The traditional industry of “Wazarashi” in Sakai, Osaka—known as “Sakai Wazarashi”—has been carried on for over 400 years since the Edo period.
Wazarashi refers to bleached cotton fabric made by removing impurities from raw cotton. Since the early Edo period, it has been produced in large quantities along the Ishizugawa River, an area blessed with abundant water.

At this company, which was founded in 1931 (Showa 6), all stages of production—from Wazarashi processing to dyeing and cutting—are carried out in-house at their own factory.
The Wazarashi fabric is gently boiled in a large cauldron for about 35 hours, preserving the natural texture of the cotton while achieving a soft, pleasant feel against the skin.

Blending time-honored techniques with modern ideas suited to today’s lifestyles, the company continues to share the charm of Wazarashi in a variety of forms.

In the dyeing experience, you'll choose your favorite color from six available dyes and create your very own original tenugui (Japanese hand towel)—a one-of-a-kind item in the world! You can take it home the same day. Feel the joy of crafting a unique piece with your own hands.

During the factory tour, you'll get an up-close look at the traditional process of making wazarashi. Take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship and depth of this time-honored production method, shaped by the dedication of skilled artisans.

・Fee: From ¥3,600 (tax included) per person *(Price varies depending on the course.)
・Group size: 2 to 40 people　　　　　　　　　
・Duration: Approximately 60 to 90 minutes
・Includes: Factory tour and dyeing experience　
・Reservation deadline: Up to 2 months in advance

Here’s a look at what you can expect during the tour.
The flow of the tour is as follows:
Dyeing Experience ⇒ Factory Tour

First, you’ll enjoy a hands-on dyeing activity where you create your own tenugui (Japanese hand towel).
Choose your favorite color from six dye options, then fold and dye the fabric using your own creative techniques to craft a one-of-a-kind tenugui—a unique piece that exists nowhere else in the world.

The dyeing process is super easy!
Our staff will kindly and carefully guide you through each step, so even first-time participants can join with confidence.
The final pattern will vary depending on how you fold the fabric (either an equilateral triangle or an isosceles triangle) and how long you dip it in the dye.
The moment of dyeing is filled with quiet tension, and everyone’s expression turns focused and serious.

After rinsing, spinning, and drying, you'll be amazed to see the vivid patterns emerge—an unforgettable moment of excitement.
You can take your completed tenugui home with you on the same day!

Now, let’s explore the company’s craftsmanship and techniques.
You’ll get an up-close look at the entire production process—starting with the traditional fabric bleaching stage, where cotton is gently boiled in high-temperature cauldrons, followed by roll printing to apply patterns, and finishing with the latest silk screen printing technology.

The first thing you'll see is the impressive scene of wazarashi being boiled in a massive cauldron.
In the wazarashi process, fabric is carefully packed into baskets and then placed into the large cauldron. Remarkably, each cauldron can hold fabric equivalent to around 50,000 tenugui—about 42 kilometers in length—at one time.

Unlike yōzarashi (Western-style bleaching), which takes about an hour to complete, wazarashi is a slow and meticulous process that takes around three days to gently remove impurities and bleach the fabric.

When you compare the fabric before and after processing, the difference is striking. Once removed from the cauldron, the fabric turns brilliantly white.
The slow boiling method keeps the fabric from being stressed, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture.

Next, you’ll move on to the dyeing area. Here, you’ll see the “roll printing machine”, one of the very few still in operation nationwide.

A key factor that determines the quality of the dyeing is the “blade” on the machine, which scrapes off excess dye. To achieve a beautiful finish, skilled artisans carefully sharpen and adjust this blade—a delicate and essential part of the process.

The company produces a range of products suited to modern lifestyles—such as lightweight cotton pajamas, light scarves, and traditional Japanese summer robes called yukata—offering a vibrant fusion of tradition and contemporary design that is truly captivating to watch.

This is a valuable opportunity to experience the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship firsthand. Touch the fabric, breathe in its scent, and immerse yourself in the profound skill of Japanese artisans.
Visitors from overseas are also warmly welcome to join the tour.
※Please note that an interpreter is required for non-Japanese speakers.

Please fill out the required information in the form below and submit your inquiry.
We will get back to you within 3 business days from industrial.tourism@nankai.co.jp.

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Feel free to reach out for availability, tour details, or any other questions you may have!