Shuri Textile Museum Suikara | The world of beautiful stories of Okinawan traditional fabrics woven with rich colors

Shuri Dyeing and Weaving Museum Suikara is a place in Shuri, Naha City, where you can see, buy, and learn about "Bingata" and "Shuriori" textiles.

Opened in April 2022, this facility serves as a hub for preserving and promoting Bingata and Shuri-ori, which are designated as intangible cultural properties of Okinawa Prefecture and nationally designated traditional crafts, for future generations.

As a place that connects customers with the artisans who create the products, it also serves as a hub where people from within and outside the prefecture gather, allowing visitors to experience both the "history" and "cutting edge" of Bingata and Shuri-ori, traditional crafts that represent Okinawa.

This article provides an overview of Bingata and Shuri-ori textiles, as well as highlights of the Shuri Textile Museum Suikara.

<Table of Contents>
1. What are "Bingata" and "Shuri-ori"?
2. See, learn about, and create beautiful fabrics.
3. Workshop
4. Business Hours and Access

Show all table of contents

1. What are "Bingata" and "Shuri-ori"?

Bingata is the name of a representative Okinawan dyeing technique, characterized by its vibrant colors and patterns depicting flowers, animals, and other creatures.
The dyed fabrics, with their colorful designs and smooth lines, evoke the vibrant and cheerful atmosphere of tropical Okinawa.
On the other hand, Shuri-ori is a general term for the weaving techniques that have been passed down in Shuri, and was designated as a national traditional craft in 1983.
Therefore, even though we refer to it simply as "Shuri weaving," the techniques are diverse, including Shuri Doton weaving, Shuri Kasuri, and Shuri Minsaa. One of its distinguishing features is that there are weaving techniques such as "Shuri Hanakura weaving" and "Shuri Hanaori," which were once worn only by the royal family and nobility of Shuri.
The simple patterns of the textiles are intricately woven with the history of Okinawa.

2. See, learn about, and create beautiful fabrics.

The Shuri Textile Museum Suikara is a three-story facility, with each floor offering a different experience.
The first floor features an exhibition gallery, a shop, and an information corner. The exhibition gallery displays a variety of Shuri-ori and Bingata kimonos and obi sashes. The sight of the brightly colored kimonos and obi sashes lined up is like being in an art museum.
What sets Shuri Textile Museum Suikara apart is that it doesn't simply display kimonos and obi sashes. Instead of displaying kimonos and obi sashes individually, they are arranged in sets, or displayed with fans and bags, making it easy for visitors to visualize how they can coordinate them.
Incidentally, although it's labeled as an exhibition, items are available for purchase, so if you find a kimono or obi you like, you can buy it.

Next to the exhibition area is a shop where you'll find a wide array of Shuri-ori and Bingata-style goods. The lineup mainly consists of small items that allow even those who don't often have the opportunity to wear kimonos to experience Shuri-ori and Bingata. This area is perfect for souvenirs of your trip to Okinawa or as gifts.

The information corner features videos and books introducing Okinawan textiles, including Shuri-ori and Bingata. A section also displays work tools, allowing visitors to deepen their knowledge of crafts such as Shuri-ori and Bingata.

Up the stairs to the second floor is an area where "Bingata" artisans gather. There are workshops and the office of the Ryukyu Bingata Business Cooperative, and depending on the timing, you might even catch a glimpse of the artists at work.
The fabric board by the Bingata artist in the hallway leading to the workshop is definitely something you should see. You can really feel the individuality of each artist, even though it's all called Bingata.
Going further up the stairs, the 3rd floor is an area where artisans of "Shuri-ori" (a type of textile) gather. There are workshops here as well, and you can see the artisans weaving the fabric.
The sight of all the looms lined up was truly impressive! It made me realize anew, "This is how the kimonos and obi sashes on the first floor are made," and it felt like I got a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process of making traditional crafts, which is something you don't often get to see. It made me feel like Shuri weaving was much more familiar to me.
Both the 2nd and 3rd floors offer the appeal of being able to peek into the workspaces and communicate with the artists, depending on the timing. However, unlike the 1st floor, these floors are more geared towards the creators, so please be careful not to disturb their work.

Incidentally, both Bingata and Shuri-ori workshops are held at their respective studios. They offer hands-on programs where you can learn about these traditional crafts.

3. Workshop

The Shuri Textile Museum Suikara offers programs where you can experience craft making. These programs are divided into standard and advanced experiences.

The "Ryukyu Bingata Dyeing Experience Program" is a workshop where you can dye your own original design onto a tote bag. The price starts from 3,520 yen. The workshop takes 60 to 120 minutes. Tote bags are available in large, medium, and small sizes, so you can choose the size that suits you best.

The "Shuri Weaving Experience Program" is a workshop where you create a 10cm wide silk floral weave. The fee is 4,400 yen, and the workshop takes about 60 minutes. Since it can be experienced in just one hour, it's an attractive option for those who are busy during their trip to Okinawa.

The "Ryukyu Bingata Authentic Experience Program" is a four-day program where you dye a shawl. The price of 106,700 yen may seem a bit high at first glance, but it's a luxurious experience because you'll receive one-on-one instruction from a traditional craftsperson! They are currently considering upgrading the program. Please check their website for the latest information.

The "Shuri Weaving Authentic Experience Program" is a four-day program in which you will weave a Shuri Hanaori half-width obi. The price starts from 179,300 yen. This program also includes direct instruction from a nationally certified traditional craftsman or a prefecturally certified craftsman.

Click here for details
▶Shuri Textile Museum Suikara Experience Program

4. Opening Hours and Access

The Shuri Textile Museum Suikara is about a 10-minute walk from Shuri Castle. It's conveniently located for a visit before or after sightseeing at Shuri Castle. Visiting it in conjunction with Shuri Castle will surely deepen your understanding of history, as you'll think, "So this is the kind of kimono the people who lived in that castle wore."
It's about a 15-minute drive from Kokusai Street in Naha City. You can also access it by monorail from Kokusai Street. There is parking available for 7 cars in front of the hall.