Washi Paper Making Experience in Saitama

1. Meet your instructor at the washi shop Okazaki Kouitudo located near Kitamoto Station on the JR Takasaki Line and Shonan Shinjuku Line, a little over an hour from central Tokyo.

2. Deepen your understanding of washi in the tea room inside the shop before hopping into the instructor's car to head to the craft studio in the city. (35 min)

3. Learn about the overall process and prepare the materials. Tesuki washi production involves a painstaking process of selecting natural materials and manufacturing, as each sheet of washi paper offers unique character and beauty depending on its material or thickness. Washi is also known for its durability and high quality washi paper is said to last a thousand years. (20 min)

4. Put the materials on a screen and shake it to strain the water and spread the fibers evenly. (20 min)

5. Add designs on the paper utilizing natural elements such as flower petals or an ear of rice. (20 min)

6. Strain the water off further before going through the finishing process, and there you have it – your own washi paper! (50 min)

6. Your experience comes to an end. The instructor will drive you back to Kitamoto Station. (20 min)