Experience
Awa Washi： Create Your Own Paper Along the Yoshino River — A 1,300-Year-Old Craft Tradition
Overview
Located in Yamakawa, Yoshinogawa City, Tokushima Prefecture, the Awa Washi Traditional Industry Hall preserves the heritage of Awa Washi, a traditional Japanese paper with roots dating back to the Nara period. Designated as both an Intangible Cultural Property of Tokushima Prefecture and a Traditional Craft of Japan, Awa Washi has a history spanning approximately 1,300 years. According to the Kogo Shūi (古事拾遺, 807), the Imbe clan (忌部族) cultivated hemp and mulberry trees and began producing paper and textiles in this region. Visitors can observe skilled artisans demonstrating the traditional hand-papermaking process and even create their own postcards or calligraphy paper through hands-on workshops.
Highlights
What makes this experience truly special is not simply watching craftsmanship from behind glass, but participating in the moment when paper comes to life.
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Start with pure white washi, then paint with color.
Using a traditional wooden papermaking frame called a suketa, visitors first create a plain white sheet of washi. They can then “paint” patterns onto it with brightly colored pulp, designing the paper in their own style. Pressed flowers may also be brought and embedded into the sheet. Since the finished piece can be taken home the same day, it becomes a tangible memory of the journey.
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Living workshop where tradition meets global creativity.
Since its establishment in 1989, the facility has welcomed artists from Japan and around the world. It maintains an archive of visiting artists and serves as a creative workspace where traditional papermaking techniques continue to inspire contemporary artistic expression.
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Craft experience along the pilgrimage route.
Located near the Yoshino River, the hall sits in the area between Temples No. 11 and No. 12 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. For pilgrims walking in white robes, it offers a quiet moment of creative rest—almost like a form of osettai, the warm hospitality offered along the pilgrimage route.
Information
※Please note that prices, services, and reservation methods are current as of the time of writing and may be subject to change.
- Nearest Temple：
- Area around Temples No. 11 to No. 12 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
- Duration：
- Approximately 1–2 hours for postcard or calligraphy-paper workshops; approximately 3 hours for the free-design course
- Price：
- Postcard course: ¥800 for 3 sheets; calligraphy-paper course: ¥1,000 for 2 sheets; free-design course: ¥3,500 (+General admission: ¥300). Prices are based on official information from the facility and Yoshinogawa City as of June 2026.
- Language：
- English support available. The official website includes English information, and summer workshops are held bilingually in Japanese and English.
- Booking：
- Individuals can book online. Group visits and indigo-dyeing experiences require advance reservation.