Traditional Japanese Washi Papermaking- Kyoto morning
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kyoto, Japan
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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.Operating hours.11:00 am
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.
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.
1
Kamitowa
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 5 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 79 reviews
Margaret_C, Mar 2026
The class was a nice and relaxing experience. Our teacher was very knowledge and patient. It was wonderful to learn some of the papermaking history of Japan. Having a few options for what to make made it more fun as well.
Carolina_Z, Feb 2026
Thank you for this unique and great introduction into the Japanese washi paper culture! We had a great time
K_L, Nov 2025
Fabulous experience with a very kind instructor and assistant. Peaceful respite from Kyoto sightseeing crowds!
NancyTitle_T, Nov 2025
Very nice people who ran the experience. Helpful and informative and fun. And you get to take something you made home from Japan.
YURI_M, Nov 2025
We had FANTASTIC time! They were so kind, gentle people, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Making Washi paper was so much fun. If you have a chance, you should try it too!
Samantha_S, Oct 2025
It was a lovely experience in a small setting. Great hands on with a lovely souvenir to take back home.
They were accomodating and great with kids! Would highly recommend
Heather_B, Oct 2025
The washi paper-making workshop was so good! Very hands-on, and the two people running it (one of whom was called Hiro) were so helpful and accommodating. We actually left something behind, didn’t realise until the following day, and when we went back they helped us straight away. Would definitely recommend for a friendly and unique experience.
Bela_S, Sep 2025
We had the best time here making paper. Hosts are extremely nice and accommodating. My seven and eleven year old boys loved it too. Highly recommend this if you're in the area.
josephcohagan7, Sep 2025
This was very informative experience and give a great insight to the process of making paper. it was professionally run
Zac_B, Aug 2025
We had a fantastic time making washi paper! The couple running the workshop were lovely and so helpful!
They also played some information videos during drying time about the paper making process which was a great idea.
We were happy with our results! And spent some time in the shop afterwards enjoying the local creations!
Quan_C, Jul 2025
It was so much fun for the family. They were so accommodating and so friendly. I was only able to book 4 but they allowed us to add one more person.
Heather_G, Jul 2025
Hiro and Junko were lovely people and made the class both fun and educational. Such a lovely momento to bring home.
Nehal_M, Jul 2025
Really lovely couple and cute little shop. My friend and I enjoyed the workshop and left with some beautiful artwork.
AnaMaria_M, Jun 2025
It was really fun, we were a very small group so I feel like we were given a lot of attention and support. It was very informative and fun, especially decorating the chosen product. The options given were nice, I went for a lantern for a small supplement. Overall it lasted one hour.
Jennifer_K, May 2025
I really enjoy learning to old art of this way to make paper. I had fun creating my lantern to take home . The video we watched gave so much information about the history and the full details of the process. It is amazing and I’m so glad to have learned so I look at it with a deeper respect!! Thank you so much.
Gill_C, Nov 2024
Lovely experience. Well explained and everything provided. We really enjoyed this. Such a relaxing morning.
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!
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!
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!
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 !!
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 !!
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!
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
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.
Karla_R, Aug 2024
Great experience, if you like crafts, the experience is unique, nice process, good explanation and very interesting technique. Highly recommended.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
From $31.90
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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