In Nagoya, there is a historical "ward" called Midori ku. It hasn't appeared in any guidebooks that I have come across. I think Midori ku is somewhat popular with the Japanese, but it doesn't get too much international traffic. Midori ku is a long street of buildings that have survived many years, so each building authentic and shows edo period design. This ward is home to the art of arimatsu, or traditional Japanese tie-dye. The difference between American hippy style tie-dye and Japanese tie-dye is that the latter is born through a complicated, time consuming process. It can produce stunning results in color and design. In Midori ku many things are sold made by arimatsu: cloths for all purposes, clothing, scarves, neck ties, and umbrellas! Here is a link with pictures and an explaination of the dying process:
http://www.shibori-kaikan.com/indexE.htm
On a side note, I tried kishimen today in an udon shop in Midori ku. Kishimen is known as Nagoya's dish. Well, it was good, but alot like any other noodle-in-broth dish. Its special claim to fame is that the noodles are wider than udon noodles. Let's hear it for original Nagoya!
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