Enjoying The Old Town

You can visit the old town along the Old Tokai Route, and see many of the old stores that still sell the beautiful fabrics even now. The Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Museum provides an idea of the many different styles and techniques developed. Demonstrations by local artisans are fascinating, and the women are more than happy to slow down and patiently explain what they are doing, and what the desired effect will be. The museum also sells original hand crafted Arimatsu Narumi tie-dyed items too.

Some of the best times to visit Arimatsu are the third Sunday of March, and the first Sunday of October, when the Spring and Autumn festivals are staged. Large five to eight-meter high, ornately decorated and carved floats, topped with performing robotic wooden dolls called Karakuri are paraded through the ancient streets, once during the day, then covered in paper lanterns, again in the evening. Another ideal time is in June when the Arimatsu Shibori Festival is held, complete with shibori sales, experience courses, parades of Dashi floats, stalls and more. If you prefer the peace and quiet, or want to photograph the traditional street scenes, then weekdays may be your best bet, as the area becomes quite crowded and lively on weekends.

Arimatsu Narumi Shibori is held in high esteem even now, and much of what looks like Shibori textiles sold in Japan today are only printed imitations. The real thing is only available in Arimatsu.