Artisanal Washi Paper and Mochi Making in Kyoto

Organized by Teruyuki
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Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Reviews
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Duration
6 hours
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Number of Guests
2 - 4 guests
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Accessibility
Family-friendly
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Language
Japanese, English

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

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
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

Washi paper making workshop & 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
Transportation to Ayabe
Lunch (the guide can take you to a local restaurant, please pay for your lunch separately)

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.

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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.

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What People Are Saying
Overall ratings and reviews
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(7)
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Lola Pauley
April 08, 2025
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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

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Fiona Burbidge
March 31, 2025
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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

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Genevieve Raymond
November 18, 2024
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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

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Carolyn Andres
August 24, 2024
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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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Bec kavanagh
July 30, 2024
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Teruyuki was a generous and knowledgeable host, and Ayabe was such a beautiful place to visit during our time in Kyoto. We ate a delicious lunch and came away feeling like we'd had a real taste of ...read more

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Earliest available date: May 2, 2025
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Please note that the time is in Japan Standard Time.
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Free cancellation (48 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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