Ryukyu kasuri and the Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan
琉球絣・琉球かすり会館26°11′ N 127°44′ ECraftWoven since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom; national traditional craft since 1983
Ryukyu kasuri is Okinawa's ikat cloth, woven with threads dyed in sections so the pattern appears on the loom, and today almost all of it comes from the town of Haebaru just east of Naha. The Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan there shows and sells it from 9:00 to 17:30, except on Sundays and public holidays.
In kasuri the threads are dyed in sections before they go on the loom, so the pattern appears as the cloth is woven. Weavers in the Ryukyu islands have made it since the days of the kingdom. Over generations of new techniques, improvements and patient work, Haebaru became the place where nearly all Ryukyu kasuri is now made. Japan named Ryukyu kasuri a traditional craft in 1983, and the designation covers Naha, Yaese and Haebaru.
The town also keeps Haebaru hanaori, which is a figured weave known for its many colours and patterns. Its techniques have passed from mother to daughter since the Meiji era. The Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan sells bolts of both cloths along with pouches, bags and clothing in kasuri.
Haebaru is the only municipality in Okinawa without a coastline, and it is a short drive inland from Naha. The Okinawa Army Hospital where the Himeyuri students nursed the wounded in 1945 stood in the same town.
Visiting with care
The Kaikan is where Haebaru's kasuri and hanaori are shown and sold to the public.
- The Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan shows and sells kasuri and Haebaru hanaori cloth and goods made from it
- It closes on Sundays and public holidays, so plan a weekday or Saturday visit
- Ask before photographing weavers or patterns on the loom
- Keep hands off bolts on display unless staff offer to show you one
Worth knowing
- By bus, take route 40 or 109 to the Haebaru town office stop and walk about 5 minutes.
- From Naha Airport the drive takes about 30 minutes; from Haebaru-kita Interchange about 15.
- Go on a weekday, since the Kaikan closes on Sundays and holidays.
Go and see
Where to see Ryukyu kasuri and the Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan場所
FAQ
Quick answers about Ryukyu kasuri and the Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikanよくある質問
Where is Ryukyu kasuri made?
Almost all Ryukyu kasuri is now made in the town of Haebaru just east of Naha. The Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan there shows and sells the cloth.
When is the Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan open?
The Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan in Haebaru opens 9:00–17:30. It closes on Sundays, public holidays, the lunar Obon holidays and the New Year.
Can you visit Ryukyu kasuri and the Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan?
Open to visitors. The Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan shows and sells kasuri and Haebaru hanaori cloth and goods made from it. It closes on Sundays and public holidays, so plan a weekday or Saturday visit.
How should you behave at Ryukyu kasuri and the Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan?
At Ryukyu kasuri and the Ryukyu Kasuri Kaikan: Ask before photographing weavers or patterns on the loom. Keep hands off bolts on display unless staff offer to show you one.
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