This tour takes place in the town of Rikubetsu, known as the coldest town in Japan. You will experience dyeing a handkerchief using traditional dyeing techniques that make use of herbs and plants. You can also try making your own blend of herbal tea and enjoy it for tea time. It’s a fun and educational activity that lets you experience a part of traditional Japanese culture.

The Laboratory of Seeds Discovery and Development (Tane Lab for short) in Rikubetsu is a company owned and operated by Yu Hinata and his wife Mikie. They develop various products from medicinal plants and herbs that they cultivate in their own fields. For the dyeing experience, you will use plants and herbs grown and prepared by Tane Lab.

After learning about the traditional dyeing process from Hinata-san, you will try it out on your own. You will dye a white handkerchief into a beautiful light purple color using the roots of the rare Murasaki plant (purple gromwell). Of course, you can also take home your dyed handkerchief as a souvenir.

After the dyeing activity, you can try making your own blend of herbal tea using the dried herbs prepared by Tane Lab. You can then enjoy it for tea time together with Hinata-san. 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
15:10	Herbal tea blend making and tea time
16:00	Tour finish