It was the summer of 1968. Between the street protests against the Vietnam War and the rapid industrialization of corporate Japan, a young man called Hiroyuki Shindo fell in love with indigo whilst studying at the Kyoto City University of Fine Arts. His love affair with this ancient dye took him to village markets on the other side of the world and back. You can see his lifelong collection at the Little Indigo Museum, a thatched house in Kita Village in the town of Miyama. Like many shops in this village, it is closed for hibernation in winter.
- 1 min read
Shindo's Indigo Museum at Miyama
The original wanderer and his collection

By Bonson Lam
Community writer

Hiroyuki Shindo, the curator of the Little Indigo Museum is a wealth of knowledge and insight on all things Indigo.

Three shades of Indigo. Feel, smell and see the brilliance of hand made indigo textiles.

The Little Indigo Museum is housed in the largest thatched house in Kita Village, Miyama.

These exquisite garments are a heirloom for the future generation.

Upstairs in the attic are Indigo textiles from Japan and around the world.

Working Indigo dying vats at the Little Indigo Museum.
Join the discussion
Evelina Marconi
8 years ago
do you know how to contact the museum for a reservation? I'm travelling from italy, so I would be sure that I can visit it. thank you very much.
The world is now discovering the magic of Miyama village, so you have asked a good question. You don’t need to make a reservation. It could get crowded if a tour bus just pulled up, but if you are there for ½ day there will be quieter moments when you could have this museum to yourself. https://en.japantravel.com/kyoto/the-little-indigo-museum/18364
Evelina Marconi
8 years ago
do you know how to contact the museum for a reservation? I'm travelling from italy, so I would be sure that I can visit it. thank you very much.
The Little Indigo Museum is open from April 1 to Nov 30.
Iain Stanley
10 years ago
Do you know when it opens up again?
5 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Japan's Best Hidden Travel Spots for 2025
Planning -
2
Spring Destinations and Events in Niigata
Activities -
3
Discover Japan's Allure With a Tokyo Cruise
Article - Sponsored -
4
5 Reasons to Visit Showa Kinen Park in Spring
Tokyo -
5
Time Traveling on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
6
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
7
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
8
A Guide to Tono City and Hanamaki City
Iwate - Sponsored -
9
Japan Travel KK Achieves Travelife Partner Level
Planning -
10
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
10
AnimeJapan
Tokyo