Traditional Craft Experience From
$50
Making Washi in Tadachi
-田立和紙-
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Season: December - March (washi can only be made in the winters due to the need for cold conditions).
What is washi?
Washi is Japanese traditional paper made with the tree bark of the kozo tree. Here in Nagiso Town, the small village of Tadachi has over 300 year of washi making history.
What will you do during this experience?
Meet the local craftsmen keeping their local tradition alive and learn the history and methods of making washi.
Make your own washi in either postcard or larger sheet form with traditional techniques. The craftsmen here have made their own original experiences to allow guests to express themselves artistically.
Your washi will need to be dried and can either be given to you on the same day or sent to you at a later date.
Time for shopping and farewells.
Time:
This is a half day experience requiring about 2 hours.
Prices (USD):
If added onto a Magome to Tsumago hiking tour just add $50 per person to the price.
If purchased as a stand alone experience the price will be:
$400 for 1 person
$100 per additional person
Try making washi after hiking from Magome to Tsumago!
On a Really Rural Japan guided hike from Magome to Tsumago, this experience can be added on to the end of the hike. Your guide will come with you to translate. Please note that this experience is only available from December to March due to the cold conditions necessary for making washi.
What is washi?
Washi (和紙) is traditional Japanese paper. It is made using only three ingredients, bark from the kozo tree, a root called tororo-aoi, and water. Tororo-aoi is an anti-clumping agent that only works when the temperatures are under 16°C. For this reason, making washi the traditional way is only possible in the winters and was the winter work of many small villages all over Japan.
Why is it made in Tadachi Village in Nagiso Town?
The tradition of making washi in Tadachi Village goes back around 300 years. It was brought here as a way for the village to make an extra income during the winters and boost the tax paying economy of the area. The clean water of Tadachi is essential for washi making. The south facing village gets long hours of sunshine ideal for drying the washi. For these reasons and more, washi made its way to Tadachi. Nowadays, the craft is very nearly gone due to cheap paper and the lack of demand for the real deal, but a passionate group of locals work incredibly hard to keep their tradition alive! Expect something very real and un-touristic.
What will you do during this experience?
Meet and greet the master craftsman: During this experience you will start by meeting the master craftsman keep the washi industry alive in Tadachi.
Washi making experience: After learning about the craft, it is time to get hands on. You can choose between making post cards, larger sheets of paper, or both. An instructor will show you the techniques and work together with you to make memories and your own handmade washi. Anything that cannot be dried on the day will be sent to you once it is dry.
Shopping and farewells: Finally you can peruse their shop freely and say your farewells.
How do you get there?
Tadachi is about a 10 minute drive from Tsumago Juku. It is easiest by car. Sometimes taxis are necessary costing about 2,500 JPY each way.
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An English and Japanese speaking translator/guide.
Local washi craftsmen as your instructors.
Washi making experience.
Your very own handmade washi to take home with you.
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Transportation.
Delivery costs.
Souvenirs and any other personal costs.
Lunch.
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If added onto a Magome to Tsumago hiking tour just add $50 per person to the price.
If purchased as a stand alone experience the price will be:
$400 for 1 person
$100 per additional person
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To lock in a booking, payments must be made at least 30 days in advance of the tour. If you are booking within 30 days of your tour, the total price of the tour must be paid immediately. Once the tour has been agreed upon, we will send you a credit card payable invoice. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
30 days prior: Free
29-15 days prior: 30%
14-7 days prior: 70%
6 days prior and beyond: 100%