Private Tour

Make traditional Tosa washi paper using a recycling technique

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

・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.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Clothes：We will give you an apron, but please note that your clothes might get a little wet.

In this activity you will use a beating stick. Please carefully follow the safety instructions provided by the host.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Guide fee

Activity fee

Tea and snack

Apron

What To Expect

After arriving at Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo, you will be welcomed by Mrs Inoue, the current 4th generation washi maker and will have a tour of the atelier where handmade high quality paper is produced using traditional techniques. Mrs Inoue will explain about the history and characteristics of Tosa washi and will show you the raw material kozo (paper mulberry), the bark of which is used for making Japanese paper. The experience will continue with a demonstration of almost all steps in washi paper making – something that is rare to see in most other washi studios. Mrs Inoue will show you how kozo bark is boiled, cleaned off the impurities, and beaten with a stick. You will also see how the gluing paste is made of the roots of tororoaoi (sunset hibiscus). Finally, you’ll try your hands at beating old washi paper and dissolving it in water to produce new paper art: either a colorful Tapestry, a paper lamp shade or a paper bag. Local tea and sweets served at the end will wrap up the experience.

Options

Tapestry（Japanese）

paper bag+English Interpreter

paper bag（Japanese）

lamp shade（Japanese）

Tapestry+English Interpreter

Tapestry

lamp shade+English Interpreter

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A Must Do!
Lisa L,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was an exceptional experience. We love doing activities and learning about the culture and history when we travel. This had all three! The hosts were so friendly and welcoming. If you are near the area, you must do this experience.
Excellent Experience
Amanda M,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Highly recommend! They were both great at teaching us about washi paper and everything that goes into it. We had such a fun experience. It was myself, my husband, our 8 year old and 17 year old. We booked the Japanese excursion but they spoke some English and we didn’t have any issues understanding. I just can’t say enough about how kind and helpful they were. So patient! And our washi tapestries are beautiful!
Great intro into washi making with a very friendly sensei
Tom B,
Nov 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We got there on a rainy day and got a very warm welcome. After a short introduction she showed us an introductory video about washi paper making. Even though we booked the japanese guide version, as we speak a little bit Japanese, all instructions were printed on a paper in Japanese and English. And everything that we did not understand, she helped us translate via app or explain in a simple language so we got the gist. As we got through all the steps required to make washi paper, in a fast-forward fashion of course as we booked the 2h course, she showed us everything from start to finish and answered any question we had while also letting us try it out ourselves. After that she offered us some tea and local delicacies made by an acquaintance of hers that were vegan, even though we forgot to inform her about us being vegan beforehand. At the end we not only got 2 finished washi paper sheets(per person - one made from recycled washi paper and one made from new ingredients) but also a somewhat sunny goodbye. We had a really wonderful time and enjoyed every second of it. :) We wholeheartedly recommend taking any course here about washi paper - you will not regret the time spent.