Kyoto Mochi Workshops

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 wonderful experience, with two sweet ladies showing us the way to properly pound the rice and shape it into delicious mochi balls. We even got to eat the mochi we had made, prepared in three traditional methods. We had an absolutely unforgettable day with Yuki in Ayabe, and we can’t wait to come back again.

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!

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

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!

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!

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 traditional methods of making Washi and Mochi was made more special by having the hands on experience. Not only did we learn about these amazing products,Teruyuki shared his knowledge of this area and of Japanese culture in a very informative and entertaining way. If we had done nothing else while in Japan other than this we would have gone home happy.

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 temple and de rose garden. A truly wonderful day!

It was a delightful experience, enhanced by Yuki's congeniality, vasr knowledge and eagerness to share the traditional handicrafts of his community.

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 the Kyoto surrounds. Incredible day.

Thank you Teruyuki san for the very nice day we learned a lot about the washi and the area. We woud recomend this tour to everybody.

This is an incredible experience that the entire family enjoyed. Teruyubi is a fantastic tour guide. He communicated with us beforehand, in the lead-up to today, answering all my queries quickly. This morning, he picked us up from the Ayabe train station and drove us to the picturesque Kurotani village, where we met our kind and cheerful washi making instructor. Teruyubi translated for us and also arranged to have our handiwork posted to where we will be staying in 4 days’ time, after the papers dry. After we finished making the washi paper, he gave us a tour of this historic washi factory and the washi making process. Then it was back to the Ayabe city centre for a delicious home-style Japanese lunch and a short matcha making experience. We left some room for the mochi that we were going to learn how to make next! We got to pound and shape mochi with two lovely ladies, then eat our handiwork served in red bean soup and with a side of pickled cabbage and tea while sitting under a cherry tree. The ladies were so kind to seal our mochi professionally air-tight in plastic. All through the day, Teruyubi was a fountain of knowledge, providing us with fascinating insights on the area, the crafts, the flora and the food. His English is excellent and he took care of our every need. The peaceful countryside we travelled through was stunning and there were no crowds of tourists. The activities were fun for the whole family. And we enjoyed learning so much from Teruyubi. Best day ever!