Washi is paper made using traditional Japanese method. Ogawa-machi and neighboring Higashichichibu-mura (village) have long been known for the production of Japanese paper. The washi produced in this area is called Hosokawa-shi. Today, the demand for washi paper is small, but the manufacturing method has been passed down as a traditional craft, and it is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage together with washi from other regions of Japan.
There are many other sites where you can learn about the history and manufacturing methods of Japanese paper, so please see those for details. On this site, we will introduce places in Ogawa-machi and Higashichichibu-mura where you can experience Japanese paper.
SAITAMA CRAFT CENTER
Note: Unfortunately, this facility is closed for renovations. I’ll let you know once again when it reopens.
It is a facility that exhibits traditional crafts of Saitama Prefecture. You can see crafts such as Hosokawa paper. You can also experience making paper.
Map
Washi no sato in Higasititibu-mura
In this facility, various exhibits and sales related to Hosokawa paper are carried out. You can also experience making paper.
In this area, there is a Japanese garden and an old-fashioned building where you can spend a relaxing time.
However, it is far from Ogawa-machi Station, so I recommend using a bus or taxi.
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Others regarding Washi
Washi shop in Ogawa-machi
Tanabata Festival in Ogawa-machi
Origami (Folding paper)
Let try folding a paper crane following the pictures.
