Washi Paper

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!

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)

We offer an experience of making handmade Japanese paper, a traditional Japanese craft. Tosa Washi is one of Japan's three major traditional papers, with a history of over 1,000 years. It is known for its durability and warmth.This activity is easy to try and makes for a memorable part of your visit to Asakusa. Recommended for those who like crafts and Japanese culture/traditional crafts. After watching a short video about the history and process of making Tosa Washi, you'll put on traditional Japanese work clothes called "samue" and create your own washi paper with the help of a friendly instructor. First, make a plain postcard and layer beautiful colored paper called [Rakusui-shi] on top. There are various colors, so please choose your favorite 4 pieces. The workshop is filled with lively laughter, and many people are captivated by the beauty of their finished Japanese paper. We hope you'll take home your own washi paper as a special souvenir.

Visit Japan’s Imperial Palace, the home of the Emperor & the ground of the former Shogun's castle, the political center of Japan until the mid-19th century. Then explore the commercial district of Nihonbashi, with many long-standing businesses for over 400 years. *Reminder: – Do note that we cannot visit the Imperial Palace as this is off-limit for guests. Instead, we will visit the ground of the former Shogun's castle. Highlights of this tour: ◆ Palace's East Gardens and see beautiful seasonal flowers and the ground of former Shogun's castle. ◆ Stroll around Nihonbashi, major commercial district in Tokyo for over 400 years ◆ Try delicious dashi soup stock shop with 300-year old history ◆ Take a lookt at Japanese seaweed being roasted ◆ Try Japanese knife sharpening by yourself. ◆ Visit a century-old washi shop, and see traditional Japanese paper. ◆ Taste a variety of sake at Toyama-kan prefectural store

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)

・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.

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!

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.

Echizen washi paper, which boasts a history of over 1500 years, is a traditional craft that Fukui is proud of, and is used for labels of sake and whiskey due to its beauty and strength. After learning about sake brewing at one of Fukui's leading sake breweries, Symphony Yoshida Sake Brewery, where you can experience the Eiheiji terroir, the source of sake brewing that makes use of Fukui's climate, you can experience making a washi label for sake using sake lees and rice husks at Igarashi Seishi, a long-established Echizen washi paper workshop famous for its food paper, which has been in business for over 100 years. Create a one-of-a-kind sake bottle with your own original washi label and experience the charm of sake even more deeply. Why not enjoy a special experience that can only be had here, where you can experience Fukui's culture and artisanal skills?

Experience a unique and heartfelt celebration of love and friendship in Tokyo with our romantic Mizuhiki Knot and Omikuji Washi Charm Workshop. Mizuhiki is a traditional paper string that has been used for about 680 years in Japan. Unlike typical sightseeing tours, this intimate and personalized activity offers you and your loved one the chance to connect on a deeper level while exploring Japanese culture. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll create beautiful and meaningful keepsakes, choosing from a vibrant array of colors and designs. It's a perfect opportunity to bond, create lasting memories, and take home a special reminder of your unique connection. Book now for an unforgettable experience that's as special and unique as your relationship. It is a time for couples, parents and children, and friends to bond with each other.

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".

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.

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.

・You will create two postcard-sized sheets of washi paper in two hours. ・The Ezo-Washi Course uses materials from Hokkaido, making each sheet of paper truly one-of-a-kind. ・You can take home the washi paper you make as a souvenir. ・You can also purchase washi paper crafted by skilled artisans in the gallery.

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.

Discover the art of Japanese calligraphy in a studio located between two popular tourist destinations, Akihabara and Ueno! Begin your experience with a brief introduction video on the history of this ancient art and a quick tutorial on the basics of brushwork and kanji writing. Then, practice writing your name in Japanese or a character of your choice on washi paper. Finally, choose to write on a paper kite or a paper fan as a souvenir to bring home with you!

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.

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.

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.

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)