Kumihimo (Braided Cord)
What is Kumihimo?
Cord braiding is one of Iga’s traditional industries and has a long history.
The Iga braided cord has been designated as a National Traditional Craft as “Iga Kumihimo”.
Kumihimo is a cord made by braiding thin silk (or cotton) threads.
In the old days, kumihimo was used as a decorative cord to beautify swords and to connect intricate pieces of armors.
Today, it is used for “obijime”, a code to be tied around obi (sash) for kimono.
Varieties of kumihimo are available, colorful kumihimo braids with threads in many different colors, because and it is reminiscent Japanese tradition, a perfect gift.
Places you can buy kumihimo
Iga Kumihimo Braiding Center
116-2 Ueno Marunuchi, Iga City, Mie Prefecture
Website *only in Japanese
Danjiri Kaikan Museum
122-4 Ueno Marunuchi, Iga City, Mie Prefecture
Kumihimo Shops
- Hirosawa Tokusaburo no Mise
- Hirai Kenzo Shoten
- Maezawa Kumihimo Kobo
- Maezawa Kumihimo Ten,
etc.