Make Your Own Cat Lamp with Tosa Washi in Kochi: Craft unique to Kochi

Shape a glowing cat from Kochi's signature paper and carry it home the same day.

Make your own Japanese cat lamp with traditional Tosa Washi in a two-hour workshop in central Kochi. You'll work with handcrafted paper unique to the region, shape it around a light source with staff support, and leave with a finished lamp to take home. The workshop suits beginners and groups stay small, with up to eight participants. Children from age five are welcome, and guides speak English and Japanese.

The experience

The workshop centers on Tosa Washi, a handcrafted paper with a long history in Kochi Prefecture. You'll spend two hours shaping it into a cat lamp, learning the technique from staff as you work. The paper diffuses warm light once finished, and the whole piece (materials, tools, instruction) stays yours to pack and carry home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. No experience needed. The session is built for first-time makers.

The workshop sits near Hirome Market in central Kochi, within walking distance of the city's main attractions. If you're arriving by cruise ship, Kochi Port is 20 to 30 minutes away by shuttle or taxi. Most cruise lines run shuttle service to the city center, and taxis wait at the port. The workshop itself does not arrange port pickup, so you'll need to make your own way to the venue once you arrive in the city.

Groups stay under eight people, which keeps the space relaxed and gives staff time to help each person. Your guide will also take photos during the session and share them with you via Google Drive afterward, though these are not professional photographs. Bring only yourself. All materials and equipment are provided.

What’s included

• Workshop instruction and staff support throughout the two hours.
• all materials and tools needed to make your cat lamp.
• your finished handmade lamp to take home.
• use of equipment.
• photo assistance by your guide, shared via Google Drive afterward.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 10:00 and 12:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (20 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (10 to 19 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kochi Tours

Is this one for you?The workshop runs two hours with no walking or physical strain, so it suits any fitness level and fits easily into a morning or afternoon in Kochi. If you're arriving by cruise ship, plan travel time from the port to the city center on your own, since the workshop does not provide port pickup.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 19 years); Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is Tosa Washi and why is it used for this lamp?

Tosa Washi is a handcrafted paper with a long cultural history in Kochi Prefecture. It diffuses light softly and evenly, making it ideal for a lamp. The paper's texture and warmth are what make the finished cat glow rather than shine harshly.

Can I really finish the lamp in two hours if I've never made anything like this before?

Yes. The workshop is designed for beginners, and staff support you throughout the two hours. You'll shape the paper, assemble it around the light, and leave with a completed lamp ready to use.

How do I get to the workshop from Kochi Port if I'm on a cruise ship?

Kochi Port is 20 to 30 minutes from the workshop by shuttle or taxi. Most cruise ships provide shuttle service to central Kochi, and taxis are available at the port. From there, you can reach the venue near Hirome Market on your own. The workshop does not arrange port pickup.

Do I get photos from the workshop, and can I use them on social media?

Your guide will take photos during the session and share them with you via Google Drive. These are not professional photographs, but they're yours to keep and share as you wish.