The House of Indigo

The House of Indigo Review

At Ai-no-Yakata, The House of Indigo, try the ancient craft of dyeing cloth in cauldrons of blue-black, pungent indigo. Someone at the desk will show you a price chart for items—cotton handkerchiefs are only ¥500, silk scarves close to ¥2,000. Towels come out splendidly, but you have to ask for the separate price chart (the word is ta-o-ru). It's fun, and you'll be delighted with what you make. Snoop around the 400-year-old craft center when you're finished. One of the proprietors performs daily on the shaku-hachi, a thick bodied wooden flute, and he'll play anytime you ask. From Tokushima Station hop a 20-minute bus to Higashi Nakatomi. Walk down the hill behind you and follow the indigo signs.