DISCOVER FUKUI

Highlights

Imadate, a town with 1,500 years of Echizen washi history. Legend has it that Echizen washi began when a beautiful woman descended from the mountains and taught the villagers the art of washi paper making.

 

This tour takes you through the streets of Imadate, visiting two washi paper workshops: "Nagata Paper Mill" and "Yanase Ryozo Paper Mill".

At Yanase Ryozo Paper Workshop, female artisans, including Kyoko Yanase—a third-generation master and traditional craftsman—are active. This workshop primarily produces washi paper used for wrapping paper and packaging paper for Japanese confectionery shops. To spread awareness of Echizen Washi, Yanase Ryozo Paper Workshop offers washi paper making experiences and studio tours.

Nagata Paper Workshop is a historic washi paper workshop with over 100 years of history. While specializing in large-format washi paper production, they also create original products like small washi paper accessories and items you'll want to use in your daily life. During the tour, besides seeing the washi production site, you can also view the charming shop on the premises, where you can see small washi paper items made at Nagata Paper Workshop.

Experience Details

The large torii gate at the entrance to Imadate is a particularly eye-catching photo spot. Discovering your own favorite spots while strolling through the town is also part of the travel experience, whether it's the nostalgic charm of the historic streets or the mountains shrouded in clouds on rainy days.

First, we'll take you to Yanase Ryōzō Paper Mill, a washi paper workshop. This small workshop produces hand-made washi paper known as "kogami," used for wrapping traditional Japanese sweets. During the tour, you'll see the metal molds used in the "kanata-mizushi" technique and actually experience making washi paper using this method. (Note: The workshop may be unavailable for viewing on certain days. In such cases, we'll explain the usual process using video footage.)

After your paper-making experience, take a look around "RYOZO," the Echizen washi specialty shop attached to the workshop. Driven by owner Yanase's desire to "help people learn about the various washi workshops in this region, so it can continue as a production area," RYOZO stocks not only its own products but also a wide range of washi accessories from workshops throughout the region. If you see something that catches your eye, be sure to ask Mr. Yanase which workshop made it.

After visiting Yanase Ryozo Paper Workshop, walk to Nagata Paper Workshop. This retro workshop, steeped in history, is the workplace of artisans who have been making washi for generations. Here, you can hear directly from the artisans about the raw materials for washi, the roles of the machinery, and explanations of washi made using various production methods.

After the tour, head to the attached shop. In stark contrast to the large paper-making workshop, you'll find adorable washi accessories that appeal to the feminine heart. The shop also offers a wide selection of washi items like business card holders, Torino notebooks, and goshuin stamp books. You might discover unique, eye-catching items with unisex designs.

After leaving Nagata Paper Mill, walk to your next destination.
Our final stop is Okata Shrine and Otaki Shrine. These shrines enshrine Kawakami Gozen, Japan's only deity of washi paper, who is said to have taught the local people the art of washi paper making long ago. The shrine buildings, featuring complex roofs layered with four tiers of cypress bark shingles, are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan and are architecturally impressive.

This concludes the tour. We'll finish up by taking commemorative photos.

A journey through Imadate, a town watched over by the deity of washi paper, where you can experience the skills and passion of the artisans. Why not visit the birthplace of Echizen washi paper yourself?

Please check herefor tour dates.