Echizen manufacturing area tour around the traditional craft production area of ​​Echizen washi paper

Experience content

The large torii gate at the entrance to Imadate is an eye-catching photo spot. In addition, one of the pleasures of traveling is finding your own favorite spots while walking around the town, such as the nostalgic feel of historic townscapes and the mountains covered in mist on rainy days.

The first place we will show you is Ryozo Yanase Paper Mill, a Japanese paper making workshop. The small workshop makes handmade washi paper called kogami, which is used for wrapping Japanese sweets. During the tour, you will see the molds used in the technique called Kanagata Rakusui-shi at the workshop, and you will actually experience making Japanese paper using Kanagata Rakusui-shi. (Depending on the day, we may not be able to tour the workshop, in which case we may use video to explain the daily routine.)

After your paper-making experience, take a look at RYOZO, a specialty Echizen washi paper shop attached to the workshop. ``In order to continue as a production area, I want people to know about the various washi paper making workshops in this production area.'' Based on the idea of ​​the shop owner Yanase, RYOZO stocks a variety of washi paper accessories from the washi paper making workshops located in the production area, in addition to its own products. If you are interested in something, try asking Mr. Yanase what workshop it was made in.

After visiting Yanase Ryozo Paper Mill, we will walk to Osada Washi. This retro workshop is the workplace of craftsmen who have been making washi paper for generations. At the workshop, you can hear directly from the craftsmen about the raw materials for washi, the role of machines, and the various methods of making washi.

After the tour, head to the attached shop. A complete change from a workshop that makes large washi paper, this shop sells cute washi paper accessories. We also have a wide selection of business card holders, Torinoco notebooks, and stamp books made of washi paper. You may be able to find eye-catching items.

After leaving Osada Washi, walk to your next destination. The last place we will visit is Okamoto Shrine and Otaki Shrine. Japan's only washi paper god, Kawakami Gozen, who is said to have taught the local people how to make washi paper long ago, is enshrined here. The shrine building, which has a complex four-layered cypress bark roof, has been designated as a nationally important cultural property and is an impressive piece of architecture.

The tour ends here. At the end, we will take commemorative photos.

A journey through Imadate, a town watched over by the god of washi paper, where you can come into contact with the techniques and thoughts of the craftsmen. Would you also like to visit the production area of ​​Echizen Washi?

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