Discover the charm of Shiozawa! Why don't you go and experience the traditional craft of "Shiozawa-ori"? Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Museum

  • Niigata
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Scenes from the weaving experience

Introduction to Shiozawa Weaving

Shiozawa textiles, passed down for over a thousand years in the snow-covered land of folk tales, Okuechigo, were submitted as “taxable goods” to the Shōsō-in of Tōdai-ji Temple—established during the Tenpyō-Shōhō era(756 AD), high-quality hemp textiles woven in this region at the time were submitted as “yōfu” (taxable goods) to the Shōsō-in repository at Tōdai-ji Temple, where they are still preserved as treasures today.

The Shiozawa district in Niigata Prefecture, known for its heavy snowfall, is a renowned center for hemp textiles. The cold, humid environment of this snow country is ideal for working with hemp yarn, which is prone to breaking when it dries during the processes of spinning, twisting, and weaving.
Shiozawa textiles, born from unique techniques and wisdom that make the most of the region’s snowy climate, include four types: “Echigo Jofu,” “Shiozawa Tsumugi,” “Hon-Shiozawa,” and “Natsu-Shiozawa.” The traditional techniques passed down through the ages have been handed down from generation to generation, and most of the production processes remain unchanged to this day.

Shiozawa Tsumugi and Hon-Shiozawa are designated as National Traditional Crafts, while Echigo Jofu is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.

The Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Museum, a hub for promoting “the culture of weaving,” showcases the appeal of traditional techniques and culture all in one place.

A weaving experience that lets you feel the traditional culture of Shiozawa-ori

You can experience Shiozawa weaving at the “Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Museum” in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture.
　
From spinning the thread to weaving on the loom, the process involves the hands of many people before the fabric is completed.
Using a handloom called a “takabiki”—a style perfected during the Muromachi period—and silk thread specific to Shiozawa weaving, you can enjoy an authentic weaving experience and create your own original crafts while immersing yourself in tradition.

In addition to weaving, there are many other activities for people of all ages to enjoy, such as making coasters from fabric or creating collage art.Duration: 15 minutes or more (varies by activity)

*No reservation is required for the activities, but as it can get crowded, we recommend making a reservation via our website or calling us for inquiries.
Sample coasters
You can also create works like these during the art workshop
Book your weaving experience here:

What is the Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Museum like?

Exterior view

The museum opened in October 1991 to help visitors better understand “Shiozawa textiles”—a local industry of Shiozawa, a traditional Japanese industry, a cultural industry, and a global fashion industry—as something more familiar and accessible.


The first-floor exhibition hall sells various textile crafts and kimonos made using Shiozawa textiles. Visitors can also participate in hands-on workshops to create their own original accessories.


The second-floor weaving workshop is a privately operated museum where visitors can observe the weaving process and try their hand at weaving.


We’ve created a space where you can see, hear, and touch the charm of Shiozawa textiles—experiencing them as familiar objects, activities, and people—and we look forward to welcoming you.


Our website features recommendations on how to enjoy and make the most of your visit to the Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Hall!

Be sure to check it out! ♪

Visit the Shiozawa Tsumugi Memorial Museum website here:
Plan your trip to Shiozawa here:
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