Washi Papermaking Workshop in Asakusa: Make Your Own Paper

You'll handcraft four washi postcards in a single afternoon, wearing traditional Japanese workwear.

A hands-on washi papermaking workshop in Asakusa where you make four handcrafted postcards under the guidance of a live instructor. The Plain Paper Plan covers basic washi-making. The Colored Paper Plan adds a decorative layering step with your choice of four colors. Groups stay under eight people, the workshop runs about an hour, and you take home your finished sheets as a souvenir.

The experience

The workshop sits on Asakusa Kannon Street, so you walk straight there, no transport puzzle. You'll change into samue, the traditional Japanese work garment, and spend the session making washi postcards with a friendly instructor who speaks English, Spanish or Japanese. The whole thing takes about an hour, which fits a free afternoon without eating your whole day.

Tosa Washi, the paper you're making, has over 1,000 years of history and is one of Japan's top three washi papers. Known for its strength and warmth, it's the kind of thing that feels different in your hands than anything you've made before. After a short video on how it's made, you'll handcraft four plain postcards. If you pick the Colored Paper Plan, you'll add an extra step: layering beautiful Rakusuishi, lace-like decorative washi, on top, choosing your favorite four colors from what's available. The workshop fills with the surprise of seeing the finished paper come together.

Groups max out at eight people, so it stays intimate. Children from age three are welcome. You take your handmade washi home as a souvenir. The kind of thing you'll actually use or give away, not just store in a drawer.

What’s included

• Live instructor in English, Spanish or Japanese.
• traditional samue workwear.
• short video on Tosa Washi history.
• four handcrafted washi postcards.
• apron.

Options for this experience

2 options

Plain Paper PlanGuide in English, Spanish or Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:30Make four postcards from traditional washi. Colored Rakusuishi paper is not included.

Colored Paper Plan[Popular!]Guide in English, Spanish or Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:30Make four postcards from traditional washi and decorate them with colored 'Rakusuishi' paper. [Best Seller!]

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 1h, runs every day except Saturday, 7 start times, from JP¥ 5,900 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Japanese, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to Friday: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00 and 17:30Sunday: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Watashino

Is this one for you?Choose the Colored Paper Plan if you want the extra step of layering decorative Rakusuishi and selecting colors. It's the version that gives you more hands-on time with the paper itself. The Plain Paper Plan works better if you prefer a streamlined introduction to the craft or if you're visiting with young children who might tire with a longer session.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (3 to 5 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the Plain Paper Plan and the Colored Paper Plan?

Both plans have you handcraft four washi postcards. The Plain Paper Plan covers the basic washi-making process. The Colored Paper Plan includes an additional decorative step where you layer Rakusuishi, lace-like patterned washi, on top of your plain sheets, and you choose your favorite four colors to work with.

Do I need any experience with papermaking or Japanese crafts?

No experience is necessary. The instructor guides you through every step, and the workshop is designed to be accessible for anyone. Children from age three are welcome, and the process is straightforward enough that the focus stays on enjoying the craft.

How much time does the workshop actually take?

The workshop runs about an hour. That includes changing into the samue workwear, watching a short video on Tosa Washi's history, and handcrafting your postcards with instruction.

What happens if I'm late arriving?

If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the start time, you won't be able to participate in the experience. Contact the workshop in advance if you're running behind so they can help you reschedule.

What do I take home from the workshop?

You take home the four washi postcards you handcrafted during the session. They're finished and ready to use or give as gifts: a tangible souvenir of the experience rather than something you'll need to preserve or display.