Washi Making

Rated 5 Stars, based on 55 Reviews.

You can make traditional Japanese Washi paper from raw materials. Enjoy making a piece of washi paper and designing it using dried, pressed seasonal local flowers and leaves. After drying the paper, you can craft it into a set of postcards, or table-mat, or wraparound lampshade, or tapestry panel. You can proceed with it under the guidance of the instructor, in a relaxing atmosphere. While the paper is dried, you will be able to watch a short video of the traditional paper-making method which has been continued for over one thousand years. Handmade Japanese Washi paper will be the perfect souvenir or gift from Japan!

Rated 4.8 Stars, based on 85 Reviews.

We offer a hands-on workshop where you can experience handmade washi, a traditional Japanese craft. Tosa Washi, with over 1,000 years of history, is one of Japan’s top three washi papers. Known for its strength and warmth, it’s easy to try and makes for a memorable Asakusa experience—perfect for fans of crafts or Japanese culture. After a short video on Tosa Washi’s history and process, you’ll wear traditional workwear (samue) and make washi postcards with help from a friendly instructor. In both the Plain Paper Plan and Colored Paper Plan, you’ll handcraft four plain postcards. The Colored Paper Plan includes an extra step: layering beautiful Rakusuishi—lace-like decorative washi—on top. You can choose your favorite four colors. The workshop is full of smiles and surprise at the beauty of the finished paper. Take home your handmade washi as a special souvenir.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 8 Reviews.

Plan A (Duration : 60-90 mins) – Premium option including a full-size "Rakusui paper" You will be making 4 pcs of washi postcards and 1 pc of full-size "Rakusui paper". "Rakusui" literally means "dripping water" in Japanese. Different from the standard washi papers, the unique look of "Rakusui paper" features small holes on the surface as a result of applying water in the making process. It has a distinctive and captivating texture when seen through the light. Plan B (Duration : 45-60 mins) You will be making 4 pcs of washi postcards with colored papers of your choice. In addition to the washi making process, you will also experience an additional process of adhering colored Japanese papers to the white washi papers that you just made. This process will add more color and patterns to your washi postcards and there are over 100 variations of colored papers for you to choose from. Plan C(Duration : 30-40 minutes) Washi postcard-making experience without colored Rakusui paper (4 pcs)

Rated 5 Stars, based on 1 Reviews.

・Learn about traditional ways of making Tosa washi paper in a washi studio with over 120 years of history. ・See almost all steps of making washi paper presented in details by a 4th generation craftsperson. ・Try your hands at making new washi paper from recycling Tosa washi. ・Choose between making a colorful Tapestry, a paper lamp shade or a paper bag. ・Enjoy the quiet rural area near one of Japan’s clearest water basins: Niyodo River.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 16 Reviews.

Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! Check out the video below for an example of the class, and make a reservation ASAP! (*English Instruction Included)

1. Postcards made with Ise Katagami paper “Ise Katagami” artisans carve over 900 intricate patterns on a one-inch space of durable washi paper for kimono stencil dyeing In this session, you’ll use a katagami stencil by craftsperson Chiaki Imasaka for postcard stencil dyeing 2. Mizuhiki-style money envelope Learn the art of creating Mizuhiki-style money envelopes, traditional Japanese decorative cords used for special occasions. Mizuhiki bookmark 3. Learn the art of Mizuhiki, a traditional Japanese craft used for celebratory envelopes and gifts, which involves coloring and winding silk thread around a core. 4. Craft Mini Clasp Purses Create mini-sized clasp purses and coin cases with traditional Japanese fabric and washi paper, perfect for use as accessory cases.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 2 Reviews.

Create your own one-of-a-kind souvenir here at KUROMAMEDO, and give life to Japanese traditions! KUROMAMEDO is located in Shinjuku, and it’s a few minutes away from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden . We aim to make foreign travellers feel free while exploring Japan. We have a variety of activities! We serve a selection of seasonal Japanese teas and snacks. At KUROMAMEDO you can experience various activities, such as making a DARUMA doll using your favorite WASHI paper, crafting MIZUHIKI charms or accessories ,creating MAIKO bookmarks, Tsumami-Zaiku,and many more. There is also the option to purchase already crafted souvenirs in the store. let's create and have fun!

Rated 5 Stars, based on 21 Reviews.

What makes our Samurai Experience special; – We are the only place that you can be photographed wearing samurai armor outside with a stunning view of the Osaka castle! -You can learn all about a history of Samurai and their honorable culture through fun & unique activities. – You'll be wearing a very well-made replica of Samurai armor. They are made with light-weighted metal and are made by the famous Samurai armor creators in Kyusyu. – Our Iaido workshop will be given by an experienced Iaido master. You will be learning a basic knowledge of Japanese swordsmanship and some cool moves. – With our Big Bushido Calligraphy, you can draw your choice of Kanji using a 1.2m (4ft) brush on the 1.5m (5ft) square washi paper. – All photos and videos (optional) will be taken by a professional photographer. 2 FREE photo prints & mini. 10 photo files are included. – Our English speaking staff will be accompanying you throughout this experience.

Deep in the mountains of Japan lies the quaint villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, with their beautifully preserved gassho-style houses. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of the buildings are over 250 years old, gives a glimpse into the ways of Japanese traditional farming communities. On the way from Kanazawa to those stunning sites, there are other historic towns such as the woodcarvers of Inami. Being far from the large cities of Tokyo and Osaka, enjoy walking through a town which continues its tradition of woodcarving to this day. On the shops, in the temples and on signs are beautiful examples of this living history. The entire region was once home to many different kinds of local crafts, such as Japanese style paper making, an activity that you can do on this tour. Enjoy a day long bus tour from Kanazawa where you can see expert wood carving, try your hand at paper making and see the UNESCO World Heritage sites Shirakawa-go and Gokayama traditional homes.

Create an art piece that can decorate your room with a gentle light! In this workshop, you will create An Origami lamp and Mizuhiki knot belt. LED light passes through washi paper, gently lighting up the space with a very soft light. It brings pressure to both the eyes and the heart. You will fold and glue several sheets of handmade washi paper in a bellows-like manner. Inserting a small lamp inside the bellows-like washi paper, the ramp shines with gentle and warm light. Additionally, you will create a mizuhiki knot ornament for the belt. At the end of the session, we offer Japanese sweets with "Japanese paper tea" that is not offered elsewhere. Enjoy the beauty and potential of washi paper by making your art piece. Please be informed that this workshop requires detailed skills that may not be suitable for young children. If you are looking for a family activity, we recommend "Private Workshop to Create Paper Last for 1,000 years in Ueno".

The scenic rural Echizen area is famous for its rich history of traditional Japanese crafts. One of these crafts is washi, or traditional Japanese paper. Come get a rare hands on experience of visiting authentic washi factories and speaking with craftsmen. Guests also get to try their hand at making their very own washi paper. Also as part of the tour, guests get to visit beautiful Otaki Shrine which is dedicated to the god of paper.

What makes this experience special; This kind of Japanese calligraphy is very unique. Even for Japanese people, it is rare to have it experienced! We are the only place that you can try this kind of Shodo experience in Osaka! We use enormous calligraphy tools for this special activity. A brush is 1.2m (4ft) long and the washi paper that you draw a Kanji is 1.5m (5ft)! We're located next to the Osaka Castle Park. It's easy to plan it together with your visit to the castle. All pictures will be taken by a professional photographer. You'll be accompanied by our English or Chinese speaking assistant. You can take your Shodo work home as a memory of Japan. Worried about carrying around? NO worries. We'll make it compact for you! You can book this plan with your family or friends and make it into a private activity for no extra charge. You'll get 2 photo prints + minimum 10 photo files as a gift!

Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! Check out the video below for an example of the class, and make a reservation ASAP! (*English Instruction Included)

Visit the authentic washi making factory of RYOZO Yanase Paper Mill and get a deeper look into the world of washi making. The owners, Mr. and Ms. Yanase have years of experience and will give you knowledgeable instructions. Guests will get to tour the washi factory where they make paper fit for commercials products such as packaging for Japanese sweets. It is a rare opportunity to see such a factory. Afterwards with the instructions of Ms. Yanase, a traditional craftsman, guests will make a washi piece that is perfect as a tapestry. It is made using traditional techniques so it is a chance to experience authentic washi making.

Please make a reservation before visiting. Lessons are by reservation only. You can experience Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese calligraphy. After practicing on special washi paper made in Japan, we write on two types of fine hanging scrolls. You can take all the works you have written home with you. Hanging scrolls make great gifts for friends, family, and other important people. A Japanese calligraphy instructor will teach you calligraphy.

In the workshop, participants will make their own original notebooks using Japanese traditional crafts "Washi" and "Mizuhiki". The following experiences are available ・Washi Notebook Making Experience: Choose your favorite Washi paper and make an A6(105 x 148.5 mm / 4.1 x 5.8 inches). size notebook with a cover. The finished size is 120 x 170 mm (4.8 x 6.7 inches) . ・Mizuhiki knotting experience: Make a notebook belt and bookmark while learning the 3 knots. Mizuhiki is a traditional paper string that has been used for about 680 years. This is still an essential part of the wedding and funeral ceremonies in Japan today. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll create beautiful and meaningful keepsakes, choosing from a vibrant array of colors and designs. Immerse in the elegance of washi, crafting not just a notebook but embracing a piece of traditional Japanese culture.

Dyeing small pieces of silk with dyes from a dye store with a history of over 100 years, and then plucking (pinching) them, is an authentic hands-on workshop that is rare in Japan. This is a rare opportunity to experience both dyeing and pinching at the same time. This is a rare experience where you can experience both dyeing and tsumatsubaiku at the same time. It also includes a rare Japanese washi paper folding and dyeing experience.

Our Washi Studio connects its history and produces Japanese paper the old-fashioned way.The origin of this paper is not certain, but one theory is that it has been made since the Heian period (794–1185) and has a history spanning approximately 1,000 years. In the Edo period (1603–1867),Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of this period, used this paper as the official paper of the Tokugawa shogunate. Production of this paper was once discontinued due to the Western paper technology, but it was revived by local volunteers. We cultivate raw materials for the paper while utilizing fallow rice fields. And we consequently use the raw materials to manufacture the paper, developing and selling the products throughout the process.We also actively promote Japanese paper culture by offering hands-on paper-making experiences and studio tours.

The location of the event is very convenient, with both JR and Kintetsu lines running through the area. It is also easily accessible from Umeda and Namba, and can be reached in about 30 minutes. There is a large library in front of the venue, a famous sandwich shop, a Chinese restaurant, and an ice cream shop nearby. You will be able to fully experience the beauty of Japanese yuzen washi paper. Choose your favorite one from a variety of colorful yuzen washi. Weave your own original kimono. Japanese instructors, who are usually active as English conversation teachers, will teach you carefully and slowly, so beginners don't worry. Two types of kimono works are available for you to fold. Folded works can be framed and made into wall art or pasted on a backing paper to make greeting cards. (*Frames are sold separately.)

Tour Attractions ▼ Echizen Washi boasts 1,500 years of history and high quality, and this experience combines traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity… A full programme of activities that will allow you to learn about the history, techniques and culture of Echizen Washi in a short period of time. The experience of making washi paper by hand and making washi uchiwa (Japanese paper fans), the finished washi paper and fans are yours to take home as your own original and special memories. This is a short 3 hour experience where you can enjoy all the charms of Echizen Washi Paper. Outline of the Echizen Washi Experience Tour This is a three-hour experience tour where you can discover the charm and history of washi and experience handmade washi in a production area where the traditions of 1,500 years of Echizen washi history and high quality are still alive.