1-day Japanese washi paper craftsman course in Kochi

【STORY】

In this immersive experience you will become a craftsman for a day at Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo atelier and will learn the basic steps of making quality Tosa washi paper. 

After arriving, you will be welcomed by Mrs Inoue, the current 4th generation washi maker and will watch a video explanation of Tosa washi, focusing on the traditional handmade techniques and natural ingredients from Niyodo River basin. 

The experience will follow the steps of washi paper making starting from peeling the bark of kozo (paper mulberry), boiling the bark and preparing the gluing paste from the roots of tororoaoi (sunset hibiscus). During the breaks Mrs Inoue will introduce traditional art techniques that use Japanese washi paper such as “chigiri-e”. After a couple of hours of immersive craftsmanship you will have a break for a lunch and your guide will recommend a nearby local restaurant with a rich menu of Kochi delicacies. 

Continuing in the afternoon, you will wash off the kozo, remove any impurities from the soft bark and beat it with a wooden stick. The culmination will be using the pulp you created to make washi postcards and paper through two different techniques – nagashizuki and tamezuki. Local tea and sweets served at the end will wrap up the experience. Using sustainable methods such as recycling and natural ingredients from Kochi’s terroir, you will understand the value behind Tosa washi paper and the importance of preserving this craft for the next generations.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• 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 kakejiku hanging scroll, a paper lamp shade or a paper bag.
• Enjoy the quiet rural area near one of Japan’s clearest water basins: Niyodo River.

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00] Arrive at Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo．Watch a video explanation about Tosa washi

[10:05] Begin washi making: peel the bark of kozo, boil kozo, prepare the neri paste from tororoaoi (sunset hibiscus)

[12:30] Rest for lunch                                                                              

[13:30] Wash the kozo off the alkaline, remove impurities, beat the kozo, make washi paper (nagashizuki & tamezuki), dry the paper

[16:00] Local tea and sweets, then receive the completed washi (10 postcards and 5 A4-size papers)

・If you like to be picked up, please tell us in advance. In this case you will be asked to arrive at JR Ino Station 30 minutes before the start of the activity (9:30)
　Please indicate your request in the "Request" box on the reservation form.

・Start times are customizable.

・The guide will recommend a nearby local restaurant for your lunch.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：6 hours and 30 minutes
• Meeting point：Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo　[MAP]
  2776 Otsu, Takaoka-cho, Tosa-shi, Kochi, 781-1102
  
• Access：
  ・By train: 15 minutes by car from Ino Station on the JR Dosan Line
  ・By car: Immediately after exiting Kochi Expressway Tosa IC
• Language support：Japanese, English (Optional)
• Included：
  ・Guide fee
  ・Activity fee
  ・Tea and snack
  ・Apron
• Excluded：
  ・Lunch
  ・Interpreter fee (optional)
• Clothes：We will give you an apron, but please note that your clothes might get a little wet 
• Free WI-FI：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  In this activity you will use a beating stick and a knife.
  Please carefully follow the safety instructions provided by the host.
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%