The Shuri Textile Museum Suikara is recommended for those who want to experience Okinawa's traditional crafts in earnest. Located in Shuri, Naha City, this facility offers hands-on experience of "Shuri Hanaori" and "Ryukyu Bingata Dyeing," both of which have a history of over 500 years. Even beginners can create their own one-of-a-kind work of art with the careful support of the staff. Why don't you experience the traditional crafts of Okinawa at this spot loved by both tourists and locals?
Table of Contents
- 1 Try your hand at traditional techniques at the Shuri Hanaori weaving experience
- 2 Colorful works of art at Ryukyu Bingata Dyeing Experience
- 3 Suikara, a place to connect traditional crafts to the future
- 4 Facilities and Access Information
- 5 The charm of Suikara that I felt when I visited
- 6 Enjoy Okinawa even more at nearby sightseeing spots
Recommended for
Those interested in Okinawa's traditional culture and crafts.
Those who are looking for a handmade experience that even beginners can participate in.
For those who want to make special memories in between Shuri sightseeing tours.
Try your hand at traditional techniques at the Shuri Hanaori weaving experience
The Shuri Hanaori experience is a popular menu item that allows visitors to experience a traditional Okinawan weaving technique with a history of over 500 years. Even first-time weavers can enjoy the process of weaving while simultaneously moving their feet and hands using a nagehitu (throwing shuttle). Visitors can choose their favorite colors and patterns from samples, and receive one-on-one instruction as they weave, so even the clumsiest weaver will feel comfortable! The finished fabrics can be displayed in photo frames or used as rugs.
Fee: 4,400 yen
Time required: approx. 60 min.
Target: 5th grade and up (height 145cm and up)
Colorful works of art at Ryukyu Bingata Dyeing Experience
In the "Ryukyu Bingata Dyeing Experience," you can colorfully dye tote bags with traditional Okinawan patterns. There is a wide variety of choices, from single-color designs in pink and blue to two-tone color variations! The attraction is that the experience can be enjoyed in a short time, approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This is a program where you can casually experience traditional Okinawan techniques under the guidance of a craftsman.
Tote bag (single color): 3,520 yen
Tote bag (two-tone small): 4,290 yen
Tote bag (two-tone large): 4,950 yen
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes
Suikara, a place to connect traditional crafts to the future
The Shuri Dyeing and Weaving Museum Suikara is a facility that focuses on training successors and preserving traditional techniques. In addition to hands-on experience, visitors can also tour the workshop and see the craftsmen's handiwork up close. This expands your valuable opportunity to experience the deep culture and history of Okinawa, which cannot be found through sightseeing alone.
Facilities and Access Information
Suikara is located in Shuri Touzou-cho, Naha City, close to tourist attractions such as Shuri Castle and Kinjo-machi Stone Tatami. It is also accessible by car as it is equipped with a private parking lot. It is an easy place to stop by while sightseeing in Naha.
The charm of Suikara that I felt when I visited
I participated in the Shuri Hanaori weaving experience. The process of moving my arms and legs at the same time was more difficult than I expected, and I had to check my movements as if I was chanting a spell (laugh)! The staff kindly taught me how to do it, so even a beginner like me was able to create a beautiful piece. Next time, I would like to try the Ryukyu bottle-shaped dyeing experience.
Enjoy Okinawa even more at nearby sightseeing spots
Shuri Castle 2 min. by car
This magnificent castle is a symbol of the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom period and is registered as a World Heritage site.
Kinjo-cho Ishidatami, approx. 7 min. by car
A strolling spot where you can feel the history and atmosphere of the stone-paved street that retains the vestiges of the Ryukyu Kingdom period.
Shikanaen 7 min. by car
Built as a detached palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this beautiful World Heritage site is a fusion of Japanese and Chinese garden cultures.
DFS Okinawa Naha 10 min. by car
A popular shopping facility in Naha City where luxury brands are available at duty-free prices.
15 minutes by car from Kokusai-dori Avenue
The main street of Naha City, crowded with tourists, where you can enjoy Okinawan souvenirs and gourmet food.
Basic Information and Rate Check
Jalan Play Experience| (your) rental home | Shuri Textile Museum suikara |
| genre | Facilities for experiencing traditional crafts (weaving and dyeing) |
| Business Hours | 10:30-18:00 |
| regular closing day | Tuesdays, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, U Kui (the last day of the Lunar Bon Festival) |
| Charge | Shuri Hanaori weaving experience: 4,400 yen (about 60 min.) Ryukyu bottle-shaped dyeing experience: 3,520-4,950 yen (60-90 min.) |
| parking lot | Private parking available |
| How to make a reservation | From the official website. Ryukyu Bingata Dyeing Experience can also be reserved through Jalan. |
| address (e.g. of house) | 2-16 Shuri Touzou-cho, Naha City, Okinawa 903-0812, Japan |
| Web / SNS | Official Site |
Contributor Profile
- Okinawa travel media "OKIBRA" has been happily operated since 2020 by Kazunari, a computer geek, and Son-chan, an anime & food lover! They love Okinawa so much that they have visited more than 50 hotels and 500 restaurants in the prefecture, and they share the charms of Okinawa on Instagram and on the web. We will bring you the charms of Okinawa that you can't find anywhere else, from the unique perspective of a husband and wife team!
