Perfect for Educational Tours:Japanese Cultural Tourism: Hands-On Mino Washi Paper Art and Cultural World Heritage Activities in Gifu Japan 2025.03.31
2025.04.03Ishikawa Mino Washi Paper Goods Workshop
E-Newsletter No. 241
In Gifu Prefecture's Mino City, a historical town that has continued since the Edo Period,
why not enjoy a hands-on experience making Mino Washi crafts in an Edo-era building, complete with an “udatsu” that has stood for 265 years?♪
From individuals and couples to families and group tours, it’s highly recommended for a fun trip ^^
Groups of up to 45 people can participate in a craft workshop at the same time.
Our experience menu includes:
Washi Korokoro paper figurines, washi fans (uchiwa), washi piercings, washi earrings, washi plates, washi pen stands, washi bookmarks, and more—over 30 varieties!
Please check out the menu below!
▼Here are the shop’s opening days for those who are interested♪▼
NEW! Business Days in March, April, and May
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
[Important] These are our official shop business days, but we can accept group reservations even on non-business days, so please feel free to inquire!
▼Contact Information▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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In addition, you can purchase Ishikawa Shigyo (Co.) products on the sites below if you’re interested! Please take a look!
▼HP▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Rakuten Online Store▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
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It’s getting warmer^ ^
My daughter, who has allergies, comes home with red eyes whenever she plays outside ( ﾉД`)
Are you also suffering from hay fever or allergy symptoms?
Battling hay fever, we’re still full of energy, bringing you the latest news from Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo♪
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This week’s topics are here♪
- Who visited this time? A customer who came for a workshop won a fantastic prize!
- Introducing new products in our shop♪ Our capsule toy prizes rotate frequently!
- Our hometown: Mino City, the production area of Mino Washi — the third local cherry blossom spot only locals know
- Ishikawa Shigyo Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop: Plenty of availability for summer vacation reservations!
- Travel agencies! Great idea for a group travel plan! Have you decided your summer schedule?
- Special support school groups & disability support services plan
- Wow, so many!? Visitors from around the world are coming to our Ishikawa Shigyo experiences.
- What is Mino City like? How about a craft experience while you’re sightseeing?
- Looking to host a workshop? Match it to your store’s theme! Let’s get excited with Ishikawa Shigyo’s kit products!
- Instagram Contest for March, April, May: the keyword is #IshikawaShigyoContestspring2025
- Mayu “Mino” Diary: A beloved person is moving on.
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We have a lot of updates this week too♪
We hope you enjoy reading^ ^
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- Who came this time? A guest who joined our workshop hit the jackpot with a wonderful prize!
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Recently in the morning, our shop staff told us that a family who used Asoview (Chubu Electric Power) benefits to join a workshop repeatedly won wonderful prizes, and they were thrilled♪
They came to this region on a one-night trip and visited our store to enjoy making Washi Korokoro crafts♪
We heard that their eldest son, an elementary school student who loves handicrafts, successfully completed the more advanced “Samurai Warlord Series: Ieyasu” kit—a challenging piece from our product line.
At the same time, they participated in a stamp rally held by the Mino City Tourism Association and got their stamps♪
After collecting enough stamps, they exchanged them at the redemption counter... and discovered they won our store’s Hina Doll Set grand prize!
They even dropped by our store once more before heading home to share the news^ ^
Our staff was amazed to see the stamp rally prize we’d offered coming back with a customer’s big smile!
And it seems that good fortune continued.
Anyone who leaves a workshop review can draw from our capsule toy machine.
And the mother pulled the A Prize: a papercraft snake (the zodiac “Mi”) for this year’s Chinese zodiac!
She told us that the mom, dad, and one child in the family—so 3 people—were born in the Year of the Snake…
They were delighted to get a zodiac figurine that matched so many family members♪
It was a visit brimming with luck for that family♪
▼Here’s the website of Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼Click here for info on the current stamp rally♪
https://minokanko.com/news/event/p9001/
Udatsu Townhouse May Festival
Event period: until May 5, 2025 (Sun)
Stamp rally happening at the same time! (Hosted by Mino City Tourism Association)
If you shop at participating stores of the stamp rally (including us), you’ll receive stamps.
Collect stamps from various shops and join the Garapon lottery for the chance to win amazing prizes♪ Have fun!
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New product info in the shop♪ Our capsule toy prizes are constantly changing!
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The capsule toy that won the big prize for the family above is a popular item in our store!
Here’s the info for you today♪
Everyone loves capsule toys!
From kids to adults, you never know what you’ll get, and that’s the thrill!
Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo’s capsule toy machine is super worthwhile!
Inside are many of our handmade products that we’re proud of!
We include plenty of items you wouldn’t normally find at capsule-toy prices!
Some items are even too large to fit in the capsule, but you can still win them♪
When you visit, be sure to try it out and enjoy the excitement of what might pop out♪
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Our Hometown: Mino City, known for Mino Washi
Local residents’ secret cherry blossom spot No.3
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Let us guide you to hidden gems in Mino♪ This time, the theme is cherry blossoms!
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Today’s introduction is the cherry tree avenue surrounding the parking area at the Sondai Sports Field♪
At the foot of Kojoyama (Old Castle Mountain), there’s a sports park, gymnasium, sports field, and now a drone experience field—it used to have a pool, auditorium, and other facilities serving as a local relaxation spot for Mino residents.
Among them, around a soccer-field-sized space,
there are large parking areas, a grass square, and an observation deck.
This cherry blossom site has little traffic or crowds, making it perfect for kids to run around! We recommend bringing a packed lunch and enjoying a day out^ ^
This spring, be sure to come to Mino City for cherry blossom viewing!
After spending a day playing, eating lunch, and admiring the blossoms, why not stop by our workshop?
Recreate your day’s memories through crafts!
With gorgeous floral arrangements, you can make your own personalized project and take it home right away^ ^
We look forward to welcoming you on the business days below♪
▼Shop Latest Info▼
NEW! Business Days in March, April, and May
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
[Important] These are our official shop business days, but we can accept group reservations even on non-business days, so please feel free to inquire!
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Ishikawa Shigyo Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop
Plenty of open reservations for summer vacation!
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We suspect this summer is going to be especially hot!
Do you already have plans for the summer holidays?
Our Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop at Ishikawa Shigyo still has lots of availability.
We welcome group reservations as well as individual reservations through our booking site^ ^
Wouldn’t it be wonderful for children to experience something different than everyday school life during summer vacation?
Create fun, lasting memories of the summer holiday!
Children’s clubs, family travel,
youth athletes such as soccer, baseball, and basketball kids who are used to sweating it out on the field!
For those elementary, middle, or high schoolers who might not love the summer heat♪
To the organizers, coaches, or parents planning events over summer vacation!
And to any parents who want to find something fun to fill a little spare time during their family trip.
How about everyone making Ishikawa Shigyo’s Washi Korokoro crafts, which are easy for anyone yet still allow unique creativity?
When the weather is hot, why not enjoy a group craft experience in a cool facility? This could be an opportunity for a different experience than the usual!
For summer-themed experiences, we also recommend making your own uchiwa (paper fan)^ ^
With our popular Washi Korokoro, you can add your own special design twist, making it perfect for summer homework projects!
We have over 30 different DIY kits,
so surely your children will find something that sparks their creative senses^ ^
Additionally, if you talk to our staff,
we can offer advice on how to craft,
and if you have a certain vision, you can always look up paper-art ideas on your smartphone^ ^
It’s wonderful to embrace what kids create as part of their growth—everyone can have fun together!
Please come visit the Ishikawa Shigyo Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop.
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Special Support Schools and Disability Support Services!
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Our store has started offering the following support services
for special-needs schools and disability facilities, etc. (for group visits).
Groups from special support schools / groups with disability handbooks — exclusive for groups
For groups that include
special support school students,
and persons with disability handbooks,
enjoy one free play of our 300-yen capsule toy
and 40% off items purchased for “shopping practice” (workshop fees excluded)
Our workshop menu (Washi Korokoro, fans, bookmarks, washi plates, pen stands) uses pre-cut paper shapes you stick on…
and voila, you have an original creation^ ^
You can follow your own sense of creativity, or replicate the sample exactly—both are great!
Choose your paper, apply glue, and attach!
Repeat the process to make something lovely—give it a try!
For teachers and staff at special support schools,
after-school day service facilities,
or anyone planning trips for such facilities,
please feel free to take advantage of this!
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Wow, so many!? People from all around the world
are visiting Ishikawa Shigyo’s workshops.
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With warmer weather, many more people are going out.
At our Ishikawa Shigyo experience shop, not only do we host visitors from all over Japan, but we’re also seeing an increase in bookings from international guests♪ (Thank you!)
Recently, we received group reservations from Taiwan and Hawaii.
Domestic bookings come from schools’ field trips, corporate travel, neighborhood get-togethers, and more.
When we checked which countries our guests came from,
it turns out we now have visitors from 38 countries (both individuals and groups).
North & South America
USA, Brazil, Canada
Asia
Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, East Timor, Nepal, India, Israel, Cambodia, Laos, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Pakistan, Malaysia
Europe
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Italy
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand
etc.
We truly appreciate these visitors from so many countries.
We’ll keep striving to be a shop that everyone enjoys!!
In our shop, besides selling DIY kits, we also offer plenty of inbound-friendly souvenirs, so please drop by!
▼Cultural exchanges for overseas students, social visits for those working abroad▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
Mino City Hall’s Mino Washi Promotion Section
is currently conducting surveys on inbound tourism.
They seem to be receiving responses from many countries.
They’re gathering overseas visitors’ feedback
to make Mino City tourism even more appealing! Stay tuned!
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Here’s what Mino City is like! How about a crafting experience while sightseeing?
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At our Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop, you can have up to 45 people do craft-making together.
For groups with more than 45, we can adjust so that fewer than 45 do the crafting, while others explore the traditional townscape, then swap in turns.
You can immerse yourself alone, or chat excitedly with friends while you create.
You can finish it exactly like the sample or come up with a humorous, unique design—both are fine!
The chance to do something creative outside everyday life will surely become a joyful travel memory♪
We’d love to help you create that fun moment.
Today, we’ll introduce some attractions in Mino Town that might be useful for people who’d like to explore while others craft.
Please check the link below♪
https://minokanko.com/feature/
Source: Mino City Tourism Association
Inside this link, you’ll also find a page on Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, so please take a look.
Among the content from the link above, near the Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo,
Here are some recommended highlights of Mino City♪
▼Old Imai Residence & Mino Historical Museum (City-designated cultural property)
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/history-culture/p5974/
The Old Imai Residence is considered the oldest “udatsu” building in Mino City, formerly a wealthy farmer’s home that also served as a washi wholesaler.
▼Mino Washi Akari Art Museum
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5976/
They showcase the award-winning pieces of the “Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition” held in Mino City every autumn.
▼Kosaka Residence (Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property)
https://minokanko.com/seeing/category/townscape-architecture/p5977/
Built in the An’ei era (circa 1772) as a sake brewery, its entire roof is “mukuri” style, a rare and precious architecture reminiscent of the Kansai region.
Mino City isn’t just full of sightseeing spots—it also has three registered World Heritage features♪
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Hon-mino-shi papermaking technique (2014)
• Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System: Sweetfish of the Clear Waters of the Nagara River (2015)
• World Heritage Irrigation Structures: Sondai Canal (2020)
Its rich nature and the culture nurtured there have been recognized worldwide.
▼Check out the Mino City tourism map here♪
https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/
After exploring a city like Mino, why not enjoy a craft experience during a break?
Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo can accommodate up to 45 participants at once.
Please visit with your entire group.
▼For reservations or inquiries about the workshop, click here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
▼Here’s the official website for the experience shop♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Workshops available for retail stores across Japan!
Match it to your store’s theme! Let’s get excited with Ishikawa Shigyo’s kit products!
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Not just selling products—why not offer some memorable experiences?
Are there any owners out there thinking this way?
The signature workshop product of Ishikawa Shigyo Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop!
You can become the organizer and host your own craft session^ ^
Preparing is easy♪
All you need is a place, tables, chairs, glue, and scissors, and you can start a workshop right away.
“Washi Korokoro Series” can be enjoyed year-round,
It’s also fun to create your own zodiac animal,
and we actually have a wide lineup tied to monthly events and seasonal holidays^ ^
Our store staff has picked out which items sell the best that season^ ^
January: Zodiac animals, Setsubun (Red Oni)
February: Hina Dolls
March: Easter (bunnies)
April: May Doll / Koinobori (carp streamers)
May: Warlord & Princess series
June: Frogs & Goldfish
July: Fan-making (uchiwa)
August: Fan-making (uchiwa)
September: Halloween
October: Adorable animals (sheep, Shiba Inu, cats, etc.)
November: Adorable animals (sheep, Shiba Inu, cats, etc.)
December: Chinese zodiac, Daruma, Maneki-neko
We also stock many year-round bestsellers like our “Good Luck & Fortune” series and “History (Warlords & Princesses)” series.
Because we can tailor them to the season or theme, we often get repeat customers, making these kits perfect for spicing up an event.
We can also help you develop original products,
so if you’re curious, please contact Ishikawa Shigyo (Co.) Headquarters.
▼Reservations / Inquiries here♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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March, April, May Instagram Contest
Keyword: #IshikawaShigyoContestspring2025
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Starting in March, our Instagram Contest spring2025
has begun!
The keyword is
#IshikawaShigyoContestspring2025!
We look forward to your posts!
It’s not limited to items made at the workshop—
if you purchased one of our kits and made it at home,
we welcome you to post that as well.
To purchase a kit…
▼Rakuten Kit Sales Site
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Mayu “Mino” Diary: A beloved person is moving on.
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Sorry, but the “Mino festival Mikoshi-making experience” report you may have been looking forward to is on hold this week m(__)m
March is a season of departures.
A dear friend of mine has also departed from my side.
We met in a school I entered after starting my working life.
She had just moved here from the Kanto region and didn’t have many friends yet. That coincidence began our 15-year (nearly) friendship—we didn’t meet often, but whenever we did, we’d happily catch up. She became very important to me.
She is now moving back to the Kanto region because her daughter is aiming for a combined junior high and high school program there.
Right before she left, we made plans for lunch to catch up for the first time in a year♪
I wanted to show her how much I was enjoying work, so I gave her a Mino Washi folding fan (which we usually recommend to customers) and a DIY craft kit for her daughter.
A few days later, she emailed me again.
She said, “Seeing you looking so lively after your career change made me want to work full time at my new place. I just got a job offer!”
With the connections from her previous workplace,
she’s heading to a huge office building everyone knows about, somewhere I’d never imagine living in the countryside could lead to. She wondered if she could handle it, but there she goes!
It only took her about a week to decide—her decisiveness is incredible...
She said, “I luckily got the support job I’d been wanting to do, and if I use English, I get paid more, so it’s super exciting^ ^”
Weren’t you relocating to help your daughter study for her exam?!
Why are you suddenly going full time? (LOL)
But she’s on a different scale than I am—no doubt she’ll excel at housework, work, and fun all at once every day.
She always shares dream-like stories, and I admire her so much. Hearing her say that I looked lively made me so happy♪
I’m grateful that I found this job that I’m proud to have!
No matter how far away a friend is, or how little we meet,
being able to laugh and catch up when we see each other is the best^ ^
And now I feel motivated to spend my days so that next time we meet, we can have a lively conversation^ ^
▼Inquiries about e-news content▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Enjoy an Edo-era atmosphere and experience making Mino Washi crafts
Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
〒501-3728
1909-3 Honjyu-machi, Mino-shi, Gifu Prefecture
Shop Manager: Mayumi Sato
Tel 0575-29-3680 Fax 0575-35-1363 Mobile 090-5851-4673
Email shigyo@jt7.so-net.ne.jp
HP: http://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/
Feel free to contact us♪
You can unsubscribe from our newsletter here.
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http://ishikawa-shigyo.com/acmailer9/reg.cgi?reg=del&email=shigyo@jt7.so-net.ne.jp
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Our store’s media info!
We’ve gotten a great response from everyone!
Please come visit in person♪
▼Degawa Tetsuro’s “Could I Charge My Battery?” TV Show
Gifu Prefecture Mino City - Washi Doll Making Experience, Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, Video with Kumada Yoko
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼NHK “Marutto! Gifu” Broadcast, Mino Washi fan-making workshop
Mino Washi Handicraft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo, Gifu Prefecture Mino City, sightseeing, “udatsu” townscape, Video
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
Gifu-chan “Meccha Gifu Wakaru Terebi”▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼Mino Washi Home, Gifu Prefecture’s Mino City: Mino City Tourism Association Website
In the Tourism Association’s site, under “Experiences” → “Mino Washi,” you can find our shop’s webpage!
https://www.minokanko.com/index.php.
▼Our product was featured in “Seiryu no Kuni Gifu News Letter”♪
(Press release by Gifu Prefecture Tourism Resource Utilization Division)
Our washi kabuto decoration is introduced as a “New Take on Mino Washi.”
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
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