More enjoyable trip to Hachimantai and Appi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
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The world's only dyeing method! Hachimantai Geothermal Steam Dyeing Experience

Create your own one-of-a-kind geothermal artwork!

Hachimantai City has a deep history of utilizing its natural resources. Here in Hachimantai, you can find Japan's first commercial geothermal power plant, the Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant, located deep within Matsukawa Onsen. In 2019, the new Matsuo Hachimantai Geothermal Power Plant near Gozaisho-numa began commercial operations. Additionally, the Appi Geothermal Power Plant, which began construction on the northern slope of Mt. Appi-dake in 2019, started commercial operations in March 2024.

In the 1970s, a nearby hotel began using the steam from the Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant to supply a hot spring called 'Magma-no-Yu.' Today, over 700 hotels, inns, cottages, hospitals, and other hospitality and welfare facilities, use this geothermal hot spring. Additionally, there is a dyeing technique called 'Geothermal Dyeing,' which was developed using the steam emitted from Matsukawa.

Believe it or not, geothermal dyeing began as an accident!  It was discovered by the “Geothermal Dyeing Research Institute” and remains a dyeing method you won’t see anywhere else in the world. 

One of its defining characteristics is the incredible range of colors it can produce by utilizing the heat and composition of the geothermal steam. As the dye is seeped into the cloth using high-temperature vapors, tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide in the vapors mix with the dye, causing it to lose color. These diametrically opposed operations of dyeing and decolorization are happening simultaneously, resulting in surreal patterns.

Geothermal dyeing involves the dye seeping deep into the cloth’s fibers, making the “shibori” or tying part of the process particularly important.  Here, parts of the cloth are tied off to guide the dye’s flow and create patterns.

Perhaps surprisingly, even the day-to-day conditions of the geothermal steam can have an effect on the final product.  These factors all influence the dye mix, meaning that ultimately every pattern produced is eternally one-of-a-kind.  That’s GEOCOLOR.

The Geothermal Dyeing Research Institute offers workshops where you can experience this process for yourself. The workshop is led by a dyeing artisan who will guide you through the history of Hachimantai, geothermal steam, and the tying process. You may start to imagine how your design will turn out while you work, but after only 20 minutes of dyeing in the steam box, unexpected patterns can emerge.

Of course, you can take home your own original work of art as a souvenir that day.

Workshops can be held one-on-one or in groups of up to 15.  They’re not available every day, so it’s important to check the schedule and confirm ahead of time.  Groups in particular must reserve in advance.  See below for contact information.

Geothermal Dyeing Research Institute & Workshop – Mujosen

Right next door is Pension Alpen Rose, a café that also sells goods directly from GEOCOLOR.  Not only is it filled with vibrantly colored handicrafts, but from its windows you can see the beautiful pond, Gyo-numa.  The water’s surface reflects images of the surrounding foliage, making for an overall quite picturesque experience.

After your workshop, relax with a coffee and browse the various creations in the studio-direct store come café, Alpine Rose, located next door. Due to the nature of the dyeing process, no two designs are ever the same, making them a great choice as a souvenir of your trip.

Alpen Rose

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