What will I make during the workshop?

Guests will make traditional washi paper and also try their hand at pounding mochi, a classic Japanese food and sweet.

Who teaches the workshop?

Local Kurotani artisans guide guests through the washi-making process and share their expertise and techniques.

Will I get to eat during the experience?

Yes. After making mochi, guests can enjoy their creations as part of a lunch prepared by the villagers.

What will I learn about the village?

Guests will learn about the history of Kurotani, its 800-year tradition of washi-making, and get to meet and interact with the locals.

This experience is unavailable right now.

See Alternatives

Artisanal Washi Paper and Mochi Making in Kyoto

5.0

Reviews

Recommended by 100% travellers

100% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher

5.0 (11)

Recommended by 100% travellers

Show all photos

5.0

Reviews

Recommended by 100% travellers

100% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher

5.0 (11)

Recommended by 100% travellers

Book something similar

Matched on cuisine, area, and price range

Location

Kyoto

Duration

6 hours

Group size

Max 4 guests

Language

Japanese, English

Location

Kyoto

Duration

6 hours

Group size

Max 4 guests

Language

Japanese, English

Why travelers loved this

5.0

•11 reviews

Highlights

Description

Good to Know

FAQ

Make washi (Japanese paper)
Learn from a washi artisan
Make and eat mochi (Japanese food and sweets)
Learn about the history of Kurotani village
Get to know the locals

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.

Vegetarian

Not Available

Vegan

Not Available

Halal

Not Available

Pescetarian

Not Available

Gluten-free

Not Available

Kosher

Not Available

Vegetarian

Not Available

Vegan

Not Available

Halal

Not Available

Pescetarian

Not Available

Gluten-free

Not Available

Kosher

Not Available

Course changes seasonally, exact dishes can't be confirmed in advance. byFood can communicate any dietary needs to the host when you book.

Washi paper making workshop and 8 washi postcards to be sent to your designated address after drying

Mochi sweets (to eat during the experience/take home)

Transportation within Ayabe/the experience

An English-speaking guide

Transportation to Ayabe

Lunch (the guide can take you to a local restaurant, please pay for your lunch separately)

Kyoto

Meet your host at the northern entrance of JR Ayabe Station. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.

Open in Google Maps

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 2 days before for a full refund.

No refund within 2 days of the experience or no-shows.

Teruyuki

Partner since Dec 2021

Total reviews

Good review rate

100%

5.0

11 reviews

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

11 reviews

Manon Madoc JonesMay 2026 • byFood

We had the most incredible day doing the washi and mochi making with our wonderful guide Yuki. He was so knowledgable about the local area, and it really felt like we were seeing a true representation of life in Ayabe. Learning about the history of washi paper and the steps it takes to make it was fascinating, and then getting the chance to do it ourselves with an expert was really exciting. We can’t wait to receive our finished Washi postcards at our next hotel! The mochi making was also a wo...read more

Philly LipNovember 2025 • byFood

We really enjoyed our experience in Ayabe - Yuki was a great tour guide and took some wonderful photos of us! It was fascinating to see the local crafts that are going on in the area and we only wish we’d had more time to see more!

Y RJune 2025 • byFood

We had a great time with Teruyuki around Ayabe with making mochi and washi and seeing the surrounding areas and villages. Highly recommended.

Avita SharmaMay 2025 • byFood

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 paper and then making our own! Pounding mochi was so much fun too, and we got a wonderful lunch which catered to our dietary restrictions! I am recommending this tour to my friends visiting Japan!

Lola PauleyApril 2025 • byFood

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 appreciation for washi paper and mochi!!! Would definitely recommend!