Touch 1,500 Years of Craftsmanship: Echizen Washi Hand-Papermaking with a Master

【OUTLINE】

Echizen Washi: Traditional Hand-Papermaking Experience
Craft your own unique sheet of Washi alongside a master artisan, carrying on a 1,500-year legacy.

Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture boasts a history of over 1,500 years in papermaking. As one of Japan's largest and most prestigious production centers, it has long supported the beauty of Japanese culture—producing high-quality paper for everything from fine art to the elegant wrapping of traditional sweets. Echizen Washi stands today as one of Japan’s most iconic traditional craft papers.

In this experience, you will challenge yourself to create an incredibly thin, delicate sheet of Washi that softly diffuses light. Watching the floating Kozo (mulberry) fibers transform into a single sheet of paper through your own hands is a profound encounter with the quiet spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

Your venue is Yanase Ryozo Paper Mill, an active studio where professional artisans create Washi every day. Under the gentle, step-by-step guidance of a master craftsman, even first-time visitors can participate with confidence.

The finished Washi (approx. 85cm × 60cm) is yours to take home. It will serve as a special masterpiece, weaving the memories of your journey into your daily life.

【HIGHLIGHT】

• Guided by Professional Washi Craftsmen
  　Learn step-by-step from the skilled artisans of Yanase Ryozo Paper Mill. Experience the ""magical moment"" when floating Kozo (mulberry) fibers transform into beautiful Washi on the water's surface.
• Create & Take Home Your Original Washi
  　Create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece (approx. 85cm × 60cm). Your handmade paper will be a unique souvenir of your journey.
• Studio Tour Included
  　A rich, 90-minute program that includes a guided tour and a professional demonstration.
• Small Groups & Solo Travelers Welcome
  　Enjoy a calm, immersive experience. We accept bookings for as few as one person.
  
  

【SCHEDULE】

Please choose your preferred start time: 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM.

[10:00 / 13:00] Meeting & Studio Tour
Arrive at Yanase Ryozo Paper Mill and tour the traditional Washi studio.

[10:30 / 13:30] Preparation & Demonstration
Learn about the raw materials and the process of making Washi, followed by a live demonstration by a craftsman.

[11:00 / 14:00] Papermaking Experience
Try your hand at traditional papermaking using authentic tools.

[11:20 / 14:20] Finishing & Social Time
Complete your work and enjoy chatting with the craftsman.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：Approx. 90 minutes
• Meeting point：Yanase Ryozo Paper Mill　[MAP]
• 10-1 Otaki-cho, Echizen City, Fukui, 915-0234, Japan
• Access：
  Approx. 30 minutes by car from Fukui Station
• number of participants： 1–4 people
• Language support： Japanese, English (Basic conversation and gestures only).
• Included：
  ・Studio tour
  ・Paper-making experience
  ・Case for taking home your work
  ・Apron provided
• Excluded：
  ・English guide
• Clothes：
  ・Please refrain from wearing high heels
  ・We will provide aprons, but please be aware that your clothes may get slightly wet during the process
• Participation requirements：
  ・Ages 18 and over only
  ・Children aged 17 and under are welcome to watch, but cannot participate in the experience
• Free Wi-Fi：Not available
  
• Toilet：Available (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・Finished Washi Size: Approx. 85cm × 60cm
  ・Material: 100% Kozo (Mulberry) fibers
  ・Design: Patterns/designs cannot be selected.
  ・Additional Sheets: If you wish to make an extra sheet of Washi, please select the option when booking. Note that an additional sheet will be added for each participant (must be paid in advance during booking).
  ・Duration: For groups of 3 or more, the experience may take an additional 30 minutes.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Up to 72 hours before the start time: Free (0%)
Within 72 hours of the start time: 100% of the experience fee
Cancellation after the start time or No-show: 100% of the experience fee