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Traditional Japanese Washi Papermaking- Kyoto morning

Name: Traditional Japanese Washi Papermaking- Kyoto morning
Brand: kamitowa kyoto
SKU: 65401P3
Price: 29.54 USD
Rating: 5 (53 reviews)

Recommended by 100% of travelersKyoto, Japan

Traditional Japanese Washi Papermaking the only place in Osaka

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Price varies by group size

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Overview

If you love to create, and want to learn a traditional Japanese art, try making Washi paper. Enjoy designing paper using seasonal pressed flowers and leaves. Make a set of postcards, a table-mat, wraparound lampshade, or tapestry panel. Bring home a unique handmade souvenir in only 60 minutes. Or, choose to add an additional hour so you can make more gifts for friends and family.

Make traditional washi paper from raw materials
Use cherry blossoms, maple leaves and paper cut-outs
Bilingual instructors speak Japanese and English
Add on an additional hour of unlimited paper making (your expense)

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Transportation to/from workshop

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

345 Sanjōchō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8205, Japan
The shop's name is 'KAMITOWA'. Please search with the Japanese address; 京都市中京区新町通三条下る三条町345番地　to have a precise location. - Only a 9-min walk from the #24 exit of Shijo station on Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line or Karasuma station on Hankyu Line

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your own way to the location of the class, a traditional Japanese–style house in the heart of Kyoto. After introductions, learn how to make traditional washi paper under the watchful eye of your instructor.

As your instructor patiently explains each step in the process, choose to craft a set of postcards, a table mat, a wraparound lampshade, or a tapestry panel from washi paper that you have made and designed yourself. Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the process through from beginning to end and learning new skills.

By the end of the class you will have a unique souvenir to bring home with you from Japan.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operated by a multi-lingual guide (Japanese and English)
Only 9-min walk from #24 exit of Shijo station on Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line or Karasuma station on Hankyu Line

Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Only 6-min walk from #6 exit of Karasuma Oike station on Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Questions?

Visit the Viator Help Centre for any further questions.

Product code: 65401P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

53 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 53 reviews

Great experience

Gill_C, Nov 2024

Lovely experience. Well explained and everything provided. We really enjoyed this. Such a relaxing morning.

Lovely experience - highly recommend

Virginia_W, Nov 2024

Wonderful experience in a small studio (seems to hold 4 people max) - learned all about Washi paper making and had fun creating our own papers!

A view of how traditional paper making happens

ADAM_B, Nov 2024

The class was more than what I expected. Not only did we get to make the paper, and lay out flower and leaves on the paper, but we also got a history of how the traditional paper making process is like. The couple who ran the class were super nice, and they explained everything well. I would recommend this class to anyone, especially since you get a nice souvenir you made yourself to take home!

Step Back in Time: Hands-On Washi Papermaking Experience in Kyoto

Toby_S, Nov 2024

Our Washi Papermaking experience in Kyoto was simply unforgettable! Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, this little shop felt like a portal to Japan’s past. We had the unique opportunity to make our own sheet of paper, decorating it with delicate dried flowers and grass, which added a personal touch to this beautiful tradition. The staff were incredibly kind and patient, guiding us step-by-step through the entire process. The class itself was wonderfully informative, blending the history of Washi papermaking with a hands-on experience that made us appreciate the artistry and meticulous care involved. Seeing firsthand the thought and precision put into every step truly deepened our respect for this ancient craft. Beyond the class, the shop is filled with beautiful paper products and unique items to browse. We left with a newfound admiration for Washi and a one-of-a-kind souvenir we made ourselves. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto!

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thank you so much for your insightful comments. We are so grateful to know that you liked it so much!

So fun and relaxing.

Rane_S, Oct 2024

A very relaxing, creative and fun experience. The guides are friendly and help you along the way. Big recommendation.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you so much !!

Fantastic experience

Anders_A, Oct 2024

Fantastic experience. Both the adults and the kids loved it. Really cool to be part of step by step process. Strong recommendation.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Happy to hear you enjoyed it ! Thank you !!

Calming experience

David_R, Oct 2024

A really calming experience. I had no idea how you make paper and the processes that are involved. We made our own paper and our own design but we also learnt from them the history of papermaking. Everything was done so that it was really quick for us to make the paper even though there are like 20 steps involved.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Happy to hear that you enjoyed learning about the culture and traditions!

Great class - highly recommend

penelope_j, Sep 2024

Such a great class - and great teachers. Learnt the practical skill as well as the history and process. So happy with the lamp I made

Highly recommended activity

Steven_T, Sep 2024

What a fantastic activity to do. This is great for any age group and sensei was extremely helpful. He and his wife take great pride in their business and do everything they can to ensure that you enjoy your time with them. The finished products are packaged well.

Very nice craft

Karla_R, Aug 2024

Great experience, if you like crafts, the experience is unique, nice process, good explanation and very interesting technique. Highly recommended.

For those of you who...

Yudit_L, Jul 2024

For those of you who would like to explore Japanese traditions. This is a perfect activity if you want a break from Kyoto's busy areas or be indoors on a rainy day. The class was small, I attended with my 14-year-old daughter and there was another lady. Hiro was very patient and his instructions were easy to follow. The cost covers 4 regular cards, but there are other options for an extra fee. I highly recommend this activity, there is nothing like personalized souvenirs.

Not to be missed

dirk_r, Jun 2024

Incredible memorable experience with hand made paper (which you made) which includes special small art inlays. Worked great with our 9 year old. Very close to the covered market so easy to work around lunch times. You will bring away your hand made paper which will Need to be carried if you don’t drop them off.

Washi paper fun

emmie_m, Jun 2024

My teen daughter enjoyed this activity and found it fun and educational. Hiro and his staff were so attentive and knowledgeable. We left respecting all the workmanship and art that goes into Washi paper. Thanks, Hiro!!

Loved this class, would do it again

Robert_B, Jun 2024

Had a wonderful time doing this activity with my tweenager. The couple who run the shop are so lovely and genuinely interested in teaching you about the paper-making process. It was just us and another visitor taking the class, and it was nice that it was a small group. The small shop also sells paper goods and other things but there is absolutely no pressure for you to buy anything, they don’t even mention it.

Amazing Hands on experience with a cute takeaway

Linda_I, Jun 2024

Had an amazing time learning the ancient art of traditional paper making in Japan. It was so fun to have this hands on experience. It was simple and quick, easy to understand. Even got to watch a 10 minute educational video about the process which was super interesting and also inspiring. The hosts were very friendly and were able to explain the process in English very well. Overall loved the experience and would definitely do it again.

A+ highly recommend!

Anthony_T, May 2024

Fantastic experience! Hiro is a wonderful host. Highly recommend to anyone seeking a cultural/craft experience.

Kyoto paper making is great.

Russell_G, May 2024

This was an awesome experience. Very well done. Interesting, organized and rewarding. Highly recommend doing this on your trip to Kyoto.

Fun time making Washi paper

NAOMI_A, May 2024

We made the beautiful paper & decorated it with dried flowers. Then whilst the paper was drying we watched a video of the ancient process of the Washi paper making from the stripping of the tree branches to the final product, which was so informative & very interesting. It was a lot of fun & I would highly recommend it.

Great experience

Bob_E, Apr 2024

Fun experience. Lovely instructors and definitely worth the time! Cute store. Good value Enjoy! Nothing more to say!

Wonderful Immersion in Japanese culture.

Maureen_G, Apr 2024

Our teacher expertly shared his skill and gave us the attention and confidence to create a beautiful keepsake.