Artisanal Washi Paper and Mochi Making in Kyoto

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Artisanal Washi Paper and Mochi Making in Kyoto

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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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Language
Japanese, English
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Other
Family-friendly, Couples

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 and 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 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
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.

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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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Activity Provider

Teruyuki
SinceDec 07, 2021
Total reviews15
5.0
Reviews
5.0
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based on 11 reviews
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Manon Madoc Jones
May 22, 2026

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 representat...read more

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Philly Lip
November 24, 2025

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 wi...read more

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Y R
June 25, 2025

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

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Avita Sharma
May 02, 2025

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

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Lola Pauley
April 08, 2025

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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Photo of faq question markFrequently Asked Questions

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.
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