Experience Making your own Mino Washi Paper Doll in Gifu Japan: enjoyable Japanese Dolls Workshop in Edo Historic Udatsu-no-agaru Townscape. NEWS2024.11.29
2024.12.08If you are planning sightseeing in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, this is the place! Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
Newsletter No.225 Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop
In the Mino Washi production area, “Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami” (the historic old townscape),
you can enjoy hands-on Mino Washi craft experiences, ideal as souvenirs,
and here is the latest information from the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo.
Mino City Tourism Association Official Website
Recommended for solo travelers, couples, families, and even large groups, making your trip enjoyable and memorable.
Up to 45 people can experience handmade Mino Washi crafts at once for group tours.
Our experience menu includes:
Washi Korokoro Paper Dolls
Washi Korokoro Zodiac Animals & Washi Korokoro Samurai Warrior Series
Currently on special offer【
Washi Korokoro Monchhichi】Handmade Experience ¥1100
Washi Plates, Washi Pen Holders, Washi Bookmarks, Washi Earrings and Ear Studs
More than 30 different types are available! We provide updates on our operating schedule and other information.
Click the link to view images.
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You can check the shop’s latest news, menu details, and access information.
What is the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop like?
Hands-on experience! Mino Washi craft souvenirs available!
▼HP▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Rakuten Online Store▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Highly recommended for sightseeing in Mino City.
Latest Shop Information
NEW! Shop hours for December, January, and February
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1465.html
Group reservations are accepted even outside regular business days!
▼Featured on “Can I Charge My Battery?” with Tetsuro Degawa
Experience making Mino Washi paper dolls in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture – Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo video featuring Ms. Kumada Yoko
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼Introduced on NHK’s “Marutto! Gifu” – Mino Washi Uchiwa Fan-Making Experience
Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture tourism, Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami video
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Gifu Channel “Meccha Gifu Wakaru Terebi”▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼Mino Washi no Sato in Gifu Prefecture’s Mino City: What’s it like? Mino City Tourism Association HP
Our shop’s website is introduced in the Tourism Association’s “Experiences” → “Mino Washi” section!
https://www.minokanko.com/index.php
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From the JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
A report on the success of Washi Korokoro
Finally going overseas!
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Over the past two months, we delivered the “Washi Korokoro SLIM” made by our head office Ishikawa Shigyo to JAXA.
*Correctly, it is the Washi Korokoro Small Lunar Lander Demonstration Craft SLIM.
This “Washi Korokoro SLIM” was presented as a gift to international VIPs
and was featured on “X” (social media) to showcase the event.
You can see how excited the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory staff were to receive it, posted on social media.
Check it out here
https://x.com/masahiro_ono/status/1859804446701781178
From an image posted on X
In addition, the JAXA Director General and Institute Director also presented it to the Director General of ESA (European Space Agency)!
https://x.com/ISAS_JAXA/status/1859507037488496743
From a JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science post on X
We are deeply honored that our Mino Washi “Okiagari Koboshi” (tumbling doll) “Washi Korokoro” is appreciated by so many people from different backgrounds.
Many visitors from over 38 countries (individuals and groups) come to our store, either to create their own tumbling dolls or to shop for artisanal Mino Washi crafts.
Yes, from 38 countries!
North and South America:
USA, Brazil, Canada
Asia:
Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, East Timor, Nepal, India, Israel, Cambodia, Laos, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Pakistan, Malaysia
Europe:
UK, France, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Italy
Oceania:
Australia, New Zealand
▼We can also accommodate cultural exchanges for overseas students and social study tours for overseas workers▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
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Learn about local industry and culture
Recommended for educational institutions
Perfect for school trips and social studies tours
Mino Washi Craft Experience
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We receive reservations annually from schools in the Kanto region for their school trips. We’ve already gotten bookings for next year, indicating that many educational tours find our programs valuable.
Our experience fees will change starting in 2025, but if you reserve by December this year, you can enjoy the current prices. Don’t miss out!
In December, local elementary school students in Mino City will come to learn how local industries turn raw materials into finished products. They will participate in our hands-on workshop making Washi Korokoro, gaining a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
On the same day, a tour group from Taiwan will also be visiting to experience our Mino Washi crafts. The students can witness how international travelers appreciate Mino’s cultural heritage, fostering pride in their local industry.
Mino Washi, nurtured in the Nagara River basin, has been recognized as a Japan Heritage. We encourage you to visit Mino to learn about Mino Washi’s history, experience its tactile beauty, and incorporate this into your educational travel itinerary.
We recommend including Mino Washi craft-making or hand-papermaking experiences as part of your educational tourism plan. To learn more about the history of Mino Washi, visit the Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan. Then, head to Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami to tour traditional washi merchant houses and admire contemporary Washi “Akari Art” installations, immersing yourself in both historical authenticity and modern creativity.
For details, see the Mino City Tourism Association website. You can also download a map of the townscape. For guiding services, please contact them if you have groups of 10 or more. We can also arrange sustainable tourism experiences that align with UNWTO definitions, balancing visitor satisfaction, cultural integrity, and environmental stewardship.
For groups under 20, booking outside our business days requires an additional facility fee. Please inquire for details.
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Media Introduction Information
Seiryu no Kuni Gifu News Letter November 2024
Enjoying Autumn Arts with the Traditional Craft “Mino Washi”
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Our products were introduced in the Seiryu no Kuni Gifu News Letter♪
(Press release by the Gifu Prefecture Tourism Resource Utilization Section)
“A New Form of Mino Washi” showcased our Washi Kabuto decorations
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
In addition, there are articles about Mino and Gifu tourist spots and autumn foliage locations,
providing insights into the diverse charms of Gifu.
Please take a look^^
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Our Town: Mino Washi Production Area
Gifu Prefecture Mino City News
Rare Kawaminato Lighthouse
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Utilizing the river as a transport route
Active from the Edo period to the late Meiji era
Kamiuchi Minato “Kawaminato Lighthouse”
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The Kawaminato Lighthouse stands beyond the old Mino Bridge, introduced last week.
Until the late Meiji era, Mino Town was called “Ko-uzuchi”.
Kanamori Nagachika was granted this land by Tokugawa Ieyasu after the Battle of Sekigahara,
and he opened “Ko-uzuchi Minato” on the banks of the Nagara River as a gateway for goods transport, aiming for economic development.
From the Edo to the late Meiji era, it flourished as a center of distribution and transportation.
Stone steps leading to the dock, the Sumiyoshi Shrine enshrined for boat safety,
and stone lanterns still remain as traces of the past.
Transportation Access
About 15 minutes on foot from Nagaragawa Railway “Umeyama Station”
About 8 minutes on foot from Gifu Bus “Ogura Koen Mae” on the Gifu-Mino Line
About 10 minutes from Mino IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
Fee: Free
Parking: Available. Please use city-managed parking lots.
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Adopted for Year-End Events!
Washi Korokoro Zodiac Snake
Adorable Zodiac Snake Tumbling Doll
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We’ve received several orders this week for the “Washi Korokoro Zodiac Snake” kit
to be used in year-end event workshops.
Next week it will already be December—the final month of 2024.
For those struggling with what to do at year-end and New Year events,
how about hosting a hands-on workshop to create next year’s zodiac animal, the Snake?
The kit includes instructions, so anyone can easily make it.
This is a perfect kit for international guests visiting at the end and beginning of the year. Showcasing Japan’s zodiac and tumbling dolls highlights Japanese culture.
All you need is glue and scissors,
and we can lend those too!
We can lend tools like glue and scissors. Details:
One set for 10 people: ¥5000 + tax
Includes: 10 tweezers, 5 glue containers (1 per 2 people), 5 pairs of scissors (1 per 2 people), 1 file for completed works
We offer dozens of kit varieties besides the zodiac animals.
For auspicious themes, we have Maneki Neko (lucky cats), Daruma dolls, Shishi-mai (lion dances), etc.
For simple experience menus▼
Handmade kit difficulty-level chart
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/00/82/82_1_file.pdf
Contact us directly for inquiries.
Items to make workshops more fun
Decorate your creations!
▼Recommended material sets for workshop experiences
Die-cut paper and cut-paper set, 10g, ¥1000
This set includes enough cut and punched papers for about 10 people.
We’ve added a bit of extra, so it’s a great deal!
Beautiful patterned papers are lovely even when cut into shapes!
We recommend our hands-on experiences as “experience-based souvenirs,” similar to “local specialty gifts.”
You can take your completed work home immediately as a memorable keepsake!
Here is our Washi Korokoro series that can be offered year-round!
~We can suggest something every month!~
▼Experience records and examples▼
January: Zodiac animal, Setsubun – new “Red Oni”
February: Hina dolls – Korokoro messages for Valentine’s Day!
March: Easter – rabbits
April: Festival season – Shishimai (lion dance) etc.
May: May dolls (Gogatsu Ningyo), Samurai series, Koinobori carp streamers
June: Rainy season, frogs & goldfish
July: Tanabata (Star Festival)
August: Goldfish
September: Cute animals – rabbits, owls, etc.
October: Halloween
November: Zodiac animals, Daruma, Maneki Neko
December: Christmas, Zodiac animals, etc.
Also, popular year-round are our good-luck charms, historical figures (samurai warriors, princesses), all highly recommended!
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Gifu Washi Craft Cultural Experience
In “Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami”
Create your own zodiac animal
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You can see the Washi Korokoro Zodiac series here
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/69/269_1_file.jpg
Crafting your own zodiac animal in the historic Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami
can enhance your luck!
Travel agencies,
please recommend us for inquiries at the contact below!
Cultural classroom observation tours
Parent-child tours for children’s groups
Tours for women’s associations
Neighborhood association friendship trips
Inbound tours
The zodiac is part of Japanese culture
Sure to spark interest!
Mino Washi craft experiences
are ideal for Japanese cultural tours.
Please include them in your travel package tours
as a program!
For group inquiries, please contact us below▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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December, January, and February Instagram Contest
The keyword is
#IshikawaShigyoContestwinter2025
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Thank you for your submissions to the autumn contest.
A customer who will celebrate their 60th birthday next year crafted and posted a zodiac snake figure wearing a red hat and vest!
They’ve come to make zodiac animals every year,
and this is their 7th year!
Each time they enjoy the experience, and each year the result is even more impressive.
When we post the newsletter on our website’s blog, we’ll also upload the images of their work,
so please take a look!!
We’ll also hold an Instagram contest in December, January, and February.
The keyword is
#IshikawaShigyoContestwinter2025
We look forward to more posts!
*The keyword has changed slightly.
Please note.
Not only items created in our experience shop,
but also those made from kits purchased and assembled at home
are eligible for submission.
To purchase kits:
Rakuten kit sales site
Ishikawa Shigyo Head Office Information
Full of the latest updates and special offers
New Release! Specialty Artisan Color Paper (Shikishi)
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◆Click here for the specialty artisan color paper catalog
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/17/317_1_file.pdf
Popular with inbound travelers
Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” “Red Fuji,” Sharaku, and Red Fuji with Twin Cranes
These shikishi boards boast brilliantly vivid colors.
Twin Cranes is also recommended as a New Year decoration!
◆2025 Hina Doll pre-orders are now available!
2025 Hina Doll catalog here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1404.html
◆2025 May Doll pre-orders now available!
2025 May Doll catalog here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1414.html
Benefits for loyal customers: Personalized name plaques available!
Please contact our sales representatives for details.
◆New release: three new types of “clip-on magnets”
Heart, Hexagram, and Flower shapes
We have attached the Clip-on Magnet catalog.
◆For special offers from Ishikawa Shigyo, click here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1377.html
Ishikawa Shigyo 2024 First Half (Jan-Jul) new product special offer introduction
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1377.html
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Minowa’s Muttering [Terrible Twos Arrive]
My youngest grandchild, turning two in January, recently started throwing tantrums when things don’t go their way.
They collapse on the floor crying and screaming.
The other day, after a one-hour walk, I suggested we go home,
they screamed, not wanting to leave.
When I picked them up, they scratched my face with their nails.
They’re getting stronger, always trying to keep up with their older siblings.
It’s quite something.
I managed to calm them down and reached home somehow,
but then they refused to go inside, causing another uproar (*_*;
Mom, who faces this every day, really has a tough job.
Others with kids around the same age say the “terrible twos” have started for them too.
It’s hard, but they’re still so cute, right?
Well, that’s how it is(^^♪
So then…
For inquiries about newsletter info, please contact▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
In a townscape exuding Edo-era charm,
you can enjoy making Mino Washi crafts by hand
Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
〒501-3728
1909-3 Honjyu-cho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Shop Manager: Minowa
Tel: 0575-29-3680
Fax: 0575-35-1363
Minowa’s mobile: 090-5851-4673
Email: shigyo@jt7.so-net.ne.jp
HP:http://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/
[Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo Company Overview]
Established in 1902 (Meiji 35), we are a Mino Washi craft manufacturer.
At our head office Ishikawa Shigyo, you can enjoy “Washi artisan workshops”
Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo.
Located in the famous Udatsu-no-agaru Machinami of Mino City, Gifu Prefecture,
inside a 270-year-old historical building in a traditional preservation area,
you can enjoy immersive washi craft workshops.
Ideal for family trips,
this is a renowned Gifu tourism experience spot welcoming group tours,
and a signature cultural activity in Mino’s tourism scene.
As a travel experience program creating washi crafts, it suits family trips, group travel plans,
and is highly regarded for school trips that help students learn about Mino Washi’s history in a fun way. Couples also love it.
We offer workshops like making the Mino Washi tumbler doll “Washi Korokoro,”
washi earrings, pen holders, plates, bookmarks, and Mino Washi fans in summer,
with over 30 different hands-on activities. We also feature historical figures (samurai and princesses),
and even local experiences involving Gifu buses and Nagaragawa Railway-inspired crafts.
Our Mino Washi craft experiences attract inbound international visitors,
and have welcomed guests from 37 countries. It’s popular for inbound tours.
No reservation is needed for individuals. Takes about 30-60 minutes.
With staff on hand and basic materials ready, even those without crafting confidence can easily participate.
You can take the completed work home immediately.
For tour groups of 10 or more, please reserve in advance.
Our workshop can accommodate up to 45 people at once.
For larger groups, we will rotate them in sequence. We can handle group reservations outside business hours.
Enjoy making Mino Washi crafts and purchase from 600 handmade Washi souvenir items by Ishikawa Shigyo – very popular!
Google Maps rating: 4.9 (466 reviews) as of July 9, 2024
[Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo TV Broadcast Videos]
“Can I Charge My Battery?” with Tetsuro Degawa – Mino City, Gifu Prefecture Washi Doll-Making Experience
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
NHK “Marutto! Gifu” Mino Washi Uchiwa Craft Experience
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Matsuken Sanpo – Washi Plate Craft Experience
https://youtu.be/0Xj95TBhXoU
Hanasaka Times – Handmade Experience Washi Korokoro Dolls featuring Haruka Minowa and Yuriyan Retriever
https://youtu.be/u9tJ1DURNic
NHK News: Handmade Mino Washi Dolls!
https://youtu.be/OULbvsHaA8w
NHK Gifu: Mino Washi Doll Craft Experience Ishikawa Shigyo “Hotto Evening Gifu”
https://youtu.be/u1g85fl89KI
Chukyo TV “Catch!” Enjoyable Handmade Experience Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/k9Kd993PUq8
CBC “Ippou” Gifu Prefecture Mino City Sightseeing Handicraft Experience Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/qZ7_hOmaQ-8
Gifu Channel “Mecha Gifu Hunter” Handmade Experience Washi Korokoro Maneki Neko, Kimono Dressing
https://youtu.be/xGpfUOAcmtM
CCN Area Topic: Washi Korokoro Gifu Bus Gifu Bus × Ishikawa Shigyo Handmade Experience
https://youtu.be/aowdKHSnze8
Mino Washi Crafts – Parent-Child Experience
Gifu Traditional Crafts Hands-On Experience
Mino City Washi Souvenirs How-to Make
Gifu Sightseeing Local Experience Tours
Handmade Washi Dolls Family Travel Experience
Mino Washi Craft Making Experience
Washi Craft Workshop for Kids in Gifu
Group Mino Washi Craft Experience Tours
Gifu Handmade Washi Craft Workshops
Senior-Friendly Mino City Sightseeing Tours
Gifu Washi Craft Cultural Experience Reservation
Washi Art Mino City Sightseeing Plans
Mino Washi Craft Experience Japan Cultural Tours
Gifu Parent-Child Activity Tourist Spot
Mino Washi Travel Package Tours
Welcoming group travel! Perfect for educational trips like school excursions or social studies tours with up to 45 participants.
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