Discover the delights of indigo dye art and Buddhist cuisine this autumn in Minobu
This fall, head for the foothills of Mount Fuji in western Yamanashi Prefecture to discover a delicious take on Buddhist cuisine and the captivating beauty of indigo dye art.
Only two hours’ drive from Tokyo is Minobusan, one of Japan’s three holiest mountains and home for the past 750 years to Kuonji, the head temple of Nichiren Shu Buddhism. Steeped in Buddhist culture, Minobu is synonymous with a desire for good physical and spiritual health, as symbolized by its two ideograms, which together mean “to extend one’s life.”
Kakurinbo is a 550-year-old traditional temple lodging, or shukubo, in Minobusan that has evolved over centuries from a boarding house for pilgrims and novice priests to a comfortable yet authentic accommodation that provides fine dining and ornate guestrooms within a temple setting. Kakurinbo offers attentive hospitality, a delicious fusion of kaiseki and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and 16 activities and experiences, many of which promise a deeper understanding of Buddhism.
Activities especially popular among guests from overseas are dressing up in authentic wedding kimonos, copying and chanting sutras, writing one’s name with calligraphy, and attending morning prayers at the imposing Kuonji temple complex.
This year, visit Kakurinbo to experience the beauty of Japan’s autumn and the fascinating history, culture and taditions of Minobusan.
“The lighter the blue that comes from the indigo plants, the more beautiful it is, resembling the midsummer sky. The blue of the sky is the starting point from where I “build” my indigo creations.” Sato Fumiko, indigo dye artist
Sato Fumiko uses indigo dye made from sukumo, a raw extract from the flowering plant Persicaria tinctoria, or Japanese indigo. She achieves the spectrum of colors that exists between white and indigo using itajime shibori, a fabric dying method that prevents areas of the cloth from absorbing dye through applied pressure on a wooden board or stick. She folds and shapes the cloth to express sharpness, and uses the pliancy of the cloth to create curves. While most indigo dyeing methods use bleach to highlight the whites, Sato creates her complex patterns by adjusting pressure during the itajime shibori process. Her extensive body of work and technical skill have been recognized internationally, while her studio and numerous exhibitions attract visitors form around the world.
Kakurinbo in Minobusan is proud to host The World of Indigo, an installation of many of Sato Fumiko’s creations, on October 20-24. Kakurinbo is a 550-year-old temple lodging popular for its traditional hospitality, delicious kaiseki and Buddhist fusion cuisine, and many activities that provide a deeper understanding of local history, culture and nature.
The World of Indigo is open to guests staying at Kakurinbo and day visitors coming for lunch, dinner, desserts or drinks. This autumn, visit Kakurinbo in Minobusan to experience the remarkable world of Sato Fumiko.