Japan Cultural Tours: Hands-On Mino Washi traditional Paper Craft Workshop—Perfect for Groups of Up to 45men.Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop Mino Gifu Japan 2024.01.31
2025.02.09For sightseeing in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, this is the place! Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
Newsletter Issue No. 233
In the “Udatsu no Agaru Historical Townscape,” the homeland of Mino Washi,
enjoy a hands-on Mino Washi accessory-making experience, perfect for souvenirs,
and stay updated on the latest news from the Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo.
Mino City Tourism Association Website
Recommended for solo travelers, couples, families, and group tours seeking a fun trip.
Groups of up to 45 people can enjoy a hands-on crafting experience at once.
Scenes from an international group tour
Our experience menu includes:
Washi Korokoro Washi Dolls
Washi Korokoro Zodiac Collection & Washi Korokoro Samurai Commander Series
Currently offered at a special price[Washi Korokoro Monchhichi] Hands-on Experience ¥1210
Washi Plates, Washi Pen Holders, Washi Bookmarks, Washi Earrings & Ear Clips
Over 30 varieties! We provide information such as business schedules.
Click on the links to view images.
Scenes from an international group tour
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Check out the shop’s latest news, menu details, and access information.
Here’s what the Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop is all about
Hands-on workshops! Mino Washi accessory souvenir sales!
▼Website▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Rakuten E-commerce Site▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Highly recommended for sightseeing in Mino City.
Shop Latest Information
NEW! Shop schedule for December, January, and February
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1465.html
We accept group reservations even outside of regular business days!
▼As seen on the TV show “Can I Charge My Battery?” with Tetsuro Degawa
Gifu Prefecture Mino City Washi Doll Crafting Experience at Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, featuring Kumada Yoko
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼NHK broadcast “Marutto! Gifu” – Mino Washi Uchiwa (fan) Crafting Experience
Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture Tourism, Udatsu no Agaru Townscape, Video
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Gifu Chan “Meccha Gifu Wakaru TV”▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼Mino Washi Village – Mino City, Gifu Prefecture: Get to know Mino City Tourism Association HP
The Tourism Association’s website “Experiences” → “Mino Washi” features our shop’s website!
https://www.minokanko.com/index.php
▼Our products were introduced in the “News Letter of Gifu, a Land of Clear Waters.”
(Press release by Gifu Prefecture Tourism Resource Utilization Division)
Our Washi Kabuto decorations are featured as “A New Take on Mino Washi.”
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
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2025 Summer Travel Plans
Learning about Mino Washi and the Nagara River Basin, a Japanese Heritage Site, on your new school trip
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Gifu Prefecture is in the center of Japan, making it a convenient midpoint for travelers from both eastern and western regions.
Mino City, situated around the heart of Gifu, is the birthplace of Mino Washi paper.
Its “Udatsu no Agaru Townscape” feels like stepping back in time to the Edo Period, brimming with authentic Japanese atmosphere.
In the midst of this historic setting lies our shop, where you can enjoy creating accessories using Mino Washi, a traditional craft boasting over 1,600 years of history.
Experience firsthand the flexibility and beauty of Mino Washi—discover why it’s so beloved in Japan!
Just a short trip away is the Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan (Mino Washi Museum), where you can try traditional paper-making and learn about the rich history and production process of Mino Washi. Perfect for educational trips and social studies excursions, it offers immersive insight into this treasured craft.
Mino Washi has been recognized as part of Japan’s cultural heritage due to the longstanding traditions nurtured along the Nagara River Basin, earning it the honor of being designated a “Japanese Heritage.”
Around the “Udatsu no Agaru Townscape,” where merchants once traded Mino Washi, you’ll also find Edo-period townhouses, as well as modern washi art like the Mino Washi Akari Art installations blending tradition and innovation—ideal for travelers seeking unique Japanese craft and art tours.
▼Explore the history and culture of traditional Japanese townhouses
Former Imai Family Residence / Mino Historical Museum
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5974/
▼Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of washi art
Akari Art Hall
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5976/
When exploring this hidden gem of Gifu tourism, be sure to download the map from the Mino City Tourism Association website (https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/) for easy navigation.
Volunteer guides are also available—contact them in advance if you want a deeper insight into Mino’s history. (For groups of 10 or more.)
If you have fewer than 20 people but would like to visit on a non-business day, an additional facility fee applies. For details, see below:
https://minokanko.com/news/news/p6710/
Our shop is also listed in the Gifu Prefecture Sustainable Tourism guidebook. “Sustainable Tourism,” as defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), means tourism that addresses the needs of visitors, industries, the environment, and host communities—both now and for the future—making it ideal for educational or corporate learning trips.
Come to Mino City in Gifu Prefecture and dive into the history of Mino Washi. Experience the exquisite texture and beauty of authentic Japanese paper in a sustainable, culturally rich journey. We look forward to welcoming you to Udatsu no Agaru Townscape!
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Planning local group trips or events for the new year? Consider a day trip to Mino City.
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We often receive inquiries from public community groups in Gifu Prefecture interested in Mino City for a day-trip destination.
Mino City is indeed accessible for day trips from various parts of Gifu.
Once you finish your washi craft experience at our shop in the Udatsu no Agaru Townscape, you can enjoy the historical streets and other local attractions.
For instance, you could visit a sake brewery designated as an Important Cultural Property, or the Mino History Museum (former washi wholesale store), and even explore washi light art exhibits—there is so much to see!
Surrounded by mountains, the area is especially scenic in the fresh greenery of spring.
For more details, please check the Mino City Tourism Association site:
We’re also seeing more visitors from Europe these days, making Mino City a rising international travel spot. Checking our records, we’ve now welcomed guests and tour groups from 38 countries.
North & South America: USA, Brazil, Canada
Asia: Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, Timor-Leste, 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 also cater to cultural exchange programs for international students and social studies tours for overseas workers▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
Many companies also include us in their corporate tours. Groups of up to 45 can craft at one time.
For group inquiries, please see below▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
The Mino Washi Promotion Section of Mino City Hall is conducting surveys to gather information from inbound visitors to enhance Mino City’s appeal for international travelers. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Our hometown Mino City, the heart of Mino Washi
Latest Mino City News
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Historic sake brewery since the Edo Period
A National Important Cultural Property
Osaka Family Residence
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Osaka Family Residence
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5977/
Built in the early An’ei era (1772–1781), this sake brewery features a distinctive Mukuri roof design and omits the typical oni-gawara demon tiles on its udatsu, making it a rare example of upper-style architecture. It was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1979.
In February, fresh batches of new sake are available!
Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Access:
• 10 minutes on foot from Mino-shi Station on the Nagaragawa Railway
• 1 minute on foot from the “Udatsu no Machinami-dori” stop on the Gifu Bus (Gifu–Mino line)
• About 5 minutes from Mino IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway via Route 156
Parking available at the Kanko Fureai Hiroba (Tourism Interaction Plaza).
Tel: 0575-33-0682
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Golden Week
Event Planning Idea
Washi Korokoro Koinobori Crafting Experience
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Golden Week in Japan means “Children’s Day” and a slew of exciting events. Add a unique twist to your celebration by offering a “Washi Korokoro Koinobori” crafting experience!
It’s easy to set up—just tables, chairs, glue, and scissors! If you don’t have tools, Ishikawa Shigyo can lend you everything, from scissors to glue.
≪Tool Rental Set≫
10-person set: ¥5,000 (+tax)
Includes:
• 10 tweezers
• 5 glue containers (for every 2 people)
• 5 scissors (for every 2 people)
• 1 file with example craft works
We offer about 30 different DIY kits in addition to the “Washi Korokoro Koinobori.” Feel free to inquire for more information!
Decorate your crafts to boost the fun factor! We recommend using cute washi cutouts or shaped paper for embellishment.
≪Recommended Materials Set≫
Pre-cut decorative paper / Cutout set (10g): ¥1,000
• Enough for about 10 people
• Comes with a little extra bonus!
• Use the patterned paper to punch out shapes for adorable finishing touches.
Turn your trip into a memorable “experience purchase”: Participants can take their handmade crafts home immediately, making a perfect souvenir and an unforgettable day out.
Our Washi Korokoro series is available year-round, with monthly variations to suit seasonal and festive occasions—an excellent option for event planners looking for interactive cultural experiences throughout the year.
Popular lineups by month include:
• January: New Year’s zodiac animals, Setsubun (including new “Red Oni”)
• February: Hina Dolls, Valentine’s Day “Korokoro Message”
• March: Easter, rabbits
• April: Festival season with shishimai (lion dance) motifs
• May: Samurai dolls, Koinobori (carp streamers)
• June: Rainy season, frogs, goldfish
• July: Tanabata
• August: Goldfish
• September: Adorable animals like rabbits, owls
• October: Halloween
• November: Zodiac figures for the next year, Daruma, Maneki-neko
• December: Christmas themes, next year’s zodiac, etc.
We also offer year-round “Good Luck” and “Historical Figures” (samurai and princess) options. Because we can tailor workshops for every season, your repeat visitors can always find something new, boosting event popularity.
Interested? Start with “Washi Korokoro Koinobori” or plan a whole year of washi events. Contact us to learn more and elevate your Golden Week with a hands-on washi crafting workshop!
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Price Update
Starting January 2025
for Our Experience Menu
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Beginning January 2025, the following price adjustments will take effect for our craft workshops:
Washi Korokoro Craft Experience
¥1,100 → ¥1,210
Washi Korokoro Koinobori Crafting Experience
¥1,210 → ¥1,320
Washi Korokoro Samurai Commander Series
¥1,210 → ¥1,320
Washi Plate Craft Experience
¥990 → ¥1,100
Washi Pen Holder Craft Experience
¥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 Craft Experience
¥770 (No change)
Washi Earrings & Ear Clips Craft Experience
¥1,320 (No change)
Reservations made before the end of this year will be honored at the current price. We look forward to your bookings!
▼Washi Korokoro Difficulty Levels
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/87/287_1_file.png
▼Washi Korokoro Zodiac and Samurai Commander Series
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/88/288_1_file.jpg
▼Washi Plates, Pen Holders, Bookmarks, Earrings & Ear Clips
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/89/289_1_file.jpg
▼Great Value Family Sets
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/90/290_1_file.jpg
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Stamp Rally
Doll Festival Event in Udatsu no Agaru Townscape
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Hina Doll Displays in Udatsu Townhouses
Event Period
Feb 8, 2025 (Sun) – Apr 3, 2025 (Wed)
Our shop now features the adorable 2025 new Hina dolls by Ishikawa Shigyo. Foreign visitors often show great interest in these Hina dolls and sometimes purchase compact sets as souvenirs.
During the “Udatsu Townhouse Hina Doll Festival,” traditional dolls from various eras are displayed throughout the town. You can even see magnificent seven-tiered Hina doll sets rarely found nowadays.
A stamp rally will be held as part of the event—our shop is participating! Collect stamps by shopping at participating stores, then head to the prize draw for a chance at winning fantastic gifts.
You can also craft your own Hina dolls here: the Washi Korokoro Hina Doll. With an optional add-on for extra decorations, you can make them in the shape of any character—animals like rabbits, cats, or frogs can be turned into unique Hina dolls!
Groups can also enjoy our Hina doll workshop. Generally, the session takes one hour, but we recommend allotting an extra 30 minutes if you’d like to create Hina dolls. The fee is ¥2,420 per person—perfect for a ladies’ group tour!
You can also purchase our Hina dolls here:
Rakuten Store
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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December–February Instagram Contest
Hashtag: #石川紙業コンテストwinter2025
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Our Instagram contest continues in December, January, and February!
The hashtag is #石川紙業コンテストwinter2025. We look forward to your posts!
*Please note, the hashtag has been updated from earlier information.
Not only creations made in our in-store workshop, but also items made with our kits at home can be posted!
▼Purchase kits here:
Rakuten Kit Shop
https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/%E6%89%8B%E4%BD%9C%E3%82%8A%E3%82%AD%E3%83%83%E3%83%88/?sid=391090
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Ishikawa Shigyo HQ Info
Latest Issue of “Suisei Newsletter” – February Edition
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Ishikawa Shigyo’s Monthly Bulletin
Check out the newest “Suisei Newsletter” for February here▼
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/magazine/01/69/169_1_file.pdf
Topics:
●Now accepting orders for 2025 Hina dolls & Samurai dolls with special offers!
●New product info: Kogei Shikishi (craft shikishi) now in small size! Sample offer included!
●Price-revised products: Kaleidoscopes, Kendama
●Spring recommendations for traditional Japanese stationery
●Includes our Kogei Shikishi catalog
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Minowa’s Musings [Setsubun]
Our Family’s Setsubun Tradition
We do bean throwing (mamemaki) with chants of “Fuku wa uchi” (Good fortune in!) through every room, followed by “Oni wa soto” (Demons out!) toward the outside.
On Setsubun day, we hang a sprig of holly with a sardine head, an oni (demon) face, and a slip of paper reading “December,” believing the fish smell and sharp holly leaves ward off evil year-round. The sardine head often goes missing before long… perhaps a cat’s doing!
As for the meal, we used to cook rice mixed with soybeans to symbolize our wish for a healthy, “mame” (hardy) life, accompanied by grilled sardines—minus the head!
Nowadays, we often opt for whole Ehomaki sushi rolls, eaten in total silence so as not to “chase away good fortune.” Our chatty third-grader finds it very difficult to stay quiet!
This weekend is Setsubun, and our grandchildren will make a big fuss throwing beans with their grandpa, then quietly gobble their Ehomaki—if they can hold their tongues!
For inquiries about anything in this newsletter, click here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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[About Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo]
Founded in 1902 (Meiji 35), Ishikawa Shigyo is a manufacturer of Mino Washi accessories.
Our “Hands-on Washi Crafts” can be enjoyed at the Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop, located in the picturesque “Udatsu no Agaru Townscape” of Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, a traditional preservation district dating back 270 years.
Visitors can create Mino Washi crafts—perfect for family trips, group tours, or couples seeking an authentic Japanese cultural experience in Gifu. This activity has also become a popular choice for overseas tourists (inbound) from over 37 countries.
We offer around 30 different craft options, including “Washi Korokoro” dolls of animals, historical figures, local buses, and more, plus washi uchiwa fans in summer. The workshop is open to walk-ins (30–60 min. per session), and finished crafts can be taken home right away.
Groups of 10 or more should make a reservation. We can accommodate up to 45 people at once, and larger groups can be split into multiple sessions. If you request a time outside normal business hours, we can still arrange a reservation with advance notice.
Our shop also sells about 600 types of Mino Washi accessories, all handcrafted by Ishikawa Shigyo, making it a prime spot for unique souvenirs. As of July 9, 2024, we have 466 Google Map reviews with a rating of 4.9.
[TV Coverage of Mino Washi Accessory Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo]
Tetsuro Degawa’s “Can I Charge My Battery?” – Mino City, Gifu Prefecture: Washi Doll Craft
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
NHK “Marutto! Gifu” – Mino Washi Uchiwa Crafting Experience
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
“Matsuken Sanpo” – Washi Plate Craft Experience
https://youtu.be/0Xj95TBhXoU
“Hanasaka Times” – Washi Korokoro Dolls with Haruka Minowa and Yuriyan Retriever
https://youtu.be/u9tJ1DURNic
NHK News – Making Washi Dolls!
https://youtu.be/OULbvsHaA8w
NHK Gifu – Mino Washi Dolls, Ishikawa Shigyo on “Hot Evening Gifu”
https://youtu.be/u1g85fl89KI
Chukyo TV “Catch!” – Fun Washi Craft Experience at Mino Washi Accessory Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/k9Kd993PUq8
CBC “Ippou” – Gifu Prefecture, Mino City Sightseeing & Mino Washi Experience at Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/qZ7_hOmaQ-8
Gifu Channel “Mecha Gifu Hunter” – Washi Korokoro Lucky Cat, Kimono Dressing
https://youtu.be/xGpfUOAcmtM
CCN “Area Topic” – Washi Korokoro Gifu Bus Collaboration
https://youtu.be/aowdKHSnze8
Mino Washi Crafts: Perfect for Families, Study Abroad Students, and Group Tours
Experience an authentic piece of Japanese cultural heritage in Gifu!
Create your own Mino Washi souvenir and learn the craft’s 1,600-year history.
Ideal for large groups—up to 45 participants at once! Perfect for school trips, senior tours, and corporate retreats.
We welcome international travelers, with visitors from 38 countries so far!
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