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

• Table of Contents
• A special moment experiencing traditional culture in a Japanese Heritage town
• What is Bengala?
• Bengala dyeing experience
• What to see at Fukiya Furusato Village
• access
• Experience traditional Japanese culture

A special moment experiencing traditional culture in a Japanese Heritage town

Fukiya Furusato Village in Takahashi City , Okayama Prefecture, is a precious cultural heritage area that retains the historic townscape that flourished from the 18th century to the late 19th century with copper and bengala (iron oxide pigment). The village's distinctive copper-colored Sekishu tiles and rows of bengala-colored buildings are beautiful enough to be called the original Japanese 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 Bengala?

Bengala is a natural pigment made from iron, and its vivid 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 out 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.

- You can choose items such as scarves and handkerchiefs and dye them with your own designs.

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

The experience takes only 15 to 30 minutes, making it a great way to enjoy the experience during your trip. Prices start at 1,800 yen for a handkerchief, making it a very reasonable experience.

The Bengala dyeing experience requires a reservation in advance and can be applied for 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

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

Venue: Fukiya Information Center, Shitamachi Furattou 890 Fukiya, Nariwa Town , Takahashi City

What to see at 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 is a restored merchant's house from the Edo period, and 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 a variety of exhibits that teach visitors about the manufacturing process of red iron oxide.

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, Naruwa- Takahashi City, Nariwa Town

Access: 40 minutes by car from JR Hakubi Line "Bicchu Takahashi Station" or 55 minutes by bus bound for Fukiya (get off at the last stop). By car, take Prefectural Route 33 from Niimi IC on the Chugoku Expressway for 30 minutes.

Experience traditional Japanese culture

The Bengala dyeing experience at Fukiya Furusato Village is a special experience where you can experience traditional Japanese culture while feeling the historic townscape. Dyeing using 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.