Traditional Industries x Manufacturing

Get hands-on with local crafts of the Senshu area with this 4-day course.

Traditional Industries x Manufacturing

Get hands-on with local crafts of the Senshu area with this 4-day course.

An exciting journey of manufacturing experience through lands of traditional and local industries
— Senshu〜Osaka City〜Shimanami Kaido〜Hiroshima —

Travel Days: 4 days

Riding Time: 2 to 5 hours/day

This tour starts from Mizuma Temple, which has been selected as one of the “Osaka’s Top 100 Green Spaces,” and takes visitors on a journey filled with traditional experiences—make mini tatami mats under the careful guidance of a craftsmen, or try Saori weaving, and weave what you feel. It also focuses on the local and traditional industries of Senshu, such as Senshu Towel, which boasts more than 130 years of history and tradition, and Sakai knives, which have become a global-recognized brand. Enjoy talking with locals, and be amazed by the craftsmanship up close. The last stop is Imabari, another towel production area, where you can enjoy the world-famous Shimanami Kaido cycling road.

 

This route is designed for use with a support car and a guide. Customized tours are also available. Please contact the Senshu Japan Concierge Team for inquiries.

Sightseeing Spots

1 Senshu Towel Museum (Izumisano City)

Senshu is known as the birthplace of Japanese towels, boasting a history of over 130 years. This showroom sells traditional Senshu towels. Senshu towels are characterized by their water absorbency and softness, which are the results of their special “Atozarashi” production method. These great towels are a must-have for your bicycle trip. Every season, new products are displayed, so there’s sure to be something that suits you! If you are looking for Senshu towels as a souvenir, this is the place to visit.

2 Kumatori Community Center Rengakan (Town of Kumatori)

This building was originally a cotton textiles manufacturer built in 1928, and has been preserved as a legacy of modernization. The red brick walls have been preserved as they were at the time, and the saw-tooth roof has been recreated to retain the retro atmosphere of the factory. The premises include an indigo dyeing workshop, a brick wall gallery, a store where you can buy local products, and a French restaurant.

3 Guest House Fujitatami (Izumi City)

Guesthouse Fujitatami is a convenient accommodation option perfect for those who are looking for a rich Japanese cultural experience. People in Japan have a long tradition of sleeping on tatami mats with futons, a must-try for any visitor. You can also try making miniature tatami mats at the adjacent family-run tatami factory. They make great souvenirs! And of course, you can talk about the history tatami, and get travel tips.

4 Saori no Mori (Izumi City)

Saori no Mori is a hand weaving workshop that opened in 2004 as a space where weavers could explore the connection between humans and nature. Saori is type of weaving where individuals can connect with their creative selves and create their own type of art. There are no rules at all, and it is so simple and straightforward to weave the pattern of your choice in the size you want, that time will fly once you get started. The textiles are completely different from those woven by machine, and their varied appearance and mode of expression means that each piece is one-of-a-kind.

5 Jin Koubou (Takaishi City)

Jin Koubou is a garage kit gallery store that specializes in the production and sale of rare figures and special effects kits from popular Japanese monster movies like Godzilla. The shop displays rare figures, as well as garage kit creations that cannot be imitated by major manufacturers. There are enthusiastic fans both in Japan and abroad, so once you stop by, you will surely discover a new world.