Historic tour with a Kaga Yuzen dyeing workshop

Kaga Yuzen is the exquisite kimono-dyeing technique native to Kanazawa, recognisable by its realistic floral motifs and its palette of five traditional colours. This half-day tour combines a guided walk through the history of the city with the chance to get close to this art first-hand: meeting Kaga Yuzen craftspeople, seeing their materials and techniques up close and trying the dyeing yourself on a small piece that you take home as a souvenir. The tour helps you understand why Kanazawa was one of the most prosperous cities of feudal Japan and how that past left a unique craft legacy, of which gold leaf and Kaga Yuzen are the best examples. The tour starts at around 4.000 ¥, with an English-speaking guide and small groups. It is advisable to book in advance. It is an ideal activity for those who want to combine culture, history and crafts, and discover a side of Kanazawa that goes beyond its gardens and castles.