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Product #268411
10
Eight pairs of unique, colorful socks from the Nara S.Labo bicycle weaving experience, showcasing diverse styles and custom designs.
Participant pedaling the unique bicycle weaving machine at S.Labo Nara, surrounded by colorful yarn spools, crafting custom socks.
Modern S.Labo workshop in Nara's Koryo-cho, glass windows revealing unique bicycle sock-weaving machines and colorful yarn displays.
Close-up of a custom-made, uniquely patterned multi-colored sock with a 'Chalix by Souki' tag from Nara S.Labo.
Participant at Nara S.Labo carefully packaging a freshly woven, colorful custom sock, ready to take home.
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Chalix Experience: Pedalling a bicycle to knit your own original socks [S.Labo] (Koryocho, Nara)

Japan-Nara
Booking confirmed within 3 working day(s)
Duration:30 min(s)
Free cancellation 1 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • You can experience making socks, a local industry in Nara Prefecture.
  • You can try out this original machine that knits socks by pedaling a bicycle.
  • You can choose your favorite yarn from 36 different colors to create a unique pair of socks.
  • Just ride your bike for about 15 minutes, and our staff will finish it for you so you can take it home right away.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

"Charix" is an original machine developed by Souki, a sock factory in Koryo-cho, Nara Prefecture, that knits socks using the force of pedaling a bicycle.
Three colors are selected from 36 available cotton threads, and then threads made from upcycled Japanese paper made from the residue of Yoshino Kudzu and silk threads are added to knit the item using a total of five threads.
After choosing your preferred size and length, you can cycle for about 15 minutes to have your socks completed.
Once the socks are knitted, staff will sew the toes on the spot and finish them off with hot air. Finally, the customer writes their name on the tag to complete the socks. You can experience the sock manufacturing process and create your own original socks.

The finished socks feature large, low-gauge stitches and are thick and fluffy, making them comfortable to wear.
Due to the nature of the knitting machine, the color of the yarn that appears on the surface is random. Therefore, the left and right socks will have different colors, creating a truly one-of-a-kind original pair of socks.

We also offer limited edition yarns such as glitter yarn and wool yarn to coincide with seasonal events in Japan (such as Valentine's Day and Christmas).

*If you use limited edition yarn, an additional fee will be charged. Please pay on site.

Intro

What You Can Expect

Duration: 30 minute(s)

1 Day

  • Please choose the following from the store: Cotton thread color (3 colors out of 36) Size (S/22.5-25, M/25-27.5, L/27.5-30cm) Length (short, long)
    Wall display of dozens of vibrant yarn spools in 36 different colors for customizing unique socks at S.Labo Nara.
  • Paddle the chalix for about 10 minutes.
    Participant pedaling the unique bicycle weaving machine at S.Labo Nara, surrounded by colorful yarn spools, crafting custom socks.
  • While waiting for the finishing touches, write your name on the original tag.
  • 00:00
    Completed
    Close-up of a custom-made, uniquely patterned multi-colored sock with a 'Chalix by Souki' tag from Nara S.Labo.

Purchase Notice

・Available for guests over 130cm tall.
・We sell seasonal special yarns. If you choose a limited edition yarn, an additional fee will be charged (payable on-site).
・Charix uses adult-sized bicycles.
・Participation is limited to those who can pedal a bicycle at a certain speed.
・Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when participating in this experience.
・We only have parking space for 3 cars. Therefore, if you have multiple people traveling by car, we ask that you carpool.

Includes/Excludes

  • Consumption tax
  • Experience fee
  • Material cost
  • Transportation costs
  • Other costs not listed

Reminders

  • The workshop will last a total of 30 minutes, consisting of approximately 10 minutes for the Chalix experience and approximately 20 minutes for processing, setting and finishing the socks.

  • Please note that on the day, there is a possibility that the experience may be extended or canceled due to problems with the Charix.

  • Please come in comfortable clothing as you will be biking and knitting.

  • For safety reasons, please refrain from wearing high heels, sandals, or thick-soled shoes when cycling. Please wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.

  • Please be sure to follow the instructions of staff on the day. If you do not follow the instructions and engage in dangerous behavior, the experience will be immediately stopped. Please note that we cannot provide refunds in such cases.

  • Please do not touch the sock knitting machines or yarn without permission.

  • You may take photos and videos in the store and during the experience.

  • Taking photos of the factory without permission is prohibited.

  • Eating or drinking is prohibited inside the store.

  • This shop is located inside the factory. Entering the warehouse, office, and factory without permission is prohibited.

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Experience Location

Location Name: Socks Fun Laboratory S.Labo

Address: 6-5, Hikiso, Koryo-cho, Kitakatsuragi-gun, Nara Prefecture, 635-0824
How to Get There
From Kintetsu Yamatotakada Station, take Nara Kotsu Bus 13 Taketori Park Eastbound, get off at [Hikiso], 1 minute walk Bicycle and car parking available.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 1 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What does "S.Labo" signify in English for the Chalix Experience?

"S.Labo" in the Chalix Experience is a creative abbreviation combining "Socks" with "Laboratory." It represents a unique workshop space in Nara where visitors can experiment with and learn about the intricate process of sock making in a hands-on environment.

2. What is the linguistic origin of the name "S.Labo" used in the Chalix Experience?

The name "S.Labo" primarily draws its linguistic origin from English. "S" stands for "Socks," the product created, and "Labo" is a common Japanese abbreviation for "Laboratory," emphasizing the experimental and workshop-like nature of the sock-making experience.

3. How is "S.Labo" correctly spelled and identified for the Chalix Experience?

For the Chalix Experience, "S.Labo" is correctly spelled with an uppercase 'S' followed by a period, and then 'Labo' starting with an uppercase 'L'. It identifies the specific facility in Koryo-cho, Nara, offering the unique bicycle-powered sock knitting activity.

4. How does the unique sock knitting machine at S.Labo operate during the Chalix Experience?

The sock knitting machine at S.Labo operates ingeniously by being powered through a bicycle. Participants physically pedal the bicycle, which in turn drives the mechanical knitting process. This direct interaction allows visitors to actively create their custom socks and understand the machine's functionality.

5. What is involved in the bicycle-powered sock knitting process at the Chalix Experience?

The bicycle-powered sock knitting process at the Chalix Experience involves several steps. First, participants select their preferred yarn colors from 36 options. Then, they pedal a specialized bicycle for about 15 minutes, which knits the sock. Finally, staff complete the finishing touches, allowing participants to take their handmade socks home immediately.

6. How long does it take to pedal the bicycle to knit socks at S.Labo?

During the Chalix Experience at S.Labo, the active bicycle pedaling phase for knitting the socks typically takes approximately 15 minutes. This hands-on pedaling creates the main body of the sock, after which the staff will finalize the product for you.

7. Can participants customize their sock design by choosing yarn colors at S.Labo?

Yes, customization is a core part of the Chalix Experience at S.Labo. Participants can personalize their original socks by choosing their favorite yarn from a wide selection of 36 different colors, allowing for a truly unique and individual creation.

8. What kind of local Nara industry is featured in the Chalix Experience?

The Chalix Experience in Koryo-cho, Nara, highlights the region's prominent local sock-making industry. Nara Prefecture is renowned for its textile heritage, and this experience offers visitors a unique, hands-on opportunity to engage with and appreciate this significant craft.

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