[Applications start from May 1st]

Held once a year

The most popular style "Karu-san"

Let's complete it over a fun 3-day, 2-night stay in Itoshiro.

Target audience: Beginners to experienced sewers
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Method: Hand-sewing or sewing machine

Versatile tapered cut

"Karu-san" are tapered pants with a silhouette that falls between "tatsuke" and "hakama." One garment made by an old woman born in Itoshiro during the Meiji era has been preserved, and its design was so practical and stylish that we have updated it with modern arrangements.

This time, we will complete the "Karu-san" over three days and two nights.

Enjoy Itoshiro in midsummer

In midsummer, Itoshiro offers beautiful rivers and delicious corn.

This program allows you to fully experience Itoshiro with your whole body and mind while making clothes.Why not spend three days and two nights with us creating clothes while fully enjoying the charm of the land of Itoshiro?

About Karu-san

Dates: August 1st (Sat) - 3rd (Mon), 2026

＊Applications open on May 1st
＊This will be the only event held in 2026.

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Schedule

＊The schedule is set so that you can arrive by public transportation.

〈Day 1〉
13:30 Arrive in Itoshiro (Greetings, self-introductions)
14:00 Measurements, fabric cutting / Overlocking
18:00 Check in to accommodation & dinner social gathering (KIITOS)

〈Day 2〉
9:00  Shrine visit, old artifacts museum tour
10:00  Sewing time (at the clothing store)
12:00  Lunch (bento), store tour
13:00 Sewing time
　　　＊Break included
18:00  Dinner

〈Day 3〉
9:00　Sewing time
12:00　Curry lunch
13:00　End of workshop, completion photo shoot (bus departs at 13:19)

＊Evenings are generally free time. Recommended activities include visiting nearby hot springs (Manten-no-Yu) or stargazing.

What to bring

Sewing tools (fabric scissors, thread snippers, tape measure, chalk pencil, sewing machine thread suitable for your fabric if you bring your own, 10 pins, pin cushion), fabric (if you don't have any, we will provide some), overnight set (towel, toothbrush, pajamas, etc.).

＊Please prepare medium-weight linen, cotton, or cotton-linen fabric.
＊We will prepare sewing machines (JUKI industrial sewing machines, overlock machines) and rulers (50-60cm) here.
＊Overlock machine threads in white, beige, dark blue, and black will be provided.
＊Waist elastic (1cm/2cm wide) and waist ties (1cm wide) can be provided here. If you have a preferred width, please prepare it.
＊The fabrics we provide are introduced on the following website. Please refer to it for consideration. (If you purchase these fabrics, we will also provide the sewing machine thread.)
・Natural linen fabric

Participation fee

37,000 yen (includes lunch. Please pay the accommodation fee of approximately 10,000 yen/night (including breakfast and dinner) at the venue.)

＊Depending on your experience, you may not be able to complete it within the time frame. In such cases, you may need to finish it at home.
＊If you wish to bring your own sewing machine, please consult us.
＊As there are few accommodations operating in the village, we generally guide you to KIITOS, the guesthouse operated by Itoshiro Yoghinten.
＊If you plan to stay before or after the workshop, please consult us.

Accommodation

We will guide you to the guesthouse "KIITOS" (additional charge), located across from the Itoshiro Yoghinten WS facility where the workshop will be held. Due to the number of participants, rooms will generally be shared (2 people per room).
We will send detailed information and a pre-survey about one month before the event, but please let us know if you prefer to stay at another accommodation or absolutely require a private room.

Venue & Access

Itoshiro Yoghinten
65-9 Itoshiro, Shirotori-cho, Gujo-shi, Gifu
tel : 0575-86-3808

- If coming by public transportation

・Outbound (morning departure) Nagoya ⇒ (JR) ⇒ Mino-Ota 9:56 ⇒ (Nagaragawa Railway) ⇒ Mino-Shirotori 11:53 12:20 ⇒ (Itoshiro Demand Bus / Shirotori Kotsu) ⇒ Shimozaisyo 13:00

・Return (daytime departure) Nishizaisyo 13:19 ⇒ (Itoshiro Demand Bus) ⇒ 14:00 Mino-Shirotori 14:18 ⇒ (Nagaragawa Railway) ⇒ 16:37 Mino-Ota 17:00 ⇒ (JR) ⇒ Nagoya

Participation Q&A

Q1. I'm a beginner at making clothes, can I participate?

A. Yes, beginners have participated before.

Karu-san are constructed with straight cuts,
so cutting and sewing are almost entirely straight lines.

In this course,
・How to calculate measurements
・Fabric handling and cutting methods
・Sewing order
・Seam finishing methods
will be carefully explained one by one.

Rather than "making it well,"
we value "experiencing the Japanese approach to clothes-making."
Please feel free to participate regardless of your experience level.

Q2. I'm clumsy and worried if I can finish it.

A. Don't worry, we will fully support you until completion.

It's a small group class, and we proceed while observing each person's progress.
Please ask questions as many times as you need.

Also, this course does not aim for "perfect results."
We value working with your hands and shaping your own unique garment.

Q3. I'm worried about my physical stamina.

A. We will proceed at a comfortable pace.

Although it's 3 days and 2 nights, we prioritize the balance between work and rest.
You won't be standing or sewing continuously.

We'll alternate between "time for focused manual work" and "time to learn about local culture,"
"tea breaks," and more.

Q4. What kind of people participate?

A. Participants come from various age groups and backgrounds.

So far, participants have included:
・People who love making clothes (and feel conflicted about fabric scraps!)
・People interested in Japanese lifestyle and culture
・People who want to spend time working with their hands in nature
etc., a wide range of people have participated.

Even if you're meeting for the first time,
sharing the time to create something together
naturally fosters conversation.
Please look forward to participating and making new friends!

Q5. Itoshiro is far, is it okay to participate alone?

A. Most participants come alone, so it's perfectly fine.

Many participants come from far away and attend alone.
We will provide information on accommodation and transportation in advance, so please rest assured.

Almost 100% of participants say, "It was far, but I'm glad I came."
We have prepared a welcoming environment to ensure you feel the same way.

Q6. What do I need to bring?

A. We will provide large tools necessary for sewing, such as sewing machines and irons.

Please check the top of this page for details on what to bring.
If there's anything difficult to obtain or transport, we also have it available,
so please don't worry and come.

Q7. What kind of clothing will be completed?

A. You will tailor one Karu-san garment that fits your body.

"I'm interested, but I also have concerns."
Please come to Itoshiro with those feelings.

This course emphasizes
working with your hands, experiencing, and taking home something, rather than just what you can or cannot do.

Cancellation Policy

・Cancellation after application ~ 1 week before the event: 5%
・Cancellation 6 days ~ 3 days before the event: 50%
・Cancellations thereafter: Full amount

Important Notes

・There are no convenience stores or supermarkets nearby. Please bring anything you need for your 3-day, 2-night stay, such as snacks (though we will also provide some).
・While daytime temperatures can rise above 30 degrees Celsius, mornings and evenings can be chilly. It's recommended to bring a thin long-sleeved shirt for warmth.

Cancellation Policy

・Cancellation after application ~ 1 week before the event: 5%
・Cancellation 6 days ~ 3 days before the event: 50%
・Cancellations thereafter: Full amount