Experience Mino Washi Art: DIY Kits, Traditional Paper Crafts, Making Traditional Paper Your own dolls to Authentic Japanese Art Experiences for All Ages Mino Gifu Japan 2025.02.10
2025.02.12If you’re visiting Gifu Prefecture’s Mino City for sightseeing, this is the place to be! Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo
Newsletter No. 234
In the historic “Udatsu no Agaru Townscape,” renowned for its Mino Washi production,
enjoy hands-on Mino Washi craft experiences and shop for recommended souvenirs,
plus the latest updates from Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo.
Mino City Tourism Association Website
We warmly welcome solo travelers, couples, families, and group tours—perfect for a fun trip.
Snap a photo of your finished work at our photo spot!
Groups of up to 45 people can do a workshop at once.
Scene from an overseas group tour
Our available craft programs include:
Washi Korokoro Paper Dolls
Washi Korokoro Zodiac Series & Samurai Series
Currently offered at a special rate [Washi Korokoro Monchhichi] Hands-on workshop ¥1210
Washi Plate, Washi Pen Holder, Washi Bookmark, Washi Earrings/Pierced Earrings
We have over 30 different activities! We post our operating schedule and news regularly.
Click the links to see images.
Scene from an overseas group tour
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Check our shop’s latest news, workshop details, access information, and more.
Introduction to Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop
Hands-on experience plus Mino Washi souvenir shopping!
▼Website▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Rakuten E-Commerce▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Perfect for sightseeing in Mino City.
Latest shop news
NEW! Shop schedule for December, January, and February
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1465.html
We can accept group reservations even on closed days!
▼Aired on “Tetsuro Degawa’s Can I Charge Here?”
Gifu Prefecture Mino City Washi Doll Workshop at Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo Video Featuring Kumada Yoko
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼NHK broadcast “Marutto! Gifu” featuring Mino Washi Uchiwa Workshop
Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo, Mino City Gifu, sightseeing at Udatsu no Agaru Townscape, video
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Gifu Channel “Meccha Gifu Wakaru TV”▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼Home of Mino Washi: Discover Gifu Prefecture’s Mino City on the Mino City Tourism Association Website
Our shop is featured under “Experiences” → “Mino Washi” on the tourism site!
https://minokanko.com/index.php
▼Our products were introduced in the “Clear Stream Gifu News Letter”♪
(A press release from the Gifu Prefecture Tourism Resource Utilization Division)
They featured our washi kabuto decorations as a “New Form of Mino Washi.”
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
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Make memories on a company trip
Mino Washi & Japanese paper craft-making
Recommended hands-on experience
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Last weekend, someone contacted us about a tentative reservation for a company trip.
There are 90 participants, quite a large group.
Our hands-on workshop can accommodate up to 45 people at once,
so in this case, we would use two sessions.
Our shop is located in the Udatsu no Agaru Townscape, a prime sightseeing area in Mino City,
so half of the group can stroll around the historic district, visiting such cultural properties as the Imai Residence, the Kosaka Sake Brewery, and the Akari Art Hall while the other half completes the workshop at our store—
a perfect plan to fully enjoy Mino City.
Each group’s workshop lasts about 40–60 minutes before rotating.
During that time, guests can leisurely explore Mino City, shop around, and enjoy the Mino Washi craft workshop. We believe this will be a very satisfying experience.
Depending on the season, visitors can also savor local sweetfish (ayu) from the nearby Nagara River.
The “Udatsu no Agaru Townscape” is steeped in history, evoking the Edo Period atmosphere.
Here in our shop, you can enjoy crafting with authentic “Mino Washi,”
which boasts a 1,600-year heritage as a prized traditional Japanese paper.
Why not experience the beauty and flexibility of Mino Washi with your own hands?
Additionally, if you visit the Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan, you can try actual papermaking.
They have extensive exhibits on the history and production of Mino Washi,
making it ideal for educational trips and field studies.
By trying your hand at papermaking, you can truly appreciate the depth of traditional crafts.
This Mino Washi is officially recognized as a “Japan Heritage” asset,
due to the historical significance of the Nagara River region.
The Udatsu no Agaru Townscape, where Mino Washi was historically traded,
features old Edo-style townhouses,
as well as modern Mino Washi art forms known as “Mino Washi Akari Art.”
Strolling around town, you’ll encounter a unique blend of tradition and modern art.
▼Experience the history and culture of old townhouses
Former Imai Residence / Mino Historical Records Museum
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5974/
▼Enjoy enchanting washi art
Akari Art Hall
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5976/
When walking around town,
the map you can download from the Mino City Tourism Association site (https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/) is very convenient.
They also have volunteer guides, so if you want in-depth knowledge, please inquire in advance.
*Available for groups of 10 or more.
*If you have a group of fewer than 20 and want a day we’re usually closed, a separate facility fee applies. Please see details below.
https://minokanko.com/news/news/p6710/
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Time to plan your summer vacation
Perfect for summer event tours
Beat the heat indoors with a Mino Washi craft workshop
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We can expect this summer to be another scorcher!
Why not enjoy a hands-on craft experience in a cool indoor setting?
Your handmade craft can double as a summer vacation project!
We offer over 30 different DIY kits,
and if you need help customizing a character you love,
just ask our staff for assistance.
They’ll give you friendly advice.
Mino City, with the Nagara River flowing through it,
is also famous for water activities.
For more details, visit the Mino City Tourism Association website.
We’re also getting more inquiries from overseas.
We have kits that are simple enough for international visitors.
Please contact us for details.
We’ve noted the countries of origin for customers who visit,
and so far we’ve welcomed guests from 38 countries (both individual travelers and groups).
North & South America
USA, Brazil, Canada
Asia
Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, 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
▼For cultural exchange with international students or social visits for overseas residents▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
We also host company trips.
Up to 45 people can do the workshop at once.
For group inquiries, contact us below▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
Mino City Hall’s Mino Washi Promotion Section
is currently conducting a survey on inbound tourism.
They’ve already received many questionnaires from various countries.
We’re collecting overseas visitor info
to make Mino City tourism even more appealing!
Stay tuned!
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Our home: Mino City, land of Mino Washi
Gifu Prefecture, Mino City news
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Townscape Gallery
Yamada Residence
Also displaying Washi Collage (Chigiri-e)
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Yamada Residence
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5978/
The Yamada family used to be town doctors. The old gate and massive main pillars exude an aura of having stood through centuries. The ceramic firewater tank is also quite rare. It’s now open to the public as a gallery, showcasing exhibits such as “Washi Chigiri-e.”
Business Hours
Open only in even-numbered months
April–September 9:00–16:30
October–March 9:00–16:00
Access
10-minute walk from Nagaragawa Railway Mino-shi Station
1-minute walk from Gifu Bus Gifu–Mino Line, “Udatsu no Machinami-dori” stop
About 5 minutes from Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway Mino IC via Route 156
Admission: Free
Parking: Use the Kanko Fureai Hiroba lot
Phone: +81-575-33-1122 (Mino City Hall, Mino Washi Promotion Section)
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Golden Week
Event Planning
Make a Washi Korokoro Carp Streamer
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When we think of Golden Week in Japan, we think of “Children’s Day.”
It’s a season filled with exciting events!
For a fun workshop during this period,
how about creating a “Washi Korokoro Koinobori (Carp Streamer)”?
It’s easy to get started anywhere!
All you need is a table, chairs, glue, and scissors—then you can start the workshop right away. No tools? No worries! Ishikawa-Shigyo can lend you everything, including glue and scissors.
≪Tool Rental Set≫
For 10 people (1 set): ¥5,000 (+tax)
Set includes:
o 10 tweezers
o 5 glue dispensers (1 for every 2 participants)
o 5 scissors (1 for every 2 participants)
o 1 file folder for finished samples
Aside from the “Washi Korokoro Koinobori,” we have around 30 other kits available. Feel free to contact us anytime.
Use decorations to boost the workshop atmosphere
For finishing touches, we recommend using adorable cutouts or patterned papers.
≪Recommended Materials Set≫
Die-cut & cut-paper set (10g): ¥1,000
o Enough for about 10 participants, including various decorative papers
o A small bonus is included—great value!
o Beautiful patterned papers can be cut out or used as stencils for a charming finish.
Get both the enjoyment of an experiential “activity” plus a souvenir feel!
You can take your finished craft home right away, making it a great trip memento or event souvenir. Just like buying a local souvenir, you’re buying a “hands-on activity”—a unique memory for the day.
The “Washi Korokoro Series” for year-round fun
We have a line of crafts suited to monthly events and seasonal festivities all year long—one of the series’ biggest appeals for workshop organizers!
January: Chinese zodiac, Setsubun (including newly released “Red Oni”)
February: Hina dolls, Valentine’s Day with korokoro messages
March: Easter, rabbits
April: Festival season items like shishimai (lion dancer)
May: Boys’ Day dolls, Samurai warrior series, carp streamers
June: Rainy season, frogs & goldfish
July: Tanabata (Star Festival)
August: Goldfish
September: Adorable animals like rabbits, owls
October: Halloween
November: Zodiac animals, Daruma, Maneki-neko
December: Christmas, next zodiac sign, etc.
Additionally, our “Good Luck” series and “Historical (Samurai, Princess)” series are popular year-round. Since we can tailor crafts for every season and theme, you’ll see frequent repeat customers. It’s perfect for boosting any event.
Contact us to get started!
Try starting with the “Washi Korokoro Koinobori,” or stock up on multiple seasonal kits to plan ahead. Interested parties, please reach out.
This Golden Week, why not host a unique event with a hands-on craft workshop?
The warmth of washi and colorful decorations will create memorable experiences for all participants.
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We’ll revise our workshop prices
from January 2025
New pricing notice
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Starting January 2025, we will adjust the prices
for the following experience menus.
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 Earrings/Pierced Earrings Workshop
¥1,320 no change
We will honor the old prices for reservations made this year.
We look forward to your bookings!
Washi Korokoro difficulty-level menu
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/Pierced Earrings Menu
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/89/289_1_file.jpg
Family Value Sets
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/90/290_1_file.jpg
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We’re holding a stamp rally
Hina Doll events have begun
in Udatsu no Agaru Townscape!
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＼＼ “Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” is now underway! ／／
This year’s “Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” is in full swing♪
Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama
Event period: February 8 (Sun) – April 3 (Wed), 2025
We’re also showcasing our brand-new 2025 Hina dolls by Ishikawa-Shigyo in a cute display.
Many overseas guests show great interest in “Ohinasama,”
and they often take home compact Hina sets as souvenirs.
Stroll the streets and try the stamp rally!
Throughout the Udatsu no Agaru Townscape, you’ll see various Hina dolls from different eras on display. There’s plenty to see!
You might even spot a grand seven-tiered Hina set, which is rarely seen nowadays.
They’re also hosting a simultaneous stamp rally!
When you shop at participating stores (including ours), you’ll receive a stamp.
Collect stamps from various shops and join the Garapon lottery,
where you can win great prizes♪ Have fun exploring!
(Hosted by Mino City Tourism Association)
Make your own round Hina dolls!
We currently offer a workshop to make round, adorable Hina dolls!
If you’d like to add extra decorative touches,
you can transform them into rabbits, cats, frogs—whatever character you prefer.
A unique animal Hina doll would be a fun keepsake.
Groups can also participate!
Typically it takes about an hour, but with an extra 30 minutes, you can complete your Hina dolls.
Fee: ¥2,420 per person (tax included)
We welcome women’s groups, friends, and more—come and join!
You can also purchase Ishikawa-Shigyo Hina dolls
Available in-store or online.
See the link below for more info!
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
Discover treasured historic Hina dolls or craft your own original one—
the “Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” event is full of charm. Come explore!
We look forward to your visit and workshop participation♪
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December–January–February Instagram Contest
The keyword is
#IshikawaShigyoContestwinter2025
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Our Instagram contest continues into December, January, and February.
The keyword is
#IshikawaShigyoContestwinter2025!
We look forward to your submissions!
*Please note the keyword was slightly changed from earlier info.
Be careful to use the correct tag.
Not just projects made in our workshop—
You can also submit pieces you made at home
with our kits you purchased.
If you need any kits...
Rakuten Kit Sales
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 Head Office News
Latest “Iki Iki Newsletter” February Issue
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Our Monthly Ishikawa-Shigyo Magazine
The latest edition “Iki Iki Newsletter February Issue” is ready.
View it here▼
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/magazine/01/69/169_1_file.pdf
Topics
●Accepting orders for 2025 Hina dolls and Boys’ Day dolls—special offers continue!
●New Product News
A new small-size version of our “craft shikishi” is out!
Sample bonus available!
●Repriced items
Kaleidoscope, Kendama
●Spring Recommendations for Japanese Stationery
●Includes our craft shikishi catalog
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Minowa’s Note [Snowfall 40 cm!]
Last week, it snowed a lot.
In Mino City, it kept snowing overnight, reaching 40 cm by morning!
It was the heaviest snowfall we’ve had in years.
My usual 25-minute commute took over an hour.
And upon arrival, I had to shovel snow in the parking lot first thing.
Repeating that daily,
it’s been quite a physically demanding week.
Come weekend, I was shoveling around my house and playing in the snow with my grandkids.
So I started the new week with aches all over.
That’s it...
For inquiries regarding this newsletter, feel free to contact us here▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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[Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo: Company Overview]
Founded in 1902 (Meiji 35), we are a Mino Washi craft manufacturer,
allowing you to enjoy “handiwork from a washi paper maker” at our Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo, part of the head office Ishikawa-Shigyo.
We are located in the “Udatsu no Agaru Townscape,” a famous sightseeing spot in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture.
Inside a 270-year-old historic building in a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, you can enjoy washi craft workshops.
Our Mino Washi handcraft workshop is popular for family trips,
and as a must-do cultural experience in Gifu for group tours exploring Mino City.
As a unique travel program, we welcome families and groups to experience washi crafts and learn about Mino Washi’s history.
It’s also chosen by couples looking for an immersive washi workshop experience.
You can create “Washi Korokoro” roly-poly paper dolls,
washi earrings, pen holders, plates, bookmarks, or washi uchiwa fans in summer—
we have over 30 different crafts. You can also make washi dolls of animals, historical figures from Sekigahara,
Gifu Bus, and Nagaragawa Railway in our workshop.
This Mino Washi craft experience is very popular for inbound travelers,
drawing guests from 37 countries on inbound tours.
No reservation needed—just walk in. It takes about 30–60 minutes.
Even if you aren’t confident in your crafting skills, our staff and materials make it easy to create something wonderful.
You can take your completed item home right away.
For groups of 10 or more, please make a reservation.
Up to 45 people can do the workshop at one time.
If you have more than 45, we’ll rotate the groups. We can also accept group bookings outside normal hours.
Along with hands-on Mino Washi experiences, we offer around 600 original Mino Washi souvenirs by Ishikawa-Shigyo, which is also very popular.
Our Google Map reviews are 4.9 (466 reviews) as of July 9, 2024.
[Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo TV Broadcast Videos]
Tetsuro Degawa’s “Can I Charge Here?” Gifu Prefecture Mino City Washi Doll Workshop
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
NHK “Marutto! Gifu” – Mino Washi Uchiwa Workshop
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Matsuken Sanpo – Washi Plate Workshop
https://youtu.be/0Xj95TBhXoU
“Hanasaka Times” – Washi Korokoro Doll Workshop featuring Haruka Minowa and Yuriyan Retriever
https://youtu.be/u9tJ1DURNic
NHK News – Mino Washi Doll Workshop!
https://youtu.be/OULbvsHaA8w
NHK Gifu “Hot Evening Gifu” – Mino Washi Doll Workshop at Ishikawa-Shigyo
https://youtu.be/u1g85fl89KI
Chukyo TV “Catch!” – Enjoyable Hands-on Experience at Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa-Shigyo
https://youtu.be/k9Kd993PUq8
CBC “Ippou” – Gifu Mino City Sightseeing, Mino Washi Workshop at Ishikawa-Shigyo
https://youtu.be/qZ7_hOmaQ-8
Gifu Channel “Mecha Gifu Hunter” – Making Washi Korokoro Maneki-neko, Kimono Dressing
https://youtu.be/xGpfUOAcmtM
CCN Area Topic – Washi Korokoro Gifu Bus (Gifu Bus × Ishikawa-Shigyo) Workshop
https://youtu.be/aowdKHSnze8
Mino Washi Crafts, Perfect for Families
Gifu Traditional Craft Hands-on Experience
Mino City Washi Souvenirs – How It’s Made
Gifu Sightseeing – Local Experience Tours
Make Your Own Washi Doll – Great for Family Travel
Mino Washi Crafts Workshop
Washi Craft Classes for Kids in Gifu
Group-Friendly Mino Washi Craft Tour
Gifu Handcrafted Paper Workshop Experience
Ideal for Senior Travelers – Mino City Tour
Gifu Washi Goods Cultural Experience – Booking Available
Washi Arts in Mino City – Sightseeing Plan
Mino Washi Crafts – Japanese Cultural Tour
Gifu Family-Friendly Attraction & Experience
Mino Washi Travel Package & Tours
Groups Welcome! Up to 45 People for Educational Trips & Field Studies!
Overseas workers’ social field trip with Washi cultural exchange – group travel plan for up to 45 participants
Local elementary schools enjoy a paper craft workshop – sharing local cultural heritage & learning history
Welcoming foreign visitors – Mino City Traditional Craft Workshop – Japanese Cultural Experience – Mino Washi Dolls
Overseas group tours – memorable Japanese cultural experiences
Up to 45 participants at once, group booking Mino Washi workshop
Recommended for school trips or social studies: Ishikawa-Shigyo’s Mino Washi craft workshop, accommodating up to 45 at once
Group tours welcome! Popular for company trips: Mino Washi hands-on experience
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