Impressive Tourism in Japan: Mino Washi Paper Craft Experiences, Local Industry Insights, and UNESCO-Recognized Heritage Gifu Mino City Japan 2025.01.20
2025.01.22If you are touring Mino City in Gifu Prefecture, this is the place! Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
Newsletter Vol. 231
In the “Udatsu Wall Historical District,” the birthplace of Mino Washi,
we offer hands-on Mino Washi craft experiences and recommended souvenirs,
Here is the latest news from Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo.
Mino City Tourism Association Official Website
Recommended for solo travelers, couples, families, and group tours looking for a fun trip.
Groups of up to 45 people can participate in a hands-on workshop at once.
Scenes from an overseas group tour
Our available workshop menus include:
Washi Korokoro Paper Doll
Washi Korokoro Zodiac Series & Washi Korokoro Samurai Warlord Series
Currently available at a special price! [Washi Korokoro Monchhichi] Hands-on Workshop ¥1210
Washi Plates, Washi Pen Stands, Washi Bookmarks, Washi Earrings, and Pierced Earrings
Over 30 varieties! We also provide updates on our operating schedule and more.
Click on the links to view the images.
Scenes from an overseas group tour
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Find our latest updates, menu details, and access information here.
What is the Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop like?
Hands-on workshops! Mino Washi souvenirs for sale!
▼Website▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Rakuten Online Store▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Highly recommended when visiting Mino City.
Shop Latest Information
NEW! Shop Operation Dates for December, January, and February
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1465.html
Group reservations are also accepted outside of our regular business days!
▼Footage from “Degawa Tetsuro no Juuden Sasete Moraemasenka?” broadcast
Video featuring Yoko Kumada, Mino City Gifu Prefecture, Washi Doll Craft Experience at Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼NHK Broadcast “Marutto! Gifu” Mino Washi Uchiwa Fan-Making Workshop
Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, Mino City Gifu, Sightseeing, Udatsu Wall Historical District Video
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Gifu Channel “Meccha Gifu Wakaru TV”▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼Mino Washi’s Hometown, Mino City Gifu: What It’s Like — Mino City Tourism Association Website
Our store is introduced on the Tourism Association HP under “Experiences” → “Mino Washi”!
https://www.minokanko.com/index.php
▼Our product was introduced in the “Seiryu no Kuni Gifu News Letter.”
(Press release from Gifu Prefecture Tourism Resource Utilization Division)
Our Washi Kabuto decoration is featured as a “New Shape of Mino Washi.”
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
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～Chinese New Year is Coming Soon～
Inbound Group Travel Enjoying the Snake (Eto-mi) Craft Workshop
Recommended Mino Washi Souvenirs
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This week, we had many overseas visitors and family groups on tour,
making the shop lively.
For group tours, we are currently offering the Washi Korokoro Snake from the Chinese Zodiac as the craft experience.
Although it is a simple roly-poly style doll,
visitors create wonderfully unique original pieces.
A boy who loves Japanese anime wrote Japanese characters on his doll,
pasting them to complete his design.
He wrote “Substitution Jutsu (身代わりの術).”
He did it so well that we were really impressed.
We’re not sure which anime it was from, though (*_*;
Here’s a photo of that boy▼
Among the group were many children,
and it was heartwarming to see families competing to make even more original pieces than their kids, once their kids got really into it.
You can view many customer creations on Google Maps,
so please check them out here.
We also showcase our customers’ work on our shop’s Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/ishikawashigyoshop2016/?hl=ja
After the workshop, many guests purchased Mino Washi Maneki Neko (beckoning cats), May dolls, or Hina dolls as souvenirs,
and children especially loved the den-den drums or kendama.
One little girl tried kendama in the store right away,
giving it several attempts.
When we showed her how, we got a round of applause from other customers! (^^♪
In our shop, we sell a variety of items made with Mino Washi,
including souvenirs popular with international travelers.
Although your workshop creation is itself a souvenir,
we’re sure you can find even more wonderful mementos here.
As of now, visitors from 38 different countries (both individuals and groups)
have come to our shop.
North America, 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
▼Cultural exchanges with international students, study tours for those working abroad▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
We also welcome company trips,
with up to 45 participants at one time.
For group inquiries, please click below▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
The Mino Washi Promotion Division at Mino City Hall
is currently conducting a survey for inbound visitors.
They have already received various questionnaires from different countries.
They are gathering information about overseas visitors
so they can make Mino City sightseeing even more attractive.
Stay tuned!
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From February 8: Hina Doll Event
Join the Stamp Rally
to Win Wonderful Prizes!
Washi Korokoro Hina Doll Workshop
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Hina Dolls at the Udatsu Townhouses
Event Period
February 8 (Sun), 2025 – April 3 (Thu), 2025
The “Udatsu Wall Historical District” in Mino City
becomes the venue for a Hina Doll festival.
Sponsored by the Mino City Tourism Association, you can collect stamps when you make a purchase at any participating shop,
then gather enough stamps to join
a lottery event for lovely prizes!
Our store is one of the participating shops!
Definitely come explore the Udatsu Wall Historical District and take on the challenge!
All around the streets, you’ll see Hina Dolls from different eras,
including gorgeous seven-tier displays,
and cherry-blossom patterned lanterns hung under the eaves, creating a very festive atmosphere.
At our shop, you can make your own “Washi Korokoro Hina Doll.”
Why not create an original Hina Doll just for you?
Let’s craft a cute Hina Doll together!
If your town also holds a Hina Doll festival, consider hosting a workshop to create these Hina Dolls!
Our Hina Doll Craft Kit includes instructions!
You can easily start your own workshop anywhere.
All you need is a table, chairs, glue, and scissors.
We can also lend you glue and scissors if needed!
Ishikawa Shigyo can provide the tools as well.
≪Tool Rental≫
For 10 people: 1 set ¥5,000 + tax
Includes: 10 tweezers, 5 glue containers (2 people share one), 5 scissors (2 people share one), 1 workshop sample file
Aside from Hina Dolls, we offer
dozens of different craft kits to choose from.
Please contact us for more information.
Fun add-ons to make your workshop even more exciting
Use them to decorate your creations!
≪Recommended Accessory Sets for Workshop Materials≫
Die-cut paper and cut paper set 10g ¥1,000
This set is for about 10 people, with various die-cut papers included.
We’ve added a few extras, so it’s a great deal!
Beautiful patterned paper can also be cut into shapes to add flair!
“Experiences” or so-called “consumption of activity” are just as appealing as local souvenirs!
Since you can take your finished craft home immediately, it also doubles as a souvenir.
Our “Washi Korokoro” series is available all year round.
We have monthly themes you can enjoy!
≪Workshop Achievements and Examples≫
January: Zodiac, Setsubun (New “Red Oni” release)
February: Hina Doll, plus Valentine’s Day with Korokoro messages!
March: Easter (Rabbits)
April: Festival Season (Lion Dance, etc.)
May: Boys’ Festival Dolls, Samurai Warlord 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 dolls, Maneki Neko cats
December: Christmas, next year’s Zodiac, etc.
Other popular themes year-round include our Good Luck series and historical series (Samurai Warlords, Princesses)!
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Our Hometown: The Birthplace of Mino Washi
Mino City, Gifu Prefecture News
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A City with an Edo-Period Atmosphere
A Historic Townscape
“Udatsu Wall Historical District”
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Udatsu Wall Historical District
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5973/
Enjoy strolling through a street lined with historic “udatsu” houses dating back to the Edo period.
“Udatsu” refers to the firewalls at both ends of the roof, historically meant to prevent fires from spreading. During the Edo period, wealthy merchants competed to build ever more impressive udatsu. You can appreciate many different udatsu designs. This dignified street scene continues to fascinate visitors, and there are also shops where you can experience the charm of Mino Washi.
Each udatsu has its own shape, so be sure to take lots of photos.
The firewall portion is also important — not just the decorative “kawara” roof tiles. Include the firewall in your shot for a great photo.
Access:
A 15-minute walk from the Nagaragawa Railway “Mino-shi Station.”
Take the Gifu Bus Gifu-Mino Line and get off at “Udatsu no Machinami-dori,” then walk 5 minutes.
About 5 minutes by car from Mino IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, via Route 156.
Parking: Please use the Kanko Fureai Hiroba (Tourist Plaza) lot.
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Workshop Menu
From January 2025
Prices to be revised
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Starting January 2025, the following
workshop menu prices will be revised.
Washi Korokoro Workshop
¥1100 → ¥1210
Washi Korokoro Koinobori (Carp Streamer) Workshop
¥1210 → ¥1320
Washi Korokoro Samurai Warlord Series
¥1210 → ¥1320
Washi Plate Workshop
¥990 → ¥1100
Washi Pen Stand Workshop
¥990 → ¥1100
Family Set A
¥1990 → ¥2210
Family Set B
¥1990 → ¥2210
Family Set C
¥1770 → ¥1880
Washi Bookmark Workshop
¥770 (No change)
Washi Earrings & Pierced Earrings Workshop
¥1320 (No change)
Reservations made this year will be honored at the old price.
We look forward to your reservations!
Washi Korokoro Workshop Difficulty Levels
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/87/287_1_file.png
Washi Korokoro Zodiac and Samurai Warlord Series Menu
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/88/288_1_file.jpg
Washi Plate, Washi Pen Stand, Washi Bookmark, Washi Earrings & Pierced Earrings Menu
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/89/289_1_file.jpg
Family Sets
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/90/290_1_file.jpg
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Create Memories with Mino Washi Hands-On Workshops
Explore the historical sites and enjoy craft-making!
Great for educational institutions!
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In the “Udatsu Wall Historical District,” which preserves an Edo-era atmosphere,
our shop offers hands-on Mino Washi craft-making workshops!
You can also visit the Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan to experience traditional paper-making by hand.
With over 1,600 years of history, Mino Washi is a great subject for learning,
and the facility has exhibits on Mino Washi’s history.
It’s a perfect spot to learn more about this craft.
Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan
https://www.city.mino.gifu.jp/minogami/
This is highly recommended for educational field trips,
where students can learn about the history
and feel the texture and beauty of Mino Washi firsthand.
Because Mino Washi is rooted in the Nagara River basin,
it has been recognized as a
Japan Heritage.
And in this historic district where Mino Washi merchants once thrived
— the “Udatsu Wall Historical District” —
you can see a former washi wholesaler townhouse, as well as contemporary washi artworks like “Akari Art.”
Former Imai Residence & Mino History Museum
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5974/
Akari Art Hall
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5976/
Recommended for school trips:
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1124.html
Take your time and enjoy Mino City.
Our shop is featured in the “Gifu Sustainable Tourism Resources” guide — perfect for educational travel planning.
What is sustainable tourism?
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),
it is “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts,
addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.”
You can download maps of the district from the Mino City Tourism Association website▼
https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/
There are volunteer guides who can show you around the district,
so if you’d like a guided tour, please contact them below.
*For groups of 10 or more.
https://minokanko.com/news/news/p6710/
*For groups of 20 or fewer, a facility fee applies if booking on non-business days.
Please contact us for details.
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Washi Korokoro “Monchhichi”
Hands-on Workshop
Now at Yokohama “Doll Museum”
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Our Washi Korokoro Monchhichi workshop
is being held at Yokohama “Doll Museum.”
It’s on weekends, but
please follow the Instagram below
and join the event!
Hosted by Nihon Vogue-sha “Character x Handmade: DIY Kits”
https://www.instagram.com/character_nihonvogue/?hl=ja
Exhibit photos provided by Nihon Vogue-sha
Event venue photo provided by Nihon Vogue-sha
Upcoming event▼
Date: Friday, January 24, 2025 – Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 10:00–20:30 (Ends at 18:00 on the last day)
Place: Tokyo Station Ichibangai Character Street “Ichiban Plaza”
Let’s make a cute Washi Korokoro Monchhichi!
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December, January, February Instagram Contest
Keyword:
#石川紙業コンテストwinter2025
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We’re holding our Instagram contest in December, January, and February as well.
The hashtag is
#石川紙業コンテストwinter2025!
We look forward to your posts!
*Please note the hashtag has changed slightly from before.
Make sure to use the correct one.
Not only works created in our in-store workshops,
but also those made at home from purchased kits are eligible.
Feel free to post your creations!
Purchase kits here:
Rakuten Kit Sales
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News from Ishikawa Shigyo Headquarters
Big Expansion! Introducing New Japanese-Style Stationery
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We’re excited to present our new items.
We’ve greatly expanded our “Japanese-Style Stationery” lineup, a popular category from Ishikawa Shigyo!
Through Ishikawa Shigyo, you can now purchase the Japanese-style stationery of “SING,” a leading Mino Washi stationery manufacturer,
with a total of 687 items.
We’ve also added more origami items, which are very popular among inbound tourists! Special trial benefits, too!!
We hope you’ll consider this expanded lineup!
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【Special Trial Campaign】Now Ongoing!
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Order at least ¥10,000 (wholesale total) of SING stationery, origami + your usual items
and get free shipping!
■SING Products
Catalog here ↓
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/18/318_1_file.pdf
*It’s password-protected. Please contact our Circulation Dept.
*If you cannot open it, let us know and we’ll send via Gigafile.
*Special discount rate applies.
【Ordering Notes】
When you place your order, please note:
1. Indicate either the catalog item number (7 digits) or our product code (5 digits)
2. Product name (shortened is fine)
3. Quantity (observe the lot size). The minimum lot is 5 (in some cases 1).
*If you need 7 units but the lot is 5, please order “10.”
4. No backorders will be kept.
If you need more, please place a new order.
*Backorders for SING items are not eligible for free shipping.
■Origami Series — Very popular with inbound tourists!!!
Catalog (Japanese Stationery Catalog) p.12–p.17
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/00/62/62_1_file.pdf
*Some of these origami items also have a special discount rate.
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Minowa’s Note【15cm of Snow】
Last week, we had our first snowfall of the season, about 15cm overnight.
As expected, my usual 30-minute commute became an hour,
and right after arriving, everyone in the office shoveled snow, working up a sweat.
Since it was a light, powdery snow, we could even use a bamboo broom to clear some areas.
It was a sunny day, so
most of it melted away quickly.
When I got home that evening, I saw three sets of ski clothes drying.
Apparently, my family tried making a kamakura (snow hut) in the field next door,
but the snow was too powdery to pile up at all.
My kids had a blast anyway!
There’s still a muddy snowman in the yard (^^♪
That’s all for now...
For inquiries about this newsletter, please contact us here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
Experience traditional Japanese charm in this historic townscape
Enjoy hands-on Mino Washi crafts
Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop
〒501-3728
1909-3 Honjyu-cho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Shop Manager: Minowa
TEL: +81-575-29-3680
FAX: +81-575-35-1363
Mobile: 090-5851-4673
Email: shigyo@jt7.so-net.ne.jp
HP: http://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/
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[Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo – Company Info]
Founded in 1902 (Meiji 35), Ishikawa Shigyo is a Mino Washi crafts manufacturer.
At our Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop, you can enjoy the “handiwork of a washi maker,”
located in the “Udatsu Wall Historical District” of Mino City, Gifu,
a preserved area with a 270-year-old historic building where you can participate in washi craft workshops.
Our Mino Washi craft experiences are popular for family trips,
and have become a highlight of Gifu tourism. Great for group tours as well.
We’re often chosen as a travel workshop program where visitors can learn about Mino Washi’s history
and enjoy its delicate beauty. This is popular with families, couples, and student trips.
We offer hands-on activities with “Washi Korokoro,” Mino Washi roly-poly dolls,
as well as washi earrings, pen stands, plates, bookmarks, and in summer, Mino Washi fans,
providing over 30 types of craft experiences. We also have historical figures (samurai, princesses),
plus collaborations with Gifu Bus and Nagaragawa Railway designs.
We welcome inbound visitors from 37 countries,
and our Mino Washi craft activities are also popular for overseas tour groups.
No reservation is needed for individual visitors. It takes about 30–60 minutes.
Even beginners can easily complete a project thanks to our staff guidance and ready-to-assemble materials.
You can take your finished piece home immediately.
Groups of 10 or more, please make a reservation.
We can accommodate up to 45 people at once.
For larger groups, we can rotate participants as needed, and we can open outside normal business hours.
We also have over 600 Mino Washi items for sale, so you can take home unique souvenirs.
Google Maps rating: 4.9 (466 reviews) as of 2024.07.09
[Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo – TV Features]
Degawa Tetsuro’s “Can I Recharge Here?” Mino City, Gifu: Washi Doll Craft Workshop
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
NHK “Marutto! Gifu” Mino Washi Fan-Making Workshop
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Matsuken Sanpo – Washi Plate Workshop
https://youtu.be/0Xj95TBhXoU
Hanasaka Times – Washi Korokoro Doll Experience with Haruka Minowa & Yuriyan Retriever
https://youtu.be/u9tJ1DURNic
NHK News – Mino Washi Doll Craft Workshop!
https://youtu.be/OULbvsHaA8w
NHK Gifu – Mino Washi Dolls & Ishikawa Shigyo on “Hotto Evening Gifu”
https://youtu.be/u1g85fl89KI
Chukyo TV “Catch!” – Fun Mino Washi Craft Workshop at Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/k9Kd993PUq8
CBC “Ippou” – Gifu Mino City Sightseeing: Craft Workshop at Mino Washi Crafts Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/qZ7_hOmaQ-8
Gifu Channel “Meccha Gifu Hunter” – Washi Korokoro Maneki Neko, Kimono Dressing
https://youtu.be/xGpfUOAcmtM
CCN “Area Topic” – Washi Korokoro Gifu Bus, Gifu Bus × Ishikawa Shigyo Craft Workshop
https://youtu.be/aowdKHSnze8
Mino Washi Craft for Parents and Children
Traditional Japanese Handicrafts Workshop in Gifu
Mino City Sightseeing with Washi Souvenirs – How to Make
Gifu Tourism Local Experiences Tour
Handmade Washi Doll for Family Trips
Mino Washi Craft Workshop & Souvenirs
Washi Craft-Making Classes for Children in Gifu
Group-Friendly Mino Washi Crafts Experience Tour
Gifu Paper Craft Workshop for Tourists
Senior-Friendly Mino City Sightseeing Tour
Gifu Washi Culture Experience Reservations
Washi Crafts & Gifu Sightseeing Plans
Mino Washi Craft Activities on a Japanese Cultural Tour
Gifu Parent-Child Experience at a Top Local Spot
Mino Washi Travel Package Tour
We welcome groups! Up to 45 people can enjoy at once—perfect for school trips or social studies tours!
Overseas workers or students: Cultural exchange plan with washi crafts, up to 45 at once!
Local elementary schools join for a cultural experience—sharing local heritage through craft workshops and history lessons
Welcoming foreign travelers to Mino City to explore Japan’s traditional paper crafts—Mino Washi dolls
Overseas Group Tours – Unforgettable Japanese cultural experience
Up to 45 people at once! Group Booking for Mino Washi Workshops
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