An old beam across the centre of the traditional white kura (warehouse) bears the painted year Meiji 31, or, in the Western calendar, 1898. Southern Nagano has many traditional art forms and crafts closely linked to nature. Silkura was previously used to raise silkworms, dry the raw silk threads, and apply dyes to finished silk.
Newly renovated as an arts hub and community, it offers accommodations, a café, and a shop selling works of local craftspeople. Residential packages including hands-on experience and presentations on traditional crafts are also available.
With a focus on using local produce, the Silkura Café offers a range of Western, Japanese and fusion dishes designed to complement the seasons, and pair with drinks from local farms and breweries. The main counter is designed after the shape of a taru or barrel, used for New Years celebrations, weddings, and other occasions of joy. Open to the public as well as residential guests.
Get hands-on experience with truly local arts and crafts and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Japanese Inaka (rural countryside). Accommodations are provided for up to 12 guests across 3 rooms, and meals from the Silkura Café including guest menus by other local restaurants.
“In winter we made paper, in summer we made silk…”
A 2-night, 3-day package to learn about traditional local silk and paper-making. Get hands-on experience with these truly local arts and crafts and immerse yourself in the heritage of the Japanese Inaka (countryside). Accommodations are provided at the Silkura Arts Ryokan for up to 12 guests across 3 rooms. Meals are provided from the Silkura Café including guest menus by other local restaurants.
Includes:
Morning: Travel. Bullet trains from Tokyo from the East or Nagoya from the West connect to Toyohashi, from which the Inaji Express on the Iida Line arrives at 12.40. The Iida Line itself passes through mountains and by rivers, lakes and dams, featuring the most hikyo eki (ghost stations) of any line in Japan. Cameras at the ready! Transfer to Silkura for check-in, then lunch at the Silkura Café.
Afternoon: Washi Workshop. Washi is Japanese paper. Learn how tree branches are harvested and bark harvested and prepared. Enjoy hands-on experience making paper at a traditional workshop, from layering fibers in a frame, to drying and painting. Dinner at Silkura to follow (seasonal variations)
Morning: Silk dying. With a long history of sericulture, southern Nagano continues the traditional way of applying dyes to finished silk using guides and patterns created in Japanese washi paper, soaked in persimmon juice to strengthen the guides. Learn from a kimono silk master how these traditions continue today. Lunch at a partner restaurant (seasonal variations)
Afternoon: Mizuhiki experience. Mizuhiki are traditional decorative and ceremonial cords made from paper. Iida City is famed for its long history in this distinctive art form. Learn about the art from a local master, then enjoy a workshop and try making your own! This will be followed by a presentation by modern artist Shingo Nakata, who uses this most ancient of crafts in new and innovative pieces. Dinner at the Silkura Café
Morning: Ajimagasa experience. Ajimagasa are traditional Japanese parasols, made with bamboo and paper. Local master Maki Mizutani will conduct a workshop where you can learn the process, paint your own designs onto paper and create your own Ajimagasa parasol. Lunch at a partner restaurant (seasonal)
Afternoon: A visit to Cocoro Marche, which sells a variety of local produce and arts. Return to Toyohashi on the afternoon Inaji Express
