Washi Art, Draw a Picture While Making Washi Paper from Raw Materials in Tokyo's Countryside

【Outline】

A new style of paper making that fits the urban lifestyle---KAMISUKI. You can experience a series of creating washi art, from preparing raw materials for paper to painting a picture without a brush. You will pour colored kozo (mulberry) fibers into a string-framed mold and create a picture. From children to adults---everyone can enjoy this new style of kamisuki.

【Highlights】

• You will experience a real Japanese paper making from raw materials, kozo, in the rich natural surroundings located in Nishitama
• A professional Japanese paper maker will teach you a new technique of paper making different from existing methods
• With an ample imagination, you will create your original washi art
• You can draw a unique picture using the paper making method, without a brush
• You can create a colorful washi paper by pouring colored kozo (mulberry) fibers into the frame.
  

【Schedule】

Making raw materials for paper --> creating washi art

【Details】

Washi making is a Japanese traditional craft which is certified as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. There are a number of places in Japan where you can make a simple washi, yet the experience offered here is quite unique and distinct as you can start from making raw materials for paper. Also, you can immerse yourself in paper making in the rich forest of Nishitama, Tokyo, while feeling the aroma of plants and refreshing breeze. 

First of all, you will batter into fibers a kozo branch whose skin is already peeled and then soaked in water. This first phase of making fibers is pretty important in the whole process of making the craft work on the day.  Moreover, you will feel the connection between the regional resources and the washi making, through loosening the fibers in the water beside the well in front of the atelier. 

In this plan, you will create an original washi art piece with a unique method of kamisuki (paper making), without using a brush. You will paint a picture by pouring colored kozo fibers into a string-framed mold.  Even a child can draw a solid and colorful picture with warmth. Only by compiling colored paper fibers in layers, a unique art work with various color gradations will be completed. Why not create a distinct art work showing your originality? Of course, you can take home your completed piece of work. Let’s experience a unique combination of the traditional method and a modern twist.

<Recommended Course>
■Hinode Washi Area
・One Day Course: Hinode Washi→Hinode-sanso→Bukeyashiki (Ninja Experience・Princess Experience)
・Half Day Course A: Hinode Washi→Hinode-sanso
・Half Day Course B: Hinode Washi→Bukeyashiki (Ninja Experience, Princess Experience)

<Recommended nearby spots>
After finishing...
・Tsuru-Tsuru Onsen
・Shougo-tei
・kurochaya
・Umaimono-kan

【Things to note】

• Time：120 min. per person
• Meeting Point： (Come early to) Musashi-Itsukaichi Station or
  (Tell the taxi driver to) 6436 Oguno, Hinode-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo  
• ACCESS： It takes an hour from Shinjuku Station (without changing trains). We will pick up the first seven people at Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. For anyone came after the seventh, please take a taxi.
  ■Access by train
  Shinjuku ⇓（JR Chuo Line 25 min. ）Tachikawa Station  ⇓ (JR Ome Line 15 min.) Haijima Station ⇓（JR Itsukaichi Line 20 min.） Musashi-Itsukaichi Station ⇓ Taxi（10 mins. One-way 1500 yen） ＊On weekends and holidays, it is convenient to take Holiday Rapid service train (normal fare) from Shinjuku direct to Musashi-Itsukaichi (Approx. 1 hour) without having to transfer. Holiday Rapid train for Musashi-Itsukaichi is coupled with one bound for Ome. So when you take the train, please make sure the vehicle you get in is bound for Musashi-Itsukaichi.  
  ■Access by car
   15 min. from Hinode Interchange of the Ken-o Expressway. The eastbound lanes of the connecting Chuo Expressway are heavily congested on weekends and holidays. So please leave time to spare and come safely.
  
• Minimum number of participants：2 persons
  
• Language support：English
• Included：You can take home your piece of work.
• Items to bring： Comfortable shoes, casual clothes (they may get wet) or apron, and a hand towel
• Participation requirements：【Age】The fare for a child: under 16 years old. A child aged 9 or younger needs to be accompanied by an adult.
• Other things to note： When you make a reservation, please write down how you will visit us, either by train or by car.

【Cancellation policy】

・From 1 to 9 persons
From the day when the reservation is made up to 8 days before the tour date 30 % of the tour price
7 to 4 days before the tour date 50% of the tour price
3 days before the tour date up to the day of the tour 100% of the tour price

・10 and more persons
From the day when the reservation is made up to 8 days before the tour date 30 % of the tour price
7 days before the tour date up to the day of the tour 100% of the tour price

※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.