Traditional Japanese Washi Papermaking

Experience the ancient art of traditional Japanese Washi papermaking in Kyoto. Create your own unique piece of washi paper using local flowers and leaves, and learn about the centuries-old techniques. Craft it into postcards, table mats, lampshades, or tapestry panels. A memorable and authentic souvenir from Japan!

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 345 Sanjōjōchō - In a traditional Japanese-style house in the heart of Kyoto, you will be able to experience crafting a set of postcards, or a table-mat, or a wraparound lampshade, or a tapestry panel out of a piece of washi paper. You will be able to bring them with you right after the class as one of the heartful memories in Kyoto.
What's Included
  • Includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to/from workshop
Additional Information

You can create authentic Japanese Washi paper using natural ingredients. Delight in the process of crafting your own washi paper and embellishing it with dried, seasonal flora such as flowers and leaves. Once the paper is dry, you have the option to transform it into various items like a set of postcards, a table mat, a lampshade cover, or a wall…

Location
345 Sanjōchō
The shop's name is 'KAMITOWA'. Please search with the Japanese address; 京都市中京区新町通三条下る三条町345番地 to have a precise location. - Only a 9-min walk from the #24 exit of Shijo station on Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line or Karasuma station on Hankyu Line
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(53 Ratings)
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Gill_c
Nov 13, 2024
Great experience - Lovely experience. Well explained and everything provided. We really enjoyed this. Such a relaxing morning.
Review provided by Viator
Mandyf946
Nov 12, 2024
Perfect. - We were very well received by this passionate couple in their shop and workshop. The course was very pleasant and relaxing. We were able to make our paper, decorate it with beautiful flowers and dried leaves then shape it, either as postcards or lamp:) the couple speaks very good English.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Virginia_w
Nov 6, 2024
Lovely experience - highly recommend - Wonderful experience in a small studio (seems to hold 4 people max) - learned all about Washi paper making and had fun creating our own papers!
Review provided by Viator
Adam_b
Nov 5, 2024
A view of how traditional paper making happens - The class was more than what I expected. Not only did we get to make the paper, and lay out flower and leaves on the paper, but we also got a history of how the traditional paper making process is like. The couple who ran the class were super nice, and they explained everything well. I would recommend this class to anyone, especially since you get a nice souvenir you made yourself to take home!
Review provided by Viator
Toby_s
Nov 3, 2024
Step Back in Time: Hands-On Washi Papermaking Experience in Kyoto - Our Washi Papermaking experience in Kyoto was simply unforgettable! Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, this little shop felt like a portal to Japan’s past. We had the unique opportunity to make our own sheet of paper, decorating it with delicate dried flowers and grass, which added a personal touch to this beautiful tradition. The staff were incredibly kind and patient, guiding us step-by-step through the entire process. The class itself was wonderfully informative, blending the history of Washi papermaking with a hands-on experience that made us appreciate the artistry and meticulous care involved. Seeing firsthand the thought and precision put into every step truly deepened our respect for this ancient craft. Beyond the class, the shop is filled with beautiful paper products and unique items to browse. We left with a newfound admiration for Washi and a one-of-a-kind souvenir we made ourselves. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Review provided by Viator
Stephenlr1927lo
Oct 30, 2024
Dope!! - Booked this on a whim and had such a great time! Hiro-San, who taught me, was super patient and thorough showing me the different steps of the paper-making process. It was cool to get to do every single step of the process, and learn what the materials that go into the paper actually looks and feels like and its Japanese names and such. I was really happy to walk away with a great little gift to give to folks back home when talking about my trip to Kyoto. Can't recommend enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G2693rzpaule
Oct 22, 2024
An amazing experience that is totally memorable - A really good experience making your own individualized paper. The paper Master was amazing and The class teaches how the paper is made and is a very worthwhile experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rane_s
Oct 14, 2024
So fun and relaxing. - A very relaxing, creative and fun experience. The guides are friendly and help you along the way. Big recommendation.
Review provided by Viator
Adventure51662488198
Oct 10, 2024
Wonderful time making traditional washi paper - We went as a family of four (2 adults, with our 13 year old and 10 year old daughters) and all of us had a wonderful time. The two people who ran it had everything prepared and explained the steps involved, by showing and telling. They are passionate about what they do and clearly enjoy sharing this important traditional Japanese culture with others. We love the postcards and wall hangings with pressed flowers that we made. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
509suzannem
Oct 6, 2024
Got creative and loved every minute! - Fabulous experience - my husband even found his inner artist! The little shop was easy to find, just a 5 minute walk from the metro station and we felt welcome as soon as we stepped in. The couple have really good english and are very patient and encouraging as they explain the process, from letting us build up the fibres to make the paper, to decorating with beautiful pressed flowers and leaves and then drying our creations. We chose to make 4 'postcards' (mainly because of transporting them back home) but there was also a choice of wall hanging and lamp shade. The couple are obviously passionate about keeping the traditional way of making Washi papermaking going and it was facinating to learn about the history and each step of a very manual intensive process. It was great fun and an honour to have a go ourselves and we have some beautiful keepsakes too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 4 guests
1 Adult
February 2025
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