Cultural Tourism in Japan of Experience Authentic Japanese Washi Crafting Tours: Creating Authentic Mino Washi Crafts DIY in Mino City, Gifu, Japan 2025.01.25
2025.01.28If you’re exploring tourism in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, look no further! Visit Ishikawa Shigyo for Mino Washi paper craft experiences.
Newsletter No.232
In the historic district of “Udatsu no Agaru Machinami,” the birthplace of Mino Washi,
enjoy hands-on Mino Washi craft experiences and discover the perfect souvenir!
Check out the latest news from the Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo.
Mino City Tourism Association Homepage
Recommended for solo travelers, couples, families, and group tours to make your trip unforgettable. Experience true Japanese cultural tourism here!
Groups of up to 45 people can enjoy a craft workshop all at once.
Scenes from an overseas group tour
Our workshop menu includes:
“Washi Korokoro” Washi Dolls
Washi Korokoro 12 Zodiac & Samurai Warrior Series
Currently on special promotion: [Washi Korokoro Monchhichi] Hands-on Workshop ¥1,210
Washi Plate, Washi Pen Holder, Washi Bookmark, Washi Pierced Earrings, and Clip-On Earrings
Over 30 different options! Here’s an update on our schedule and offerings.
Click the links to view photos.
Scenes from an overseas group tour
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Find our latest shop updates, workshop details, and access information here.
What is the Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop all about?
Enjoy hands-on activities and Mino Washi souvenirs!
▼ Website ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Rakuten Online Store ▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Highly recommended for tourism in Mino City.
Latest Shop Updates
NEW! Shop’s December–January–February operating schedule
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1465.html
Groups may also book on non-operating days!
▼“Degawa Tetsuro no Juuden Sasete Moraemasenka?” TV Show
Featuring Mino City in Gifu Prefecture: Washi doll-making experience at Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, Video with Kumada Yoko
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼NHK “Marutto! Gifu” featuring Mino Washi Uchiwa fan-making
Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, Mino City, Gifu, Tourism spot in Udatsu no Agaru Machinami. Video link:
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Gifu Channel “Meccha Gifu Wakaru TV” ▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼About Mino City, home of Mino Washi. Mino City Tourism Association HP
Our website is introduced under “Experiences” → “Mino Washi”!
https://www.minokanko.com/index.php
▼We were introduced in the “Seiryu no Kuni Gifu News Letter”!
(Press release by Gifu Prefecture Tourism Resource Utilization Division)
Our Washi Kabuto Decoration is featured as a “New Form of Mino Washi.”
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
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We’ve begun displaying Hina dolls in-store!
2025 Ishikawa Shigyo New Hina Doll Collection
Come to Udatsu no Agaru Machinami
for the Hina Doll Event
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Udatsu no Machiya Hina Doll Festival
Event Period
Feb 8, 2025 (Sun) – Apr 3, 2025 (Wed)
We have lined up our adorable new 2025 Hina dolls (crafted by Ishikawa Shigyo) in our shop.
Overseas visitors also show great interest in Hina dolls,
stopping by to take a look,
and often purchasing compact Hina sets to bring home as unique souvenirs.
Throughout Udatsu no Agaru Machinami, we’ll be hosting
the “Udatsu no Machiya Hina Doll Festival.”
Various periods of Hina dolls will be on display all around town.
You’ll see grand seven-tiered Hina doll sets, which are less common nowadays.
A stamp rally will also take place, so
feel free to join the fun.
Our store is a participating location for the stamp rally as well.
With the support of Mino City Tourism Association, if you make purchases at participating stamp rally locations,
you can collect stamps,
and then join the Garapon lottery for a chance to win special prizes!
At our shop, you can even make Hina dolls in a hands-on workshop.
They’re round, plump “korokoro” Hina dolls.
If you opt for the add-on “Kimono Decoration” option, you can turn any character into a Hina doll.
Animal versions are especially popular!
Rabbits, cats, frogs—why not create a uniquely whimsical Hina doll?
We hope you’ll enjoy our hands-on experience!
Groups can also do the Hina doll workshop.
It typically takes about one hour, but if you extend your session by around 30 minutes,
you can craft your very own set of Hina dolls.
The workshop fee is ¥2,420 per person.
Highly recommended for women’s groups!
Ishikawa Shigyo Hina dolls are available for purchase here:
Rakuten Shop
https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/%E3%81%8A%E3%81%B2%E3%81%AA%E3%81%95%E3%81%BE/?sid=391090
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Inbound Tourism
Group Tours from Asia
will be bustling in February too
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Following January, in February we will welcome more groups from Taiwan and China
for our hands-on workshops.
They are currently enjoying the workshop to create the Snake (this year’s zodiac) doll.
Everyone’s work turns out so cute,
and they seem very satisfied with their creations.
Our workshops are made simple with pre-prepared kits,
so it’s easy for anyone to participate,
but we also provide a wide variety of beautiful Mino Washi on the table,
encouraging creativity—people add flowers or dress their dolls in washi outfits.
It’s this kind of personal touch that makes the experience so enjoyable!
You can see many of our guests’ creations on Google Maps, where they have posted photos and reviews. Take a look here:
We also share customers’ works on our shop’s Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/ishikawashigyoshop2016/?hl=ja
Our store features various Mino Washi items and souvenirs for inbound visitors.
If you have participated in a workshop and spend over ¥1,000,
you get 10% off—great for picking up extra unique gifts!
We’re sure you’ll find something special to take home.
We have welcomed visitors from 38 countries so far (individual and group). Currently, that includes:
North & 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
▼For overseas student cultural exchanges and overseas employees’ social study tours▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
We also welcome company trips.
Up to 45 people can enjoy a workshop session simultaneously.
For group inquiries, please see below ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
The Mino Washi Promotion Department at Mino City Hall
is currently conducting a questionnaire for inbound tourism,
collecting valuable feedback from visitors worldwide.
We’re gathering insights to make tourism in Mino City even more attractive.
Stay tuned!
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Start a Mino Washi Zakka Workshop Anywhere
No-Fuss Craft Experience
Anytime, Anywhere
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All you need is a table, chairs, glue, and scissors to host a Mino Washi workshop anywhere.
We can even lend you glue and scissors!
Yes, Ishikawa Shigyo can provide the necessary tools.
≪Tool Rental≫
1 set for 10 people: ¥5,000 + tax
Contents: 10 tweezers, 5 glue containers (1 for every 2 participants), 5 scissors (1 for every 2 participants), 1 file with craft samples
As for our craft kits,
we recommend the seasonal designs:
Right now, “Red Oni (demon)” is perfect for Setsubun events!
Washi Korokoro “Red Oni”
This cute “Red Oni” kit is very popular around Setsubun!
We highly recommend it for seasonal festivals.
We have about 30 different craft kits available.
Feel free to ask for details!
Make your workshop even more fun with decorative materials:
≪Recommended add-on items for workshop participants≫
Die-cut washi paper, paper cutouts 10g set: ¥1,000
This set includes enough paper and die-cut items for about 10 people.
There’s even a little extra included, so it’s a great deal!
Beautiful cutouts make wonderful decorations for your creations!
“Experiences” have become as important as local souvenirs—why not try “experience-based gifts”? Enjoy it on the spot and take the final product home as a souvenir!
Our “Washi Korokoro” series is perfect year-round!
It offers seasonal themes every month.
≪Workshop Examples≫
January: Zodiac animal, Setsubun – now featuring our new “Red Oni.”
February: Hina Dolls, Valentine’s Day with heartfelt Washi Korokoro messages!
March: Easter – rabbits
April: Festival season – shishimai (lion dance), etc.
May: Boys’ Festival with warrior dolls, koi-nobori (carp streamers), etc.
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 (lucky cat)
December: Christmas, next year’s zodiac, etc.
All year round, our Fortune & Samurai Series and Historical Characters are also very popular!
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Our hometown: The birthplace of Mino Washi,
Mino City, Gifu Prefecture – News
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Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition
Prize-Winning Works on Display
Enjoy the magical illumination.
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Mino Washi Akari Art Hall
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5976/
Every autumn, Mino City hosts the “Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition.” Here you can see the winning pieces displayed year-round.
The first floor is a free rest area and shop selling Mino Washi Akari Art products, while the second floor is a mini museum replicating the atmosphere of the Akari Art Exhibition.
Don’t miss the unique architectural design. This building was constructed around 1941 as the “Mino Town Industrial Hall,” a large wooden building with a gabled roof—one of the largest surviving wooden structures in Mino City.
Its horizontally oriented façade represents architectural features of the early Showa period, recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the national government.
Transportation:
A 10-minute walk from Minoshi Station on the Nagaragawa Railway
Gifu Bus (Gifu–Mino line), “Udatsu no Machinami-dori” stop, 1-minute walk
5 minutes by car from the Mino IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, via Route 156
Parking: please use the Kanko Fureai Hiroba lot
Phone: 0575-33-3772
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Workshop Prices
Revised from January 2025
Thank you for your understanding.
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Starting January 2025, the workshop fees will be revised as follows:
Washi Korokoro Workshop
¥1,100 → ¥1,210
Washi Korokoro Koinobori (Carp Streamer) Workshop
¥1,210 → ¥1,320
Washi Korokoro Samurai Warrior Series
¥1,210 → ¥1,320
Washi Plate Workshop
¥990 → ¥1,100
Washi Pen Holder Workshop
¥990 → ¥1,100
Family Set A
¥1,990 → ¥2,210
Family Set B
¥1,990 → ¥2,210
Family Set C
¥1,770 → ¥1,880
Washi Bookmark Workshop
¥770 (no change)
Washi Pierced Earrings/Clip-On Earrings Workshop
¥1,320 (no change)
Reservations made within this year will be honored at the old prices.
We look forward to your bookings!
Washi Korokoro Difficulty Level Guide
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/87/287_1_file.png
Washi Korokoro 12 Zodiac, Samurai Warrior Series Menu
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/88/288_1_file.jpg
Washi Plate, Washi Pen Holder, Washi Bookmark, Washi Earrings/Clip-Ons Menu
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/89/289_1_file.jpg
Family Set Deals
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/90/290_1_file.jpg
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Mino City Traditional Craft Tour
Memorable Experiences: Mino Washi Paper-Making
Visit historic sites and enjoy hands-on crafts!
Perfect for educational institutions too!
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Step back in time to the Edo period in
the charming “Udatsu no Agaru Machinami.”
Inside this district,
you can enjoy making various handicrafts using
the 1,600-year-old traditional “Mino Washi” paper.
Discover the beauty and durability of Mino Washi
firsthand—an immersive experience in cultural heritage.
If you head to the “Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan,” you can also try papermaking.
The exhibit covers Mino Washi history and production methods,
making it perfect for educational tours and field trips.
When you actually try to form sheets of washi,
you’ll truly grasp the depth of this traditional craft.
Notably, Mino Washi has been recognized as part of “Japan Heritage,”
thanks to its long-standing significance along the Nagara River region.
In “Udatsu no Agaru Machinami,” where Mino Washi commerce thrived,
you can see traditional Edo-period townhouse architecture
and modern interpretations of washi art, such as “Mino Washi Akari Art.”
Stroll around town and witness the fusion of tradition and contemporary art.
▼Learn about the history of old townhouses
Former Imai Family Residence/Mino History Museum
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5974/
▼Enjoy the enchanting washi light installations
Akari Art Hall
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5976/
When exploring the townscape,
downloadable maps from the Mino City Tourism Association website (https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/) are quite handy.
Volunteer guides are also available if you want more in-depth knowledge—just contact them in advance.
*For groups of 10 or more
*If fewer than 20 people wish to visit on non-operating days, additional facility fees apply. Please see details here:
https://minokanko.com/news/news/p6710/
We are also featured in Gifu Prefecture’s booklet on sustainable tourism resources.
Sustainable Tourism, per the UNWTO definition, means 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.”
It’s an eco-friendly, community-focused form of travel—perfect for educational and training trips.
We invite you to Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, to immerse yourself in the rich history of Mino Washi, experience its tactile beauty, and explore a sustainable approach to travel.
Come visit us in Udatsu no Agaru Machinami—we look forward to welcoming you!
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Washi Korokoro “Monchhichi”
Hands-on Workshop
Available at “Ningyo no Ie” in Yokohama
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Our Washi Korokoro Monchhichi workshop
is also taking place at Yokohama “Ningyo no Ie.”
It’s mostly on weekends,
so check out the Instagram link below
and head over if you’re interested!
Japan Vogue: “Craft It Yourself with Beloved Characters”
https://www.instagram.com/character_nihonvogue/?hl=ja
Exhibition display (Photo courtesy of Nihon Vogue)
Exhibition venue (Photo courtesy of Nihon Vogue)
Upcoming event ▼
Date: January 24 (Fri) – January 30 (Thu), 2025
Time: 10:00–20:30 (until 18:00 on final day)
Venue: Tokyo Station Ichibangai Character Street “Ichiban Plaza”
Come make an adorable Washi Korokoro Monchhichi!
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December–January–February Instagram Contest
Hashtag:
#石川紙業コンテストwinter2025
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We are again hosting an Insta contest for December, January, and February.
Use the hashtag
#石川紙業コンテストwinter2025
We look forward to your posts!
*Note: We’ve updated the hashtag, so please be sure to use the correct one.
Not only creations made in our shop workshops,
but any kits purchased and assembled at home or elsewhere are also eligible for submission.
To purchase kits:
Rakuten Shop for Craft Kits
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Minowa’s Note [The Little Emperor at Home]
Recently, our family has welcomed a “little emperor” (age 2)
who stages quite a dramatic protest if we don’t grant his wishes.
He’s discovered that “crying” makes the adults scramble.
The moment we say “no,”
objects start flying,
our faces get slapped,
it’s like a movie brawl scene.
He’s tiny, but his size and power can’t be underestimated.
When he lands a face punch (mostly open-palmed),
it takes down our HP pretty quickly...
Still, the experts call it “the emergence of self-awareness,”
so it oddly feels kind of precious.
The real challenge is that no matter how much scolding or crying happens,
he still absolutely adores his mom.
Even if dad or grandma (“baba”) step in to give her a break,
the crying intensifies.
So dad and grandma are forced to retreat in the face of his nonstop wailing.
We have no idea how long this phase will last...
But despite all the chaos, we can’t help but think he’ll grow up to be someone big—
maybe that strong will is the mark of a future star!
So that’s how it is...
Cheers!
For inquiries related to our newsletter information, contact us here ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Experience Edo-period charm
with hands-on Mino Washi crafts
Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop
〒501-3728
1909-3 Honjyu-cho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Shop Manager: Minowa
Phone: 0575-29-3680
FAX: 0575-35-1363
Mobile (Minowa): 090-5851-4673
Email: shigyo@jt7.so-net.ne.jp
Website: http://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/
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[About Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo]
Founded in 1902 (Meiji 35), Ishikawa Shigyo is a Mino Washi maker.
Our Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop offers hands-on “Washi Crafts” by genuine artisans.
Located in the “Udatsu no Agaru Machinami,” a famous sightseeing spot in Mino City, Gifu,
it’s a 270-year-old historic building in the Preservation District where you can enjoy washi crafts.
Families love the Mino Washi workshop for their trips, and
it’s a popular group activity in Gifu tourism. Experience real Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Whether for families or group tours, it’s perfect to learn about Mino Washi’s history.
We also welcome couples, and it’s an excellent option for school trips and cultural exchange programs.
We offer Mino Washi crafts including our signature “Washi Korokoro” dolls,
plus washi earrings, pen holders, plates, bookmarks, and summer washi fans—
over 30 types of hands-on experiences. We also have historical figures, animals, and local motifs.
We’re a popular stop for inbound international visitors from 37 countries.
No reservation needed for individuals. Workshops take 30–60 minutes.
Our staff is here to help, and we have pre-made base materials, so no worries if you’re not crafty.
You can take your finished item home right away.
Groups of 10 or more, please make a reservation. We can host up to 45 people at once.
If more than 45 people, we’ll do multiple sessions. We can also open for groups outside normal hours.
We offer 600 unique Mino Washi souvenirs from our main brand Ishikawa Shigyo in-store,
so you can enjoy the workshop and shop for gifts at the same time.
Our Google Maps rating is 4.9 (466 reviews) as of 2024.07.09.
[Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo – TV Appearances]
Degawa Tetsuro no Juuden Sasete Moraemasenka? – Washi Doll Workshop in Mino, Gifu
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
Hanazakari Times – Washi Korokoro Doll Workshop with Haruka Minowa & Yuriyan Retriever
https://youtu.be/u9tJ1DURNic
NHK News – Washi Doll Craft Workshop!
https://youtu.be/OULbvsHaA8w
NHK Gifu “Hot Evening Gifu” – Mino Washi Dolls at Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/u1g85fl89KI
Chukyo TV “Catch!” – Fun Washi Workshops at Mino Washi Zakka Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/k9Kd993PUq8
CBC “Ippou” – Gifu Mino Tourism & Washi Craft at Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/qZ7_hOmaQ-8
Gifu Channel “Meccha Gifu Hunter” – Washi Korokoro Maneki-Neko with Kimono Dressing
https://youtu.be/xGpfUOAcmtM
CCN “Area Topic” – Washi Korokoro Gifu Bus Collaboration (Gifu Bus × Ishikawa Shigyo)
https://youtu.be/aowdKHSnze8
Mino Washi Crafts: A Parent-Child Experience
Gifu Traditional Crafts Workshop
Mino City Washi Souvenirs & Creation Methods
Gifu Tourism: Local Experiences & Tours
Make Your Own Washi Dolls: A Family Travel Highlight
Mino Washi Zakka Craft Experience
Washi Craft Workshop for Kids in Gifu
Group-Friendly Mino Washi Zakka Tour
Gifu Paper Craft Workshop for All Ages
Senior-Friendly Mino City Tour
Gifu Washi Culture Experience Booking
Washi Craft & Heritage Tour in Mino City
Mino Washi Craft Experience – A Japanese Cultural Journey
Gifu Family Activities – Top Tourist Spot
Mino Washi Travel Package & Tour
Welcoming Group Tours of up to 45 People – Perfect for School Trips and Social Studies!
Overseas Employees, Cultural Exchange & Social Study Plans – Up to 45 People!
Local Elementary Schools Enjoy Workshop & Heritage Learning
Foreign Visitors Welcome! Mino City Traditional Craft Experience – Japanese Culture & Washi Dolls
Overseas Group Tours – Memorable Japanese Cultural Experience
Up to 45 People Simultaneous Workshop – Group Reservations for Mino Washi
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