If you are not in a hurry, an activity that you have to try is coral dyeing! While coral fossils seem to be something that can be easily obtained in Okinawa since the island is surrounded by ocean, picking up or buying natural coral is forbidden by law. So there is only one place you can do this unique activity in Japan: Shuri Ryūsen (首里琉染)!
Coral and Coral Dyeing
The workshop’s fossils were collected more than 40 years ago before the legislation came into place. And the owner has obtained special permission from the regulators to use their corals to make artwork. In other words, it is likely that coral dyeing activity won’t be available for tourists once the current corals in use at Shuri Ryūsen are completely worn out.
As the Okinawans believed that coral is a symbol of good luck, fertility and longevity, Shuri Ryūsen’s owner started using corals to create patterns on clothing. Because of the added auspicious element, many people would purchase her artwork as ceremonial gifts.
☛ Fertility: Because corals produce many eggs in one go
☛ Longevity: As corals take a long time to grow
So what is coral-dyeing? It is a dyeing method involving coral fossils. Instead of putting the entire clothing into the dye, cotton pads are used to absorb the dye, and the clothing is colored by rubbing the dye-attached cotton pads on the clothing against coral fossils.
Carol-Dyeing Experience at Shuri Ryūsen
While it goes without saying that you will get the best out of the activity if you can understand Japanese, Shuri Ryūsen sometimes does provide English instruction on the steps of coral dyeing. But even if this is unavailable on the day, the Japanese instructions are quite easy to watch and follow.
Note that reservation is essential. You can book online through klook HERE for a discount!
Tips:
☛ To create different colors out of the four dyes given, mix them as you rub a different color onto another on the clothing.
☛ If you plan to mix colors, remember to apply the lightest color on the clothing first.
☛ You can wash the dyed clothing. Just ensure you have followed the steps to lock the colors in beforehand.
After the coral dyeing activity, remember to check out the workshop’s top floor. It is the working area for artisans. In addition to coral dyeing, they also perform Bingata (紅型) dyeing there.
Bingata is Okinawan’s traditional dyeing technique that started as early as the 13th century. Compared to Japan’s mainland, the patterns and color of Bingata-dyeing are a lot more vivid and tropical-like.
Shuri Ryūsen’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Shuri Ryūsen is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
- The workshop is around a 20-minute walk from Yui Rail’s Shuri Station (首里駅) and a 5-minute walk from Shurijō Castle Park (首里城).
- From Shuri Station, you can take bus routes 1, 14, or 46 and get off at either Shuri Kōkō-mae (首里高校前) or Yamakawa (山川).
Discover Other Attractions in Naha
Your visit to Naha obviously won’t stop at Sueyoshi Park. The city is filled with a wide range of attractions for you to discover! But which attractions are worth your time?
If that is the question on your mind, our Naha City article has got you covered! Whether it is shopping on the famous Kokusai-dōri Street or visiting a shrine located atop a cliff next to a local beach, you will find all the information you need in the article (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
