History of Ai-no-yakata
The museum’s origins date back to 1987, when Takeo Okumura, the 11th-generation head of the Okumura family, donated the family’s former residence to Aizumi Town. The Okumura family had prospered as major indigo merchants, and their historic estate provided an ideal setting for preserving the region’s indigo heritage. The museum officially opened as Ai-no-yakata in 1996.
In 2007, the then Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan, who later became Emperor and Empress, visited the museum and took part in an indigo-dyeing experience. This visit further highlighted the cultural significance of the facility and the enduring importance of Awa indigo.
A Cultural Landmark of Aizumi Town
Ai-no-yakata plays an important role in protecting and sharing the cultural heritage of Aizumi. Its collections include historical documents from the Okumura family, folk materials related to indigo, and objects illustrating the cultivation and processing of the plant. The collection of tools used for growing and processing Awa indigo is designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
Visitors can also participate in hands-on indigo dyeing in the museum’s eastern dyeing workshop. By creating their own dyed fabric, they can experience the traditional techniques firsthand and take home a unique handmade souvenir.
Historic Buildings of the Okumura Family
The museum occupies the former residence of the Okumura family, who became prosperous indigo merchants during the Edo period (1603–1868). Two buildings on the property—the main residence and a storehouse—are registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan.
The main residence was built in 1808, and a second floor was added in 1827. A western-style tatami room known as the Nishi-zashiki was constructed in 1887. These buildings preserve the atmosphere of a wealthy merchant household and offer insight into the lifestyle and architecture of the period.
The wider complex includes 13 historic buildings, including the main residence. In 1987, these buildings were designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Tokushima Prefecture, recognizing their architectural and historical value.
Exhibitions on Indigo Cultivation and Processing
The museum’s exhibitions explain the process of producing Awa indigo, from cultivating the plant to processing its leaves and preparing the dye used for textiles. Displays include paper figures that recreate traditional working scenes, along with tools and household objects associated with the lives of indigo merchants.
Other exhibits introduce the trade and business practices that supported the indigo industry, showing how the dye was produced, distributed, and sold. Through these displays, visitors can follow the journey from plant cultivation to finished dyed fabric and understand how indigo helped shape the local economy and culture.
Try Traditional Indigo Dyeing
One of the highlights of Ai-no-yakata is the opportunity to experience indigo dyeing using the traditional akuhaku-hakkōdate method. This technique uses an indigo dye vat prepared through fermentation and alkaline ash-water processing, following a traditional approach to creating the distinctive deep blue color.
Visitors can choose from two types of workshop: dyeing fabric purchased at the museum or bringing their own suitable fabric to dye. Reservations are available for both options. The activity is suitable for visitors who want to learn about Japanese craftsmanship in a practical and memorable way.
How the Dyeing Experience Works
First, choose a pattern and use items such as rubber bands or chopsticks to create folds, ties, and other resist patterns in the fabric. The way the material is folded or secured determines which areas resist the dye and which absorb it.
Next, gently immerse the fabric in the indigo vat. As the fabric is removed and exposed to air, oxidation develops the blue color. The dipping and oxidation process is repeated three or four times to deepen the shade.
Once the desired color has developed, rinse the fabric thoroughly with water and iron it to finish the piece. The result is a unique design shaped by your own pattern and the natural variations of the dyeing process.
Workshop Items and Prices
The following items are available for the dyeing experience at the listed prices:
Handkerchief: ¥1,000
Hand towel: ¥1,500
Lace handkerchief: ¥1,500
Bandana: ¥1,500
Gauze hand towel: ¥1,500
Gauze scarf: ¥3,000
Small silk scarf: ¥2,000
Large silk scarf: ¥3,500
Workshop Hours and Duration
Walk-in dyeing experiences are generally accepted between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., without advance reservations. The activity takes approximately 40 minutes. Availability may vary, so visitors planning a special trip or wishing to dye their own fabric should confirm the latest arrangements with the museum.
Explore the Museum Galleries
The exhibition rooms display valuable furnishings and historical materials associated with the Okumura family and its indigo business. Visitors can see indigo-dyed works, documents relating to the trade and management of the business, and tools used to cultivate and process indigo.
The displays are designed to show how indigo merchants operated and how the industry developed over time. The miniature scenes made with paper figures are particularly useful for understanding the different stages of production and the daily activities that supported the trade. Together, the exhibits provide a detailed introduction to the economic, social, and cultural importance of Awa indigo.
Admission and Visiting Information
Admission to Ai-no-yakata is affordable, making it an accessible cultural attraction for families, individual travelers, and anyone interested in traditional Japanese crafts.
General admission: ¥300
Junior high and high school students: ¥200
Elementary school students: ¥150
In addition to exploring the historic buildings and exhibitions, visitors can take part in an indigo-dyeing workshop suitable for a range of ages. Combining a museum visit with the hands-on activity is an excellent way to gain a deeper appreciation of the craft.
Experience the Legacy of Awa Indigo
Ai-no-yakata offers much more than a conventional museum visit. Set within the historic home of a successful indigo-merchant family, it brings together traditional architecture, local history, cultural artifacts, and an opportunity to try a centuries-old craft.
Whether you are interested in Japanese history, traditional textiles, or creative experiences, a visit to Ai-no-yakata provides a meaningful way to discover the heritage of Aizumi Town. The chance to create your own indigo-dyed fabric makes the experience especially memorable—and gives you a personal connection to Tokushima’s celebrated tradition of Japanese blue.