This tour takes place in the town of Rikubetsu, known as the coldest town in Japan. It is in this town where Yu and Mikie Hinata grow various herbs and medicinal plants. Together with the Hinata couple, you will experience dyeing a handkerchief using the roots of a medicinal plant. You can also try making your own blend of herbal tea and enjoy it for a relaxing tea time. It’s a fun and educational activity that lets you experience a part of traditional Japanese culture.

Highlights

• Experience dyeing a handkerchief using a traditional medicinal plant
• Learn about various herbs and medicinal plants, including their efficacy
• Make your own original blend of herbal tea using dried herbs
• Enjoy a relaxing tea time with the herbal tea you made

Yu and Mikie Hinata used to work for a major pharmaceutical company, but they moved to Rikubetsu in 2017, and started a company called Laboratory of Seeds Discovery and Development (Tane Lab for short) in 2021. They develop various products from medicinal plants and herbs that they cultivate in their own field.

For the dyeing experience, you will use the roots of a medicinal plant called Murasaki (purple gromwell) grown by Tane Lab.

After learning about the dyeing process from Hinata-san, you will try it out on your own. Soak a white handkerchief into the purple dye produced from the Murasaki roots. You can also try making unique patterns by using marbles and rubbers bands. After letting the handkerchief dry, you can take it home as a souvenir.

After the dyeing activity, you can try making your own blend of herbal tea using the dried herbs of Tane Lab. Learn about each herb and their efficacy on the body, and check their color and aroma as you choose which herbs you want to use.

You can then try drinking your herbal tea for a relaxing tea time together with the Hinata couple. You can also take home any remaining dried herbs that you used for your tea blend.
Note: If you cannot drink herbal tea, we can also prepare a homemade syrup-based drink or soft drink. Please inquire in advance.

Note: All images are for illustration purposes only. Your actual experience may vary.

Schedule

13:00	Meetup at Tane Lab
13:05	Activity orientation, preparation
13:10	Traditional dyeing experience with Murasaki
15:10	Herbal tea blend making and tea time
16:00	Tour finish