiles using this unique natural resource.
At Kobo Mujosen (工房 夢蒸染), you can enjoy a firsthand experience and even learn to dye using geothermal steam under the guidance of the artisan who pioneered this technique. Nowhere else in the world can you dye using geothermal steam!
The Geothermal Dyeing Experience
The easiest hands-on experience is trying your hand at dyeing handkerchiefs and mini scarves. The workshop teaches a technique similar to Shibori (tie-dye).
First, fold the piece of cloth.
Then, tie it tightly with a piece of string or rubber band to create a resist pattern.
You can combine various colors to create a subtle gradation by dipping the tied cloth into different color baths.
Once you’ve applied all the colors, the cloth is placed in a steamer for about 20 minutes. The cloth is steamed at a temperature of about 100 degree celsius to permanently fasten and deepen the dye using the clean geothermal steam.
While the cloth is being steamed, you can listen to the fascinating story of geothermal heat and Hachimantai or learn how to properly tie and wear a scarf.
After 20 minutes, carefully undo the thread from the cloth. Then you rinse the cloth with water and iron it flat. You can create a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing using this unique technique!
Shopping & Souvenirs
Next to the workshop, you can buy products dyed using geothermal steam as well as see the work of many dyeing artists at the Alpine Rose (アルペンローゼ).
Hachimantai’s famous “dragon eye” motif is a popular item.
Experience course
| Number of people in reservation | 2 to 4 people | 5 to 9 people | 10 or more people |
| Fee | 6,600 yen/person | 4,400 yen/person | 3,850 yen/person |
| Plan | Regular set or special set (2 mini scarves) | Regular set or special set (2 mini scarves) | Regular set (1 handkerchief + 1 mini scarf, total of 2 items) |
| How to make a reservation | phone | phone | phone |
| Reservation start and confirmation | From one month ago | From 6 months ago | From 12 months ago |
*Reservation required (eocolor@basil.ocn.ne.jp)
*May vary due to weather conditions from December to March
*Cancellation fee: 100% will be charged on the day, and 50% will be charged the day before.
Kobo Mujosen (工房 夢蒸染)
Address: 559 Matsuoyoriki, Hachimantai, Iwate (Google Maps)
Official website: http://geo-color.com/
Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:30 (closed irregularly)
A Truly Global Exclusive
Kobo Mujosen offers an unmissable, hands-on opportunity to engage with a sustainable art form found nowhere else in the world. If you plan to visit Iwate, securing a reservation for this geothermal steam dyeing experience is highly recommended!
