Mino Gifu Japan Recommended Local Specialty Gifts for travel: Create Your Own Mino Washi Paper dolls and Explore Traditional Japanese Crafts Masterpiece.Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop 2025.02.21
2025.02.28This is the must-see spot for sightseeing in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture! Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
Newsletter No. 236
In the “Udatsu no Agaru Machinami” district, birthplace of Mino Washi,
where you can enjoy hands-on Mino Washi crafts and shop for great souvenirs,
here’s the latest information from the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo.
From the Mino City Tourism Association website
Great for solo travelers, couples, families, and large group tours—an ideal trip plan for those wishing to explore authentic Japan.
Inbound Group Scene
We can accommodate craft experiences for groups up to 45 people at once.
Scene from an overseas group tour
Our available activities include:
Washi Korokoro Washi Dolls
Washi Korokoro Zodiac Animals & Washi Korokoro Samurai Series
Now on special offer [Washi Korokoro Monchhichi] Handicraft Experience ¥1210
Washi Plates, Washi Pen Holders, Washi Bookmarks, Washi Earrings/Piercings
Over 30 different types! We share news about opening schedules and more.
Click the links to see the images.
Customer Creations
We have a special “photo corner” where you can snap pictures of your finished item.
Display your piece with a folding screen and a stand for a more refined look!!
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You can check our shop’s latest updates, activity menus, and access info.
Get to know our Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop
Hands-on sessions & Mino Washi souvenir sales!
▼HP▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Rakuten Online▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
Highly recommended for exploring Mino City.
Our Latest Shop News
NEW! Shop’s March, April, May Opening Schedule
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/24/324_1_file.pdf
We also accept group reservations on non-business days!
▼Broadcast: “Tetsuro Degawa’s Charger, May I?”
Featuring Gifu Prefecture’s Mino City Washi Doll Craft Experience at Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, with Kumada Youko
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼NHK “Marutto! Gifu” Mino Washi Uchiwa Fan Craft Experience
Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo in Mino City, Gifu – Tourism in Udatsu no Agaru Machinami
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Gifu Channel’s “Meccha Gifu Wakaru TV”▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼About Mino City, birthplace of Mino Washi – Mino City Tourism Association website
They feature our shop under “Experiences” → “Mino Washi” on the Tourism Association website!
https://minokanko.com/index.php
▼Our product was introduced in the “Seiryu no Kuni Gifu News Letter”!
(Press release from Gifu Prefecture Tourism Resource Utilization Dept.)
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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Our Experience Shop Schedule
March / April / May
Our shop will feature May Doll displays starting in March.
Highly recommended Golden Week activities
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Have you made your plans for spring break and Golden Week yet?
We’ve updated our March, April, May schedule for the Experience Shop
on our website.
Perfect for spring break or Golden Week trip planning!
Our Washi Korokoro Koinobori (carp streamers) and Kabuto craft experiences are very popular!
Around Golden Week, the Washi Uchiwa fan-making activity is also extremely popular!
Washi Uchiwa experiences resume in March.
We look forward to many reservations and visits again this year.
Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
▼Our March, April, May Shop Schedule
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/03/24/324_1_file.pdf
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Tiny Visitors from Overseas
Even little children can have fun
making Washi Korokoro Zodiac Snake
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Today, we welcomed visitors from Taiwan with a 1-year-old and 2-year-old. Even corporate groups from the Chinese-speaking market often include small children, so we’re pleased to accommodate them.
They were well-behaved, and the 1-year-old quietly watched the parents during the session, occasionally rolling the doll. He was smiling happily each time it moved.
The 2-year-old worked with Mom to attach parts to the roly-poly doll and seemed to really enjoy the process.
He was very bright; when his mom taught him Japanese phrases like “kawaii” and “arigato,” he copied them perfectly. Then he tried speaking in Taiwanese to me, but I couldn’t respond, which I felt bad about.
This week, we’ve had about 30 new Google Map reviews, which is amazing! Many customers have uploaded images of their creations. Please have a look if you can!
We’ve been getting more and more overseas reservations. We have easy craft kits suitable for international visitors, offering a fun and simple hands-on experience. This is a perfect inbound tourism activity if you’re planning a group trip from a Chinese-speaking region or overseas.
So far, we’ve welcomed guests (individuals and 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
▼Cultural exchange for international students, social study visits for overseas workers▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
We also welcome company trips.
Up to 45 participants can do the experience simultaneously.
For group inquiries, please contact us at ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
At Mino City Hall, in the Mino Washi Promotion Division, they’re currently conducting surveys on inbound travelers. It seems they’ve received questionnaires from various countries.
They’re collecting visitor data to make Mino City even more appealing to international tourists. Please look forward to further developments!
Our hometown, birthplace of Mino Washi
Gifu Prefecture, Mino City, News
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A Scenic Photo Spot
Kozuchi Port (Kawaminato Lighthouse)
“Kamizuchi Minato” (River Port Lighthouse)
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Kamizuchi Minato (River Port Lighthouse)
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/nature-scenery/p5980/
Until the late Meiji period, Mino Town was called “Kozuchi.” After the Battle of Sekigahara, Kanamori Nagachika received this area from Tokugawa Ieyasu, and he developed “Kamizuchi Minato” along the Nagara River as a vital shipping hub to boost economic growth. From the Edo period to the late Meiji era, it thrived as a center of distribution and transportation. The stone steps leading down to the docks, Sumiyoshi Shrine (enshrined for the safety of boats), and stone lanterns still preserve traces of those days.
What is Kawaminato Lighthouse and the Former Kozuchi River Port?
*This is a multilingual reference compiled by the Japan Tourism Agency.
Address: 1571-3 Mino City
Access:
About a 15-minute walk from the Nagaragawa Railway “Umeyama Station.”
From the Gifu Bus Gifu–Mino line: alight at “Ogura Koen-mae,” then an 8-minute walk.
Approx. 10 minutes from Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway Mino IC.
Parking: Please use municipal parking lots.
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This year, why not plan a new type of hands-on study tour program?
Mino Washi Craft Experience
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Hands-on study trips have been growing in popularity recently.
In this region, you can do papermaking experiences, boat rides on the river, and more. Our shop offers a local industry highlight with Mino Washi crafts, perfect for group travel from Chinese-speaking regions or any inbound travel agency looking for an authentic cultural program.
Our top choice is the “Washi Korokoro” roly-poly doll, with about 30 variations. We also have Washi plates, Washi pen holders, and in warmer seasons, uchiwa fan crafting is quite popular.
We can accommodate up to 45 participants at once. If your group is larger than 45, we do a rotation system. Since our shop is located right in the nostalgic “Udatsu no Agaru Machinami” reminiscent of the Edo era, you can explore attractions like the old Imai residence, Kosaka Sake Brewery, and the Akari Art Hall while taking turns enjoying the craft. The entire district fuses tradition and modern art, making for an enriching stroll. Each craft session lasts around 40–60 minutes.
You can explore the area at a relaxed pace, shop for local goods, and enjoy a meaningful time crafting Mino Washi. It’s also perfect for company training trips or family tours from abroad wanting to incorporate a Japanese cultural experience.
Additionally, at the “Mino Washi no Sato Kaikan,” you can try traditional papermaking. Their exhibits showcase the history and process of Mino Washi, making it ideal for educational or social studies trips. Trying your own papermaking helps you appreciate the depth of this traditional craft. Mino Washi is recognized as part of the “Japan Heritage,” thanks to the cultural significance nurtured along the Nagara River.
▼Explore the history and culture of a traditional merchant house
Former Imai Family Residence & Mino Historical Museum
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5974/
▼Enjoy the magical washi artwork
Akari Art Hall
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5976/
For strolling around the streets, the map available on the Mino City Tourism Association website (https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/) is very convenient. Volunteer guides are also available—contact them in advance if you want a deeper experience.
*Groups of 10 or more can take advantage. If your group is 20 people or fewer and you want a non-business day, an additional facility fee applies. See details below:
https://minokanko.com/news/news/p6710/
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For Children’s Groups, Youth Sports Teams, Workshops
Enjoy the Summer Vacation
Perfect for planning summer events!
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Now that the new school term has begun, everyone’s excited about the upcoming summer break.
For sports clubs, children’s clubs, and organizers of summer events—leaders, coaches, parents—why not plan a cool indoor craft experience? We anticipate it’ll be hot this summer, so relaxing in our air-conditioned space is a great idea.
Your craft can even double as a summer project. We have over 30 DIY kits on hand, and if you want to customize your piece to, say, your favorite characters, just let our staff know. We’ll give you tips on how to finish it beautifully.
Mino City is also known for water activities along the clear-flowing Nagara River. Check the Mino City Tourism Association website for more details: https://minokanko.com/
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Recommended Golden Week Craft
Original May Decorations
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Children’s Day Event
We recommend making a May Doll decoration.
We have multiple sets:
Blue & Red Carp Streamers set, Kabuto Boy & Carp, Samurai & Carp combos, etc.
It’s fun for parents & kids, siblings, couples, the whole family. Or have parents team up to craft a unique first Boy’s Festival ornament—great as a gift. Our Washi Korokoro workshop is simple enough to set up anywhere with just a table and chairs plus glue and scissors. If you don’t have tools, no worries— Ishikawa Shigyo can provide glue, scissors, etc., for your group workshop.
≪Tool Rental Set≫
For 10 people, 1 set: ¥5,000 (plus tax)
~Set Contents~
10 tweezers
5 glue containers (1 for every 2 people)
5 scissors (1 for every 2 people)
Glue
We have about 30 different DIY kits, so feel free to contact us. Enhance your workshop atmosphere with fun decorations!
≪Recommended Material Set≫
Precut Paper & Cutouts Set (10g): ¥1,000
Includes enough for about 10 people, plus a small bonus. Great value! Beautiful cutout papers can be used to create lovely patterns.
Enjoy both the “activity experience” and the feeling of a souvenir at the same time!
You can take your creation home immediately, making it a perfect travel memory or event keepsake. By “buying” an experience as well as local crafts, you create a unique day of lasting memories.
A year-round favorite, the “Washi Korokoro Series”
We actually have a wide lineup tailored to monthly events and seasons, so you can propose it year-round. Repeated visits are common, making it a fantastic way to keep your events lively!
January: Zodiac animals, Setsubun (including the new “Aka Oni” demon)
February: Hina Dolls, Valentine-themed Korokoro messages
March: Easter, Rabbits
April: Festival season (Shishimai/Lion Dance, etc.)
May: May Dolls, Samurai series, Carp Streamers
June: Rainy season, Frogs, Goldfish
July: Tanabata
August: Goldfish
September: Cute animals, rabbits, owls
October: Halloween
November: Zodiac animals, Daruma, Lucky Cats
December: Christmas items, next year’s Zodiac, etc.
We also carry a popular “Fortune & Good Luck” series plus a “Historical (Samurai/Lady)” series all year, so you can cater to many themes and attract returning participants.
Interested? Contact us first!
You can start with the “Washi Korokoro Carp Streamers,” or stock up on seasonal kits for a longer plan. If you want to do something different this Golden Week, try a craft experience! The warmth of washi and colorful decorations will create lasting memories for participants.
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We’ve updated our Activity Menu pricing.
New Prices
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Our craft menu has moved to new pricing. Thank you for your understanding.
Washi Korokoro craft experience
¥1100 → ¥1210
Washi Korokoro Carp Streamer Craft
¥1210 → ¥1320
Washi Korokoro Samurai Series
¥1210 → ¥1320
Washi Plate Experience
¥990 → ¥1100
Washi Pen Holder Experience
¥990 → ¥1100
Family Set A
¥1990 → ¥2210
Family Set B
¥1990 → ¥2210
Family Set C
¥1770 → ¥1880
Washi Bookmark Craft
¥770 (unchanged)
Washi Earrings/Piercing Craft
¥1320 (unchanged)
We look forward to your reservation! See the menus below.
Washi Korokoro by difficulty level
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/87/287_1_file.png
Washi Korokoro Zodiac & Samurai Series menu
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/88/288_1_file.jpg
Washi Plates, Washi Pen Holder, Washi Bookmark, Washi Earrings menu
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/89/289_1_file.jpg
Value Family Sets
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/90/290_1_file.jpg
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“Udatsu no Machinami In Ohinasama”
Event Ongoing
We’re a Stamp Rally participating shop!
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Our Washi Korokoro Hina Doll craft is super popular! We also have group reservations this coming weekend.
Adorable roly-poly Hina dolls are a big hit!
Customers who make Hina dolls can get a free clear case for them.
It’s a perfect fit, and you can even add a folding screen as a fun extra!
You can also make Hina sets using rabbits, cats, frogs, or Shiba Inu. Just pick your favorite kit. If you like, add optional “kimono attire” so you can style adorable animal dolls however you prefer. Great for families, couples, or friends!
＼＼ “Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” Now Running! ／／
Again this year, “Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” is in full swing♪
Dates: February 8, 2025 (Sun) – April 3 (Wed)
We’re also showcasing Ishikawa Shigyo’s brand-new 2025 Hina Dolls. International guests are fascinated by Hina Dolls; many enjoy browsing or buying compact sets to take home.
You can stroll the streets, pick up stamp rally stamps (we’re a participating store). You’ll see so many historical Hina Doll sets displayed across town, from 7-tiered grand sets to more modern styles. Collect stamps at each store for a chance at the prize draw. Have fun!
(Hosted by Mino City Tourism Association)
Groups welcome! Usually the session is about one hour, but an extra 30 minutes completes a Hina Doll set. Fee: 2,420 yen per person (tax included). Ladies’ groups, friends—everyone is welcome!
You can also purchase Ishikawa Shigyo’s Hina Dolls. Available in-store and online. Check our links below!
Rakuten site:
https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/%E3%81%8A%E3%81%B2%E3%81%AA%E3%81%95%E3%81%BE/?sid=391090
Whether viewing historic Hina sets or crafting your own, “Udatsu no Machiya no Ohinasama” is full of charm. Please drop by and explore!
We look forward to your visit and craft experience♪
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March–April–May Instagram Contest
The hashtag is
#IshikawaShigyoContestSpring2025
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February is now in its final week. On 2/28, we’ll close our Winter2025 contest.
Starting in March, our Instagram Contest Spring2025 begins.
Hashtag is #石川紙業コンテストspring2025!
We look forward to your posts!
Even if you bought a kit and made it at home, you can still participate, not just those who crafted at the experience shop.
To purchase a kit:
Rakuten Kit Sales:
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Ishikawa Shigyo Headquarters Info
Latest Inbound Catalog
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For the Spring Festival this year, Gifu Prefecture ranked 6th as a popular inbound destination. With an increasing number of visitors from overseas, including those planning group tours from Chinese-speaking markets, our inbound catalog compiles items popular with inbound travelers.
New items have joined the Inbound Catalog!
New Item 1:
“Kokeshi in Washi Outfits”
An Ishikawa Shigyo original Kokeshi. Recently, actual kokeshi production has declined due to material shortages. Hence, we developed our own unique kokeshi line at Ishikawa Shigyo: Ninja (our No.1 best-seller), the dashing Samurai, and the cute Town Maiden (three designs).
New Item 2:
“Ceramic Figures with Fortune Slips”
Popular with inbound guests, including beckoning cats, daruma, otogi-inu (dog hariko), Ojizo-san, Shishi heads, etc. We provide special promotional POP for inbound visitors, plus sets of 24 that fit near your register.
See our inbound catalog here▼
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/76/276_1_file.pdf
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Minowa’s Note [Babysitting]
As mentioned earlier, we had a little visitor. While the parents were doing the craft, the baby got fussy, so Dad strolled around with a stroller in our store. Once he stopped, the baby fussed again, so Dad kept strolling. Near the end, the doll was unfinished, so I offered to babysit so Dad could finish. My experience babysitting grandkids (ages 2–3) came in handy— the child stayed calm, and Dad finished his piece. All good! (*^_^*)
For inquiries about newsletter info, please contact▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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[About the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo]
Founded in 1902 (Meiji 35), we’re a Mino Washi crafts manufacturer.
Here, you can enjoy hands-on “Washi-ya no Te Shigoto” from Ishikawa Shigyo’s main office.
Located in the historical “Udatsu no Agaru Machinami” area of Mino City, Gifu Prefecture,
inside a 270-year-old heritage building in a Traditional Architectures Preservation District, perfect for washi crafting.
Families come for Mino Washi craft experiences,
groups find it a highlight of Gifu tourism, especially for inbound tours or corporate groups from the Chinese market wanting authentic cultural experiences.
It can be part of a trip plan for families, group tours, or school trips wanting to learn about Mino Washi’s history in a fun way.
Enjoy making Mino Washi roly-poly dolls “Washi Korokoro,”
Washi earrings, pen holders, plates, bookmarks, or even Mino Washi uchiwa in summer— over 30 possible crafts. We also feature themes like animals, historical figures from the Battle of Sekigahara, Gifu Bus, Nagaragawa Railway, etc.
As a Japanese cultural travel experience, it’s popular with inbound tourists—visitors from 37 countries have come to our shop. No reservation is needed for small groups (30–60 minutes). Staff are on hand, and basic materials are provided, so even beginners can enjoy. You can take your finished product right away.
For tours of 10+ people, please reserve in advance.
We can handle up to 45 at once. Over 45 is possible in shifts. Groups may also book outside normal hours.
We offer over 600 types of original Mino Washi souvenirs made by Ishikawa Shigyo, making it popular for travelers seeking a memorable gift.
Google Maps reviews stand at 4.9 (466 reviews) as of July 9, 2024.
[TV Broadcast Clips from Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo]
“Tetsuro Degawa’s Charger, May I?” in Mino City, Gifu – Washi Doll Craft Experience
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
NHK “Marutto! Gifu” Mino Washi Uchiwa Craft Experience
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Matsuken Sanpo Washi Plate Craft
https://youtu.be/0Xj95TBhXoU
Hanasaka Times – Handicraft Experience: Washi Korokoro Dolls with Minowa Haruka and Yuriyan Retriever
https://youtu.be/u9tJ1DURNic
NHK News – Craft Experience with Mino Washi Dolls!
https://youtu.be/OULbvsHaA8w
NHK Gifu – Mino Washi Dolls, Ishikawa Shigyo, “Hot Evening Gifu”
https://youtu.be/u1g85fl89KI
Chukyo TV “Catch!” – Enjoyable Craft Experience at Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/k9Kd993PUq8
CBC “Ippou” – Gifu Prefecture Mino City Tourism, Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
https://youtu.be/qZ7_hOmaQ-8
Gifu Channel “Meccha Gifu Hunter” – Washi Korokoro Lucky Cat & Kimono Dressing
https://youtu.be/xGpfUOAcmtM
CCN Area Topic – Washi Korokoro Gifu Bus, Gifu Bus × Ishikawa Shigyo Craft Experience
https://youtu.be/aowdKHSnze8
Mino Washi Crafts for Parents & Kids
Gifu Traditional Arts Hands-On Experience
Mino City Washi Souvenir – How It’s Made
Gifu Sightseeing with Local Experiences & Tours
Handmade Washi Dolls for Family Trips
Mino Washi Craft-Making Experience
Washi Craft Classes for Kids in Gifu
Group-Friendly Mino Washi Craft Tour
Gifu Handcrafted Washi Workshops
Ideal for senior travelers: Mino City Sightseeing Tour
Gifu Washi Goods Cultural Experience – Reserve online
Washi Art in Mino City – Travel Plan
Mino Washi Craft Experience & Japanese Cultural Tour
Gifu Family Experience & Tourist Spot
Mino Washi Travel Packages & Tours
Groups Welcome! Up to 45 People – Perfect for school excursions & social studies field trips!
Overseas workers cultural exchange plan: Mino Washi workshop for groups up to 45
Local elementary school visits to learn about local traditions & history
Welcoming international travelers to Mino City – Traditional crafts & Japanese cultural experience with Mino Washi Dolls
Popular with overseas group tours – Memorable Japanese cultural experience
Up to 45 simultaneous participants – Perfect for group reservations at the Mino Washi workshop
Ideal for school trips & social studies: Up to 45 people can learn Mino Washi crafts at Ishikawa Shigyo
Groups welcome! A popular plan for company trips to enjoy Mino Washi craft experiences
[Gifu, Mino City] A globally notable washi craft experience for overseas group tours in the Udatsu no Agaru Machinami
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