Kyoto; Traditional Japanese Washi Papermaking
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
A Traditional Washi Art Experience
Discover the serene beauty of Kamisuki, the ancient art of Japanese papermaking. In this immersive 1-hour session, you’ll feel the texture of raw natural fibers and witness the moment a simple liquid transforms into a delicate sheet of paper.
Under the gentle guidance of our instructors, you will "add flowers" to tradition by arranging seasonal blossoms onto your wet paper. Whether it becomes a set of postcards for a loved one or a soft lampshade for your home, your creation will carry the warmth of your own hands and the spirit of Japanese seasons.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operated by a multi-lingual guide (Japanese and English)
Only 9-min walk from #24 exit of Shijo station on Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line or Karasuma station on Hankyu Line
Only 6-min walk from #6 exit of Karasuma Oike station on Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line
What To Expect
Craft Your Own Washi Art: A Blend of Tradition & Nature Experience the 1,300-year-old art of Japanese papermaking in this 1-hour workshop. Design a unique B4-size masterpiece using seasonal pressed flowers. Personalize your creation by arranging seasonal pressed flowers to craft a one-of-a-kind piece of Washi art. Our expert instructors provide step-by-step support, making this a relaxing and fun "artisan experience" even for beginners and children alike. Choose Your Masterpiece Your handcrafted B4-size Washi sheet can be finished in one of the following formats to take home: -Postcards (Set of 4): Perfect for heartfelt letters or seasonal home decor. -Art Mat: Add a touch of handmade elegance to your interior. -Lampshade: Enjoy the soft, warm glow of light filtering through your custom paper. Note: Please use safe light sources such as LED bulbs. Enhance Your Experience For those who want to take their creativity further, we offer the following optional upgrades and kits on the day of your visit: -Washi Tapestry (+550 yen): Includes a wooden hanging kit and twine to display your art on the wall. -Mini Lantern (+990 yen): Attach your handcrafted paper onto a wooden frame.
Options
Kyoto
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Transportation to/from workshop
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
88 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great fun. Beautiful end...
Audrey K,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great fun. Beautiful end product. Excellent instructions, informative. A gem. Would recommend to others.
Such a fun and informative session
J B,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mum and I did this as a bit of fun and learned so much about washi paper making. It was hands on and really fun. Fabulous mementos to take home as a reminder of our Japan trip.
A lovely workshop
Katherine S,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a lovely time learning about how the paper is traditionally made and then making our own and decorating it with pressed flowers. Our teacher was lovely the instructions very clear and calm. We came away with our postcards as a lovely memento of our time. The shop where we did the workshop was beautiful.
Make Your Own Washi Paper the Traditional Way
Norman K,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The third-generation head of a family-owned fine paper shop leads a small group of people through a hands-on, start-to-finish workshop in making traditional washi paper decorated with dried flowers, leaves, and gold particles. The experience is delightful, the results exquisite!
Very beautiful experience,...
MARIECHRISTINE H,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very beautiful experience, calm and relaxed. I greatly appreciated the welcome, patience, and kindness of the gentleman and the lady.
Really enjoyable activity!
Elizabeth E,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really fun experience! We very much enjoyed learning how to make Washi paper. It was informative, Creative and relaxing. Highly recommend!
Father and son make this experience so special
410ingaw,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you like paper and always dreamed about creating it yourself: this is a magic place. The process itself is very inspiring. But it is nothing without the two extraordinary people, father and son, guiding you through the process. It’s very rare to encounter this level of warmth and kindness. It’s simply a very very special place.
Paper making
Maria Z,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed the experience of making paper from water and fibre then decorating it - interesting process. Instructor was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Beautiful experience
Caroline L,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I absolutely loved this. The gentleman (and his son) taking the workshop really knew his stuff and under his patient guidance we made a beautiful piece to make a light shade. It felt very relaxing and medatitive. Learned a lot about washi paper. Great to see the short film to see how the raw material is prepared. A great use of time whilst our pieces were drying. I felt like I had been dipped in the essence of Japan culture Totally recommend
The class was a nice and...
Margaret C,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The class was a nice and relaxing experience. Our teacher was very knowledge and patient. It was wonderful to learn some of the papermaking history of Japan. Having a few options for what to make made it more fun as well.
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Operated by kamitowa kyoto