Hello, this is The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa staff. This time, I had the opportunity to participate in a washi papermaking workshop at Kamitowa, located a 10-minute walk from Shijo-Karasuma. This fascinating store also sells red seal booklets (used at temples and shrines) and other small items made of washi paper.

I had a vague idea of what papermaking was like, but when I actually tried it, I found out that it is quite hard work.

First, the raw materials for washi, called kozo (paper mulberry), water, and mallow are mixed together, but this mixing process requires arm strength because the water is heavy.

Then, the mixed raw materials are scooped with a tool for scooping paper called sukuta. This was also very difficult work. After all, water is heavy. I finally understood the skill that the craftsmen hold because it is very difficult to evenly scoop it up. I had to redo the process several times because the water was not evenly distributed.

From there, we dehydrated, decorated, dried, and finished in about an hour! It was an experience that made me feel very proud of the Japanese craftsmen.

Washi paper is something we usually see but never think about. Witnessing the process of making washi made me realize that even though I was born and raised in Japan, there are still many aspects of Japanese culture that I do not know. I also gained a sense of accomplishment from seeing something I had made take shape. If you are looking for a good old-fashioned Japanese experience” in Kyoto, by all means, go for it! I am sure you will have fun while learning about Japanese culture.