Published on Mar, 2025

This was a highly educational and fun experience. I imagine it would be particularly interesting and entertaining for families with children, as you get to make your own washi paper. Takuto, the young man who runs the workshop, is almost single-handedly trying to bring back the ancient art of washi paper-making, which originated in Japan in the Shuzenji area. It is a laborious and fascinating process, and he takes you through the steps in his own workshop/factory, culminating in you getting the chance to try your own hand at it. Plus, you will feel good knowing that you are helping to support an artisan as he attempts to revive and retain an aspect of what makes Japanese culture so wonderful.

Published on Nov, 2024

This was one of the standout memories from our trip to Japan this year. We wanted to get out of the city and explore so we took the train to the Izu peninsula. It was easy to find great food, hikes, and lovely places to stay, but we were still looking for an experience that would make our trip unique. We were very fortunate to find the Washi paper making experience in Shizenji. Takuto Masuda gave us a wonderful tour of the process and workshop answering all of our silly questions, and then helped us making our own paper to our liking. It's incredible how much craftsmanship goes into this process and extremely rewarding to do it yourself. A few weeks later, a package arrived in the mail from Shizenji with our handmade postcards and we're very proud to mail them to our loved ones this year. I'd recommend the Washi Workshop experience to absolutely anyone, but especially those that are interested in learning about Japan's history and many craftsman. It's a rare experience to be able to work hand in hand with a modern craftsman like Takuto Masuda and it's not to be missed!

Published on Nov, 2024

This was one of the standout memories from our trip to Japan this year. We wanted to get out of the city and explore so we took the train to the Izu peninsula. It was easy to find great food, hikes, and lovely places to stay, but we were still looking for an experience that would make our trip unique. We were very fortunate to find the Washi paper making experience in Shizenji. Takuto Masuda gave us a wonderful tour of the process and workshop answering all of our silly questions, and then helped us making our own paper to our liking. It's incredible how much craftsmanship goes into this process and extremely rewarding to do it yourself. A few weeks later, a package arrived in the mail from Shizenji with our handmade postcards and we're very proud to mail them to our loved ones this year. I'd recommend the Washi Workshop experience to absolutely anyone, but especially those that are interested in learning about Japan's history and many craftsman. It's a rare experience to be able to work hand in hand with a modern craftsman like Takuto Masuda and it's not to be missed!

Published on Aug, 2023

Hand made washi paper is one of Japan's traditional artisanal crafts. Once a thriving part of life on the Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji Gami Washi Workshop is the only shop left. Masuda-san lives the whole process, from growing the mitsumata plants that produce the pulp, to making beautiful and practical products from the finished paper. If you want a traditional hands on experience where you can feel what it's like to be a Japanese craftsman, join Masuda-san for one of his workshops. His knowledge and passion will leave a lasting impression of your trip to Izu.

Published on Aug, 2023

Hand made washi paper is one of Japan's traditional artisanal crafts. Once a thriving part of life on the Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji Gami Washi Workshop is the only shop left. Masuda-san lives the whole process, from growing the mitsumata plants that produce the pulp, to making beautiful and practical products from the finished paper. If you want a traditional hands on experience where you can feel what it's like to be a Japanese craftsman, join Masuda-san for one of his workshops. His knowledge and passion will leave a lasting impression of your trip to Izu.