Live in a Small Fishing Village Embraced by a Sacred Mountain: A 3-Day, 2-Night Stay Immersed in Time-Sealing Sakiori Craft (Ehime)

The Sada Misaki Peninsula is the longest, narrowest peninsula in Japan. Stretching about 40km from east to west, its narrowest point is only about 700m wide, offering views of the sea on both sides. The currents are so swift that the town is known as a place where the sea flows. On this unobstructed peninsula, rich winds blow and windmills spin. The base for this tour is a small fishing village located near the tip of the peninsula. Here, you will learn the traditional craft of 'Sakiori' and immerse yourself in creation. Sakiori is a sustainable craft where old kimono fabric is torn into strips and woven into new textiles. You decide what you want to make in the end—such as a haori, teddy bear, notebook, or obi—and weave the fabric accordingly. The amount of fabric needed depends on the item, so larger pieces require more weaving time. You can freely decide whether to 'weave everything yourself' or 'weave part of it and leave the rest to the instructor,' so it is best to consult about your stay duration and desired items when booking.
*Please bring clothes that you no longer use or can no longer wear. We recommend bringing fabric with sentimental value that you can no longer use, such as clothes you wore as a child or keepsakes from a grandmother, to repurpose.
During your stay, you can spend all day working in the workshop, but we also recommend taking breaks to explore the small town or go trekking on the sacred mountain.
When exploring the town, you can also enjoy fishing at the nearby port.
For mountain trekking, you can aim for the summit of Mt. Garan, which stands at 413m and cradles the village. As it was originally a mountain for ascetic mountain worship, there are plenty of sights to see during the trek, such as caves densely packed with stone Buddhas.
Every experience is guided by the Sakiori instructor, Ms. Hashida. Although she is Japanese, she lived in Edinburgh during her childhood, so she can communicate in English and is well-versed in the local area, providing peace of mind.
 
At night, the space adjacent to the workshop becomes a restaurant—an izakaya frequented by village residents. Since Ms. Hashida is the owner, she serves as a bridge for interaction with the locals. You can interact with local people almost every night during your stay, making this an ideal trip for those who want to fully immerse themselves in local life.
 
For accommodation, you can rent an entire house that was renovated from a former sake merchant's residence, which is over 100 years old.
Located in the alleys of a small fishing village, you will feel as if you have your own home in the village during your stay.
 
Ultimately, the charm of this package lies in the fact that Ms. Hashida, who is also your Sakiori instructor, acts as a local liaison, facilitating smooth interaction with the community. It is rare to find a guide in various Japanese villages who can provide English support and bridge the gap with local residents. This is a highly recommended stay plan.