Hello everyone!
This winter has been exceptionally mild and warm, and as we step into March, it seems to be getting even warmer. In this blog post, I’ll be introducing some recommended tours for March 2024! If you’re having trouble deciding which tour to choose, be sure to take a look for some inspiration.
Recommended Tour in March is Mud Dyeing
We highly recommend tours that include a mud dyeing (Dorozome) experience for March. At Link Adventures, we offer two tours: the “1 Day Dorozome (Mud Dyeing) and Local Nature Tour” and the “4 Hours Oshima Tsumugi and Mud-Dyeing Tour.
What’s Mud Dyeing?
Mud dyeing, known as “Dorozome,” is a unique technique exclusive to Amami Oshima. It involves dyeing threads and fabrics black using mud. This method is applied to the production of Oshima Tsumugi, a silk textile with a rich history spanning 1300 years. The traditional technique of mud dyeing enhances the threads used in Oshima Tsumugi.
In modern times, this method has expanded beyond traditional kimonos and is now applied to a variety of contemporary products such as clothing, accessories, and leather goods etc. It has gained popularity not only as a traditional craft but also as an experiential tourism activity.
Reason 1: It’s Fun!
The first reason to recommend mud dyeing is quite simple – it’s a whole lot of fun! Trust me, once you experience the process of dyeing the material you’ve chosen, you’ll understand the joy it brings. It’s incredibly enjoyable! Witnessing the fabric gradually transforming from a vibrant color to the deep black of mud is truly an awe-inspiring moment. Plus, there’s the excitement of choosing from various materials like T-shirts or scarves and deciding on the patterns.
Reason 2: Can Be Enjoyed Even on Rainy Days
March may see a decrease in precipitation compared to February, but rainy days are still quite common. The mud dyeing workshop we guide you through is conveniently located under a roof, allowing you to experience the activity even on rainy days. For those worried about having nothing to do on a rainy day during your visit to Amami Oshima, worry not – simply sign up for our tour!
Reason 3: Perfect Temperature in March
The tour is conducted in shaded outdoor areas, which can be a bit warm during the summer. However, March in Amami Oshima offers a climate that is not too hot, not too cold, just right! The comfortable temperatures make it an ideal month for enjoying the experience without any discomfort.
Available Mud Dyeing Tour
1 Day Dorozome (Mud Dyeing) and Local Nature Tour
The one-day tour is designed to offer a diverse experience, starting with a morning visit to an Oshima Tsumugi workshop and exploring the local nature in the forest. In the northern forest of Amami Oshima, you can observe nature related to Oshima Tsumugi.
After a lunch break, the afternoon is dedicated to the dyeing workshop. Skilled craftsman will guide you through the dyeing process, ensuring the creation of beautiful and personalized crafts. It’s a well-rounded day that combines cultural exploration and hands-on creative activities!
4 Hours Oshima Tsumugi and Mud-Dyeing Tour
This is a 4-hour tour focusing specifically on a visit to an Oshima Tsumugi workshop and a mud dyeing experience. In this short span, you’ll gain insights into the world of Oshima Tsumugi, and the mud dyeing session allows you to create original craft, just like in the full-day tour.
We have a variety of other tours available as well, so be sure to explore the different experiences we offer! We look forward to welcoming you to a unique and enriching adventure!
皆さんこんにちは！
今年の冬は暖冬で暖かいですが、3月になってますます暖かくなってきた気がします。
今回は2024年3月のおすすめツアーをご紹介します！どのツアーにするか迷っている方はぜひ参考にしてくださいね。
おすすめツアーは泥染
3月におすすめするのは泥染体験が組み込まれたツアーです。Link Adventuresでは、泥染に関する二つのツアーをご用意しています。
泥染とは？
泥染とは奄美大島でのみ行われている、糸や布を泥で黒く染める技法です。大島紬と言う1300年の歴史を持つ絹織物をおられる糸に泥染の技法が使われています。現代では、着物以外にも洋服や雑貨、革製品など様々な現代的な製品に応用され、観光の体験コンテンツとしても人気です。
おすすめ理由①とにかく楽しい
泥染をおすすめする理由の一つ目はとにかく楽しいということです！笑
「いきなり季節関係無いじゃないか」という意見も頂きそうですが、自分が選んだ素材を染める工程を一度皆さんに体験していただいたら分かります。すごく楽しいです！生地が徐々に染まっていきシャリンバイの赤から泥の黒に変わる瞬間は感動です。Tシャツやスカーフなど様々な素材が用意されていてそれを選ぶのも楽しいし、柄を決めるのも楽しいですよ！
おすすめ理由②雨の日でもできる
3月は2月よりも降水量は減るものの、依然として雨の日が多いです。私達が案内する泥染の工房は屋根の下で体験が可能です。「せっかく奄美大島に来たのに雨でやることがない」と言う方はぜひお申し込みください。
おすすめ理由③3月の気温がちょうど良い
泥染は日陰で行いますが屋外でなので夏は少し暑いです。しかし奄美大島の3月は寒くなく暑くなくちょうど良い気温なので快適に体験ができておすすめです。
利用可能な泥染ツアー
・1 Day Dorozome (Mud Dyeing) and Local Nature Tour
1日のツアーで、午前中に大島紬の工房見学と山を訪れて自然観察を行います。奄美大島北部の山では大島紬にまつわる自然が観察できます。昼食を挟んで、午後からは泥染工房で体験を行います。職人が丁寧に染め方をお伝えするので良い作品が出来上がります。
・4 Hours Oshima Tsumugi and Mud-Dyeing Tour
大島紬の工房見学と泥染体験のみ行う4時間のツアーです。短時間で大島紬のことを知ることができます。泥染体験も1日ツアーと同様にオリジナルの作品を作ることができます。
このほかにもたくさんのツアーを用意しているのでぜひ体験してくださいね！