Japanese paper (washi) made in Gokayama has been designated as one of Japan's Traditional Crafts. Paper making has a history of over 1,000 year here. Our article "Washi Wonders" explains about the long history of this craft.
Although there are many places in Japan where washi has been made, such a long tradition as here in Toyama Prefecture is quite rare. Best of all, you can learn this craft today at the Gokayama Washi no Sato (Gokayama Japanese Paper Village). Let's watch the craftsmen first and then have a go and make washi ourselves!
In the step-by-step guided washi-making experience you will learn about this centuries-old craft, and you will bring back home a unique washi souvenir, made by you!
Let’s go and have a look into the Washi Experience Center!
First, let’s watch a 10 minutes video about how to make Gokayama washi. This gives you a good understanding of the steps involved.
Then staff members will explain the technique of scooping that is essential for producing good washi. You step forward to the scooping tank, take a scooping frame, dip it into the liquid in the tank. The liquid contains mulberry fibers. Take the frame out flat and gently shake it from side to side to drain excess liquid. You repeat this process several times until you have a thick layer of mulberry fiber on your frame.
Take your frame to a nearby table and add decorations, which you pre-select. Then another layer of fibre water is poured over this to fix the decorations. Excess water is drained again and the frame is removed. Staff will remove more excess water with a kind of vacuum before transferring the papers to a heated metal plate. There your washi will dry completely, ready for you to take home.
These are the options for what you can make:
Washi paper: 1 sheet (yen 500)
Washi postcard: 2 cards (yen 500)
Washi bookmarks: 2 pieces (yen 300)
Washi hand fan: 1 fan (yen 1,200)
If you visit there, you might have a chance to meet Lia from the US. She had been at the center for over two years at the time of visit (in March 2018). She is one of few Westerners who underwent an apprenticeship in washi-paper making. She is an artist and paints on washi.
Usually an apprenticeship takes five to ten years, she tells guests. Now, you can do it in half an hour!
Getting there
The Gokayama Washi no Sato is located at the Michi no eki Taira, a short drive away from Gokayama UNESCO Site (8km from Ainokura, 16km from Suganuma). If you visit the Gokayama area, then stopping by here is recommended!
