Washi Notebook Making

A little of Japan, made by you. Create your own washi notebook and take home a treasured keepsake filled with memories — and pages for the stories still to come.

A participant proudly holding her completed blue floral washi notebook in a former classroom

Shoko, Kumamoto guide and washi notebook workshop instructor, smiling and holding a pair of chopsticks

Meet Your Instructor: Shoko

Kumamoto Guide & Washi Notebook Workshop Instructor

Shoko has traveled around the world, including the United States and Switzerland, and now calls Minamiaso village in Kumamoto home. She works as a local guide in Kumamoto and a washi notebook workshop instructor.

“To me, Shoko’s spirit of service and hospitality are among the very best in Japan. I am sure that time spent with her will become one of your most treasured memories of Japan.”
Mako, Your Guide Japan

Washi: Paper with a Story

Washi means “Japanese paper,” a name for Japan’s traditional paper. Traditionally, it is made from plant fibres such as kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata and gampi. These fibres can create paper that is light yet strong, with a character that invites you to look closely and feel its texture. ^[1]

Papermaking came to Japan from China. The Nihon Shoki, an early chronicle of Japan, records a Buddhist priest bringing the craft from Korea in 610, although it may have arrived earlier. Over the following centuries, Japanese makers developed their own techniques using local plants, shaping a rich and varied paper-making tradition. ^[2]

Washi has been used for Buddhist scriptures and official records, as well as lanterns and shoji screens. Its story connects practical everyday objects with careful craftsmanship. Making a notebook with washi offers a small, personal way to enjoy this enduring material, and take home something you can continue to use long after your visit. ^[3]

Learn more: [1] Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking [2] Japan Tourism Agency: Washi History [3] Japan Tourism Agency: Washi Uses

Make something to treasure

In Minamiaso village, Kumamoto, set aside two hours to enjoy the textures and colors of Japanese washi paper as you make a notebook of your own. This is a hands-on notebook-making experience, not a papermaking workshop.

More than something to buy and take home, your notebook becomes part of the journey itself: a personal keepsake of a moment spent making, discovering, and connecting with Japan.

Colorful washi papers, binding threads and a sample handmade notebook arranged on a workshop table — The colors and textures of washi paper.

A workshop participant working on her notebook at a table in a former classroom — A quiet moment in the making.

A local setting with character

Experience the charm of Japan in a setting such as a traditional house, a former primary school, or a café overlooking Aso. These are examples of possible venues, each with its own atmosphere.

Participants making washi notebooks together around a table in a traditional Japanese room — A workshop in a traditional room.

Participants working on notebooks beside a large window overlooking the outdoors — Time to create in a welcoming local setting.

Photos show workshop settings and activities, not a guaranteed venue for your booking.

Plan your experience

The experience lasts 2 hours and costs 6,600 JPY per person. Bookings are accepted for 2 or more participants.

Send your preferred date and group size to request a booking. Availability and arrangements need to be confirmed by the organizer; sending a request does not confirm a reservation.

Request Your Washi Experience

← Back to Local Experiences

Important information

The venue is designated by the organizer. Guests cannot choose a venue. A particular building or view is not guaranteed; please confirm the venue and meeting details when arranging your booking.