Tatsuki and Hakama Making Workshop: A 3-Day Clothing Creation Journey (April 25-27)

Experience the culture and handcrafts passed down in Itoshiro
A 3-day, 2-night clothing-making trip
"Tatsuke/Hakama Making Workshop"

Target audience: Beginners to experienced sewers
Difficulty: Tatsuke ★★★☆☆ / Hakama ★☆☆☆☆
Method: Hand sewing or machine sewing

There once was clothing in Japan that left no fabric to waste.

The "tatsuke" and "hakama" made in this workshop
are straight-cut trousers preserved in Itoshiro.

They use almost no curves, waste no fabric,
are easy to move in, durable, and blend into daily life.

They were created as "work clothes for a better life"
through the "spirit of cherishing fabric"
that Japanese people cultivated over many years.

Those who have actually made them often express surprise,
saying, "It's amazing how no fabric goes to waste,"
and "I can't believe people in the past thought of clothes this easy to move in."

In this workshop, you can experience the disappearing wisdom of Japanese clothing making,
not as "knowledge," but "with your own hands."

About Tatsuke
About Hakama

Please choose one of the above and make one garment.

Three days to touch the origins of "tatsuke," not just "making" them.

In this workshop, you will tailor "tatsuke" and "hakama"
that have been worn in daily life in Itoshiro since ancient times, with your own hands.

However, what you gain here
is not just the completion of one garment.

How to take measurements, how to cut fabric, how to sew,
and how to wear it.
In addition, the content allows you to experience the culture and lifestyle of Itoshiro, where "tatsuke" originated, on location.

Garment making where even beginners can "finish it all the way"

・Even if you've never made clothes before
・Even if you're not confident with a sewing machine
・Even if you've struggled with self-taught methods

As it's a small group and we proceed step by step, checking everything,
you won't "finish without understanding."

By understanding the reasons behind cutting and sewing methods as you go along,
you will acquire a "way of thinking" that can be applied to future garment making.

Understand clothes that fit your body, from the principles

Tatsuke and Hakama
are garments designed with freedom of movement as the highest priority, without constricting the body.

Why this shape?
Why these measurements?
Why no waste?

By tailoring while answering these questions,
you will gain insight into "what it means for clothes to fit the body."

Time to consider clothing making inseparable from daily life

Making clothes in Itoshiro,
while feeling the atmosphere of the land,
is also an important element of this workshop.

In the past,
clothing was not "art" but "a tool for living."

To acquire the ability to create "tools for living" oneself
and make it a natural part of life.
We want to convey the techniques and knowledge so that you can learn and practice what our ancestors did repeatedly.

Recommended for:

・Those who want to take their self-taught garment making to the next level
・Those interested in the structure and philosophy of traditional Japanese clothing
・Those who want to experience completing a project from start to finish
・Those who want to learn by understanding "why things are the way they are"
・Those who want to spend time in Itoshiro, where "tatsuke" originated, even if it's far away

In winter, we also offer traditional meals unique to this region, such as "nikuzuke" (pickled meat).

Let's share encounters and experiences that can only be had here and now.

■Dates

February 28 (Sat) - March 2 (Mon), 2026 - Full
April 25 (Sat) - 27 (Mon), 2026

■Schedule

*The schedule is set to accommodate public transportation.

〈Day 1〉
13:00 Start (Self-introductions)
14:00 Explanation, measurements, pattern drafting
15:00 Fabric cutting, overlock sewing
17:00 End
18:00 Dinner and social gathering

〈Day 2〉
9:00 Visit shrine, old artifacts museum
10:00 Sewing time
12:00 Lunch & shop visit
13:00 Sewing time
16:00 Talk about traditional clothing culture
17:00 End. Head to accommodation.

〈Day 3〉
9:00 Sewing time
12:00 Lunch & sharing session
13:00 End (Bus departs at 13:19)
*Content may change depending on weather and other conditions.

■What to bring

Sewing kit (fabric scissors, thread snips, tape measure, chalk pen, sewing machine thread suitable for your fabric if you bring your own, dressmaker's pins (10), pincushion), fabric (if you don't have any, we can provide it for ¥4,900), overnight bag (towel, toothbrush, pajamas, etc.).

*Please prepare medium-weight linen, cotton, or cotton-linen fabric.
*Sewing machines (JUKI industrial sewing machines and overlock machines) and rulers (50-60cm) will be provided here.
*Overlock threads in white, beige, dark blue, and black are provided here.
*Waist elastic (1cm/2cm wide) and waist ties (1cm wide) are available here. If you have a preferred width, please bring it.
*The fabrics we offer 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 (Includes lunch. Accommodation fee of around ¥10,000 per night (with breakfast and dinner) is to be paid on-site.)

*Depending on your experience, you may not be able to complete it within the allotted time. In such cases, you may need to finish it at home.
*If you wish to bring your own sewing machine, please consult us.
*We will arrange accommodation. As there are few inns operating in the village, and adjustments can only be made closer to the date, we will contact you separately regarding the accommodation fee.
*If you plan to stay an extra night, please consult us.
*We will ask for your preferences regarding shared rooms and other accommodation details in a pre-workshop survey, but please understand that your preferences may not always be met due to adjustments with other participants.

■Venue & Access

Itoshiro Youhinten (Itoshiro Clothing Store)
65-18 Itoshiro, Shirotori-cho, Gujo-shi, Gifu
tel : 0575-86-3808

*Please use a private car or public transportation.
*If coming by private car, 4-wheel drive and studless tires (or chains) are required in winter. If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, please use public transportation.
*For the session from February 28 to March 2, we will provide transportation by car from Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza. Please take the express bus from JR Gifu Station (departing at 10:27) and arrive at 11:34. Click here for the timetable.

- If coming by public transportation

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

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

Q&A Regarding Participation

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

A. Yes, beginners have participated before.

Tatsuke and hakama are made with straight cuts,
so cutting and sewing are almost entirely straight lines.

In this workshop,
・How to think about measurements
・Fabric handling and cutting methods
・Sewing order
・Method for finishing seam allowances
will be carefully taught step by step.

Rather than "making it well," we prioritize
"experiencing the Japanese philosophy of clothing making,"
so please feel free to participate regardless of your experience.

Q2. I'm clumsy and worried I won't be able to finish.

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

It's a small group, and we'll monitor each person's progress.
Feel free to ask questions repeatedly on the spot if you don't understand something.

Also, this workshop is not about aiming for "perfect finishes."
We emphasize moving your hands and shaping your own unique garment.

Q3. I'm concerned about whether I can keep up physically.

A. We will proceed at a comfortable pace.

Although it's a 3-day, 2-night workshop, we prioritize balancing work time and breaks.
You won't be standing or sewing continuously.

We will alternate between "focused handiwork time" and "time to learn about local culture"
as well as "tea breaks" and other activities.

Q4. What kind of people participate?

A. Participants come from diverse age groups and backgrounds.

In the past,
・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
and a wide range of other individuals have participated.

Even if it's your first time meeting,
by sharing time making the same thing,
conversation naturally flows.
Please look forward to participating as a place to make friends!

Q5. Itoshiro is far, but 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 don't worry.

Almost 100% of participants say, "It was worth coming, even though it's far."
We are preparing our reception system to ensure you feel that way.

Q6. What do I need to bring?

A. Large sewing tools such as sewing machines and irons will be provided here.

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

Q7. What kind of garment will be completed?

A. You will tailor one "tatsuke" or "hakama" to fit your body.

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

More than whether you can or cannot do it, this workshop values
moving your hands, feeling, and taking something away from the experience.

■Cancellation Policy

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

■Notes

・In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing. Please bring warm clothing.
・In winter, the roads are snowy. Please wear snow boots or winter rubber boots to prevent slipping.
・There are no convenience stores or supermarkets nearby. Please bring anything you need for the 3-day, 2-night stay, such as snacks (though we will also provide some).