Echizen Washi Hand-Making Experience

The Imadate district of Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture is Japan's oldest washi paper production area, boasting a 1,500-year history. At Echizen Washi no Sato, you can learn traditional hand-making techniques from artisans and create your own original washi paper. The process of dissolving kozo (paper mulberry) fibers in water and evenly scooping them with a sudaketa (bamboo screen) is a technique that's much more profound than it appears. Decorative washi making, where flowers and leaves are incorporated into the paper, is especially popular with women. You can also learn about the history and techniques of washi at the adjacent Paper Culture Museum.