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The textiles made by the famous firm of Kawashima are everywhere in Japan - in its trains, planes, homes and offices. From traditional obi, painstakingly crafted by hand, to huge theater curtains, Kawashima textiles are synonymous with quality.

They've even earned themselves the approval of the Imperial Household which has commissioned Kawashima tapestries for the Akasaka, Showa and Kyoto palaces. If you'd like to see the craft traditions of Kyoto at their living best, why not pay their workrooms a visit"

Kawashima began in 1843 as a kimono wholesaler in Kyoto's Muromachi district. It wasn't until 1880, however, when the founder's son, Jinbei Kawashima II, resurrected a neglected technique of brocade weaving called tsuzure that the company's fortunes were assured. The introduction of power looms and the construction of a modern weaving mill in 1918 gave added impetus to its progress.
Then came the war. In the aftermath, Kawashima managed to survive by supplying fabric for the homes and cars of Occupation personnel. Kawashima made a virtue of necessity, though - in no time that had become the basis of a new field of enterprise. When Kawashima opened its Ichihara factory in 1964, it showed rare foresight and designed it to be visitor-friendly. They are proud of what they make and welcome observation. All rooms have big glass windows so the manufacturing processes are in plain sight.

The factory is divided into two parts: the first is where carpets and ...