Enjoy Bengala Dyeing at the Japan Heritage Site "Fukiya Furusato Village" | The Charm of Japan Red

• Table of contents
• A special moment to experience traditional culture in a Japanese Heritage town
• What is Bengara?
• Bengala dyeing experience
• Highlights of Fukiya Furusato Village
• access
• Experience traditional Japanese culture

A special moment to experience traditional culture in a Japanese Heritage town

Fukiya Furusato Village in Takahashi City , Okayama Prefecture , is a valuable cultural heritage area that preserves the historic townscape that flourished from the 18th century to the late 19th century thanks to copper and bengara (iron oxide pigment). The village's distinctive copper-colored Sekishu roofing tiles and rows of bengara-colored buildings are a beautiful example of Japan's Hara landscape. In 2020, it was designated a Japan Heritage Site as the "Birthplace of Japan Red."

The birthplace of the official Japanese Heritage "Japan Red"

What is Bengara?

Bengala is a natural pigment made from iron, and its vibrant red color has been used to dye buildings and fabrics. Fukiya Furusato Village was once the center of bengala production in Japan, and that culture and technology are still passed down today.

Bengala dyeing experience

If you visit Fukiya Furusato Village , you should definitely try the Bengala dyeing experience. Dyeing with natural pigments is environmentally friendly and can be enjoyed by beginners.

Flow of the experience

・A craftsman will give a brief explanation of the history of Bengala and dyeing methods.

- Choose items such as scarves and handkerchiefs and dye them with your own designs.

- After coloring, let it dry and you can take home your one-of-a-kind original work as a wonderful memory.

The experience can be enjoyed in a short time of about 15 to 30 minutes, so it is recommended for short trips. The price is reasonable, starting from 1,800 yen for a handkerchief, so you can easily participate.

The Bengala dyeing experience requires advance reservations and can be made by phone or email. Same-day reservations may be possible, but it is recommended that you inquire in advance.

Reservation phone number: 090-8999-0477

Email: bengara.yahaci@gmail.com

Hours: 11:00-16:00, irregular holidays

Venue: Fukiya Information Center, Shitamachi Furatto, 890 Fukiya, Nariwa-cho, Nariwa Town Takahashi City

Highlights of Fukiya Furusato Village

After your dyeing experience, be sure to take a stroll around the village. Recommended spots are listed below.

Former Katayama Family Residence

This restored merchant's house from the Edo period is a place where you can learn about the history of Fukiya.

Former Fukiya Elementary School

It is famous as the oldest wooden school building in Japan and is still open to the public.

Former Fukiya Elementary School

719-2341 1290-1 Fukiya, Nariwacho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

This elementary school was the oldest active wooden school building until 2012. It opened as Sochi Elementary School in 1873 (Meiji 6), and later became Fukiya Elementary School and Fukiya Town Junior High School. The east and west school buildings were built in 1900 (Meiji 33), and the main building was built in 1909 (Meiji 42). The folded ceiling and front podium inside the auditorium on the second floor of the main building, as well as the truss structure that supports the ceiling, convey the architectural techniques of the time. It has been designated as an important cultural property of Okayama Prefecture. The building was completely demolished and conservation and repair work was carried out from 2015 (Heisei 27) to 2022 (Reiwa 4). After being re-opened to the public, it has been used as a base facility to disseminate information on Fukiya's history, culture, and tourism.

Bengala Museum

There are plenty of exhibits to teach you about the manufacturing process of bengara.

Bengala-kan

86 Fukiya, Nariwacho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture 719-2341

Red pigment was developed in Fukiya in 1707 (Hoei 4) as a red pigment, and flourished as a specialty production area. The Red Garla Museum is a restored version of the Red Garla factory from the Meiji era, and introduces the manufacturing process at the time.

access

Location: Fukiya, Okayama Prefecture -cho, Nariwa Town Takahashi City

Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Hakubi Line's Bitchu-Takahashi Station, or approximately 55 minutes by bus bound for Fukiya (get off at the last stop). By car, it is approximately 30 minutes from Niimi IC on the Chugoku Expressway via Prefectural Route 33.

Experience traditional Japanese culture

The Bengala dyeing experience at Fukiya Furusato Village is a special experience that allows you to experience traditional Japanese culture while taking in the historic townscape. The dyeing process, which uses natural materials that are environmentally friendly, is gentle on both the body and mind, and allows you to create one-of-a-kind memories.

Be sure to visit Fukiya Furusato Village and experience the charm of Japan Red!

Fukiya Furusato Village

719-2341 Fukiya, Nariwacho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture

[A nostalgic landscape unified with the red color] Fukiya, nestled in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, is a town built by wealthy merchants who amassed enormous wealth from the production of red red iron and its raw material, loha. The red-colored townscape is impressive with its copper-colored Sekishu tiles and red-colored exterior. The elaborately designed mansions of wealthy merchants are worth a visit. It has also been designated as a ``Furusato Village'' in Okayama Prefecture. The experience plan where you can make handkerchiefs and bags using red red paint is also popular.