Visiting the indigo dyeing workshops on the Ibara Railway's Denim train (Ibara City)
Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture . This is a " Denim mecca" that attracts attention from world-famous brands. To experience its charm firsthand, we rode the Ibara Railway's famous "Denim Train" and interviewed people about the roots of Ibara Denim and the manufacturing process.
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Okayama Prefecture is located in the Center of Western Japan and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!
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Table of Contents
- What is "Ibara Denim"?
- The history of textiles dating back to the Edo period
- The "white backing" technique that led to modern Denim
- The reason why Ibara Denim is recognized worldwide
- Ibara Railway "Denim Train"
- Here are some recommended Denim spots!
- Ibara Denim Store (Ibara Station)
- BlueTrick Ibara Store
- NMP SHOP
- Hotel Route Inn Okayama Ibara
- Ibara Denim is a "culture"
What is "Ibara Denim"?
"Ibara Denim " is a general term for Denim fabric produced in Ibara City , Okayama Prefecture , and the surrounding areas.
Currently, much of Japan's domestically produced Denim is made in this region, and its high quality and versatility are highly regarded worldwide. Furthermore, it has become one of Japan's leading textile production areas, with its denim being used by famous overseas brands.
The history of textiles dating back to the Edo period
This region, spanning Bizen, Bitchu, and Bingo (former provinces encompassing present-day Okayama Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture), was a center of cotton cultivation and textile production from the mid-Edo period. In particular, Ibara began producing a thick and durable cotton fabric called "Bitchu Kokura-ori" after the Meiji era. This fabric, made with indigo-dyed threads, was highly valued as work clothes and spread throughout Japan.
The "white backing" technique that led to modern Denim
One of the techniques used in Bitchu Kokura weaving is called "urajiro," which results in a fabric that is indigo-dyed on the front and white on the back. This structure, created by using indigo-dyed threads for the warp and white threads for the weft, is essentially the same weaving method as modern Denim fabric.
This is achieved by using indigo-dyed threads for the warp and white threads for the weft, a structure common to modern Denim. This technique and concept became the foundation of Ibara's Denim production. While Ibara's weaving techniques have evolved with the times, this basic structure has been inherited and continues to be the basis for modern Denim.
The reason why Ibara Denim is recognized worldwide
Ibara Denim today is not simply a mass-produced item. It achieves its unique texture and strength through slow and careful weaving using old-fashioned shuttle looms. Furthermore, its flexible system, capable of handling small-batch production of multiple product types, allows it to meet the specific requirements of each brand. In addition, the division of labor among different processes—dyeing, weaving, and finishing—within the region, and the accumulation of advanced techniques, also contributes to its high quality.
At the factory, skilled craftsmen were meticulously adjusting the machinery. Even slight differences in thread tension or humidity can affect the final product, and their intuition is truly a testament to their craftsmanship. The unique texture that cannot be achieved through mass production is the true value of Ibara Denim.
Ibara Railway "Denim Train"
To visit Ibara , the mecca of Denim , I took the Ibara Railway, which connects Soja Station in Okayama Prefecture Soja and Kannabe Station in Hiroshima Prefecture . The Denim Train, which debuted in 2025, has its exterior wrapped in a design inspired by Denim material. Furthermore, Denim material is used in the interior decorations and seats, making it a unique sightseeing train where you can experience Denim from the moment you board.
Outside the window lies the landscape of Bitchu, a region that once thrived on cotton and indigo production. The story of Denim begins alongside this landscape.
The Denim Train operates on specific routes. For timetables, fares, and reservations, please check the Ibara Railway official website.
Here are some recommended Denim spots!
We have arrived at Ibara Station.
There are many shops in Ibara City that sell Ibara Denim. So, this time, we'll introduce some recommended Denim shops and spots!
Ibara Denim Store (Ibara Station)
"Ibara Denim Store" is a Denim shop located inside the Ibara train station building. It's easily accessible by entering the door to the right after exiting the ticket gate. The high ceilings of the station give it a very open and spacious feel.
The store sells a wide variety of Denim items, including jeans, suits, ties, and accessories.
Location: 944-57 Nanokaichi-cho, Ibara Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 070-5057-6070
Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Closed on Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday), and during the New Year holidays.
Parking: Use the parking lot in front of Ibara Station.
BlueTrick Ibara Store
"BlueTrick" is a shop that can be reached on foot from Ibara Station.
The shop attached to the workshop features products from the BlueTrick brand, which incorporates indigo dye in various techniques.
BlueTrick has stores in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima. You can also purchase their products online, but we highly recommend visiting their original store in Ibara to see and feel the products in person and find the perfect item for you.
Location: 578-1 Kamidebu-cho , Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 0866-62-3801
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:00-17:00 / Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 10:00-18:00
Closed on: Irregular days
Parking: Several spaces available
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Ibara Station on the Ibara
NMP SHOP
"NMP SHOP" is a Denim shop operated by Nippon Cotton Fabric Co., Ltd.
You can shop for high-quality Denim , made using traditional techniques such as natural Natural Plant Dyeing , indigo dyeing, and yarn twisting, while actually touching and examining the products.
Location: 162 Higashiebara Ibara, Ibara City , Okayama Prefecture Prefecture
TEL: 0866-63-0111
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Sundays
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Soun-no-Sato Ebara Station on the Ibara.
Hotel Route Inn Okayama Ibara
Hotel Route Inn Okayama Ibara opened on March 19, 2025.
The defining feature of this hotel is its "Denim-inspired atmosphere." From the front desk to the guest rooms, Denim decorations are everywhere, making it a must-visit for Denim fans.
Location: 2-22-1 Shimodebu-cho, Ibara Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 050-5576-8012
Operating hours: Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
Closed on: None
Parking: Available
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Izue Station on the Ibara.
Ibara Denim is a "culture"
Ibara Denim is not just a fabric.
The culture of cotton and indigo that has continued since the Edo period, the weaving techniques that developed during the Meiji era, and the advanced manufacturing of today—all of these elements come together to create the Ibara Denim we know today.
A journey on the Denim train was also a time to experience the story behind it. When you visit Ibara, be sure to experience this "indigo culture."
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Center of Western Japan and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!
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