Artisanal Washi Paper and Mochi Making in Kyoto
Take part in a washi paper-making workshop in Kyoto’s countryside. You’ll learn about the process from local artisans, make washi paper, then enjoy lunch prepared by the villagers.
Highlights
Make washi (Japanese paper)
Learn from a washi artisan
Make and eat mochi (Japanese food & sweets)
Learn about the history of Kurotani village
Get to know the locals
10 meals
Experience Details
Just an hour's train ride from Kyoto you’ll find a charming village called Kurotani, where people have been making washi (traditional Japanese paper) for 800 years. Kurotani washi is handmade from the long, thin fibers of the kozo (paper mulberry) plant, and is an art form that has been proudly practiced by the villagers for centuries.
This workshop will take you to the countryside, where you’ll learn from the locals and experience their customs as you make washi postcards. After the washi workshop, you’ll have a chance to tour the facilities.
Next up is a pit stop to make and enjoy something sweet… Mochi, Japanese food and also sweets made from pounded rice! After trying your hand at mochi-pounding, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor as you chat with locals
This experience will connect you with a lesser-known side of life in the Japanese countryside. You’ll learn from the Kurotani villagers, experience one of their dear-held customs (washi making), and sample the regional cuisine.
What You Get
Good To Know
- Please inform us of any dietary restrictions/allergies beforehand
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at the northern entrance of JR Ayabe Station. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.
Teruyuki is a wonderful host! This tour was our favorite part of our japan trip. Ayabe is a much needed reprieve from the bustle of Kyoto and Tokyo, and we enjoyed learning about the art of washi p...read more
What a terrific day -we had the perfect host! He was friendly , knowledgeable and fun 😊 we got to see a side of Japan that was very unique and "local". A little part of history gave us appreciatio...read more
This tour was more than we ever imagined. Set in the beautiful mountainous countryside of Ayabe and led by our wonderful guide, Teruyuki, this was a truly unique experience. Learning about the tra...read more
Teruyuki was an exceptional guide and a very good ambassador to the Ayabe city. Not only did he take us to the washi paper workshop and mochi making activity, but he also showed us so much like the...read more
It was a delightful experience, enhanced by Yuki's congeniality, vasr knowledge and eagerness to share the traditional handicrafts of his community.
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10 meals
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