Akaito is going to host the Saffron Dye Workshop using Akaito Saffron®︎ in cooperation with Dr. Mie Ishii and her students of Saga University. The workshop will be held two days on 24 Nov (Sun) and 1 Dec (Sun), at 13:00-16:00. Each session has a capacity of 8 people, on a first-come, first-served basis, with the rest on a waiting list.
We will be dyeing silk threads for weavers of Kashima Nishiki, a traditional Kashima brocade craft, and silk scarves for the general participants. Saffron was used as a luxury dye in Renaissance Europe, where bright yellow saffron-dyed collar decorations and silk stockings were the envy of the people.
The dyeing workshop using luxurious Akaito saffron® is a project unique to Kashima, where it is produced. Please join us at this unique opportunity.

For the details, please see below as well as the Press Release from Saga University (Japanese only).

Apply to：mishii@cc.saga-u.ac.jp　（Ishii Lab, Faculty of Art and Regional Design, Saga University）

Saffron harvest season is expected to be late November. Each session is limited to 6 people, first-come first-serve. Book now from the blue application button below!

Visitor Week：Nov. 20th, 2024 (Wed)  –  Nov.29th, 2024 (Fri)　（※ 23rd PM, 24th, 25th have been booked/kept for an event.）

Morning Session   10:00-12:00
Afternoon Session   14:00-16:00

Location: Akaito Estate
Address: 1111 Mikawachi, Kashima, Saga, Japan

Access: About 50 minutes by car from Saga Airport and Nagasaki Airport, or 15 minutes by car from JR Hizen Kashima Station.

Fee: Adult (Age 18 or above) JPY1,800 / Children (Age 7-17) JPY1,000円 / Young Children (Age 0-6) Free of charge

Program:
1) Lecture: Introduction of Saffron in Japan and Akaito
2) Short walk: Guide to the field and hut
3) Flower picking
4) Harvesting the saffron stigmas

※ Please send the application form from above blue button. After submission, you will be contacted by email for confirmation and your booking will be finalised.

• If you need local transportation, we can introduce you to the local agency / taxi company.

• In Kashima city, there are various local tourist attractions, such as Sake Brewery Street (酒蔵通り), Yutoku Inari Shrine (祐徳稲荷神社) – one of the three major shrines in Japan. Check it out more at this LINK. 　
  
• Refreshments will be provided.
  
• Saffron dye workshops will be held on Sunday, Nov.24th and Sunday, Dec.1st. Information to be coming soon!