Before You Go

What to bring

You do not need any special equipment. In sessions that involve dye or indigo, materials and chemicals can get onto your clothes. We recommend wearing something you do not mind staining, or bringing an apron (whether aprons are lent out is noted on each program's detail page).

• Your booking confirmation email (showing it on your phone is fine — no need to print it)
• If you are using the Arimatsu Osanpo Kippu, the ticket itself on the day
• A drink, a towel, and protection from sun and rain
• A bag for the piece you make (a bag that can hold something still damp is ideal)
• Any regular medication, cooling items and the like, as your condition requires (in summer)

What to wear

Arimatsu and Narumi are towns along the Tokaido (historical highway), and you will be walking on cobbles and over changes in level. Please come in comfortable walking shoes. In dyeing sessions your sleeves may get wet or stained, so clothing you can roll your sleeves up in works best. In summer bring sun protection and plenty to drink; in winter the old merchant houses stay cool inside, so layers are a good idea.

Meeting point and time

Meeting points and times differ from program to program. Please check your booking confirmation email and the relevant program's detail page. If this is your first visit, or you are unsure about changing trains, arriving about 10 minutes before the start time gives you a comfortable margin. For directions from Meitetsu's Arimatsu and Narumi stations, see the map and notes on each detail page.

If you are running late, please contact us as early as you can using the details in your booking confirmation email. Depending on how the program runs, we may not be able to let you join after the start or shorten the session for you.

In bad weather

Programs held indoors run as normal in the rain. Town walks and other programs that go outdoors may have part of their content or route changed, or be postponed or cancelled. Where severe weather is forecast, we will let you know how the decision will be made and how we will contact you by email, by the day before at the latest. For how refunds are handled if we cancel a program, please see our Cancellation Policy.

How cancellation works

If your plans change, please let us know as early as you can. When cancellation fees apply and at what rate is set out in our Cancellation Policy. To discuss a change to your party size or date, please also start with the contact details in your booking confirmation email.

On the day

• Some parts of a session involve dyes, chemicals or heat sources. Please follow the staff's guidance and take part safely.
• If you have an allergy or a medical condition, are pregnant, or need any other consideration, please tell us when booking or before the session starts.
• For children, please follow the age guidance given for each program. A parent or guardian may need to accompany them.
• Please follow the guidance at each venue on whether photography is allowed, and be considerate of other participants and local residents.
• Please look after your own valuables. The finish and colour of your piece will vary with the material and the weather on the day.

For anything else, see our FAQ, or contact us with an individual question.