Japanese Washi Paper Workshop in Kyoto

I’ve been looking into washi paper-making workshops for a while now and I was quite happy to find Kamitowa Kyoto that would offer beginner workshops in English and I am certain that anyone visiting would have a great time doing this activity in Kyoto.

What is washi paper?

Washi paper is a traditional Japanese paper that is made from the fibers of various plants, including the mulberry tree, bamboo, hemp, and rice. It is known for its durability, lightweight texture, and unique aesthetic qualities. Washi paper is often used in traditional Japanese arts and crafts, such as origami, calligraphy, and decorative paper crafts. It is valued for its strength, versatility, and ability to transmit light beautifully, making it a popular choice for both artistic and functional purposes.

Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop

The process:

I visited Kamitowa Kyoto to participate in a paper-making workshop with a small group of people. I signed up online through their website and showed up to their shop at the designated time for the workshop.

Everyone gets to make their own washi paper (36cm X 25cm), which can be used as a wall hanging piece, a placemat, cut into 4 post cards, or a lamp shade. I decided to make mine into a lamp shade.

The first step was to stir the mixture of water, neri and kozo with a bamboo stick. We held our wired frame and scooped the mixture 2-3 times.

Mixing the washi, Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop

Scooping washi, Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop

It was a nice addition to have a selection of dried flowers to customize the paper. We could also add a little bit of gold flakes on top.

Dried flower selection for washi, Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop

Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop, flowers

Applying dried flowers to washi, Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop

While the washi paper we made had to dry on a metallic sheet, we watched an informational video about the traditional process of making washi paper from the cultivation of mulberry to the final sheet of washi paper.

Once my sheet of washi paper was dried, I cut it into 4 pieces by lightly wetting the edges and pulling the fibres apart. To make my lampshade, I would have to connect all the wooden pieces together and stick all 4 rectangular washi paper to the wooden structure. It will look quite nice with a warm light bulb in the middle.

Dried Japanese paper with flower, Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop

Making a paper lamp, Washi Japanese paper studio in Kyoto japan, many notebooks, patterns and colours, Japanese traditional craft, workshop

Kamitowa Kyoto is a great spot to save for your next trip to Kyoto! It’s a relaxing and enjoyable activity that allows you to learn more about the artisanal world in Japan.