Craft a Charming Journal with Traditional Handmade Washi Paper

Kyoto
from ¥12,100 /person
90mins
Private: 1~4
experience-image-0

Overview

Kamitowa is a Japanese washi paper specialty shop run by a paper wholesaler with a long history. Here at its Kyoto workshop, create your very own Temple-stamp Journal (Washi Journal®︎) using paper-making techniques 14 centuries old. Experience the charm of washi paper and the satisfaction of making it with your own hands.

Key Features

  • Experience making authentic washi in a Kyoto paper workshop.
  • Using the washi you made, craft a journal with a pressed flower design.
  • Recommended – since you can take your journal with you after the experience, use it immediately as a travel journal or temple stamp book!

Kyoto

90 mins

¥12,100 /person

Private: 1 - 4

English-speaking host

Cancel free up to 8 days prior

Details

The excellence of traditional washi paper

Washi is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan. Handmade by artisans, it is internationally acclaimed for not only its beauty but also its strength and durability. Produced all over Japan, regional varieties are known by their unique characteristics, such as “Echizen washi” – which is tough – and “Tosa washi” – which is gauzy and soft.

Rich-textured washi

Kamitowa sells washi and washi products from all over Japan, seeking to convey the charm of the paper. In its workshop, you can craft washi from scratch.

An array of colorful washi items

Kamitowa is run by a paper wholesaler with over 90 years of history in the business. Before the Second World War, it mainly handled washi, but afterward transitioned to dealing in Western style paper. As the modern world has gone increasingly paperless, focus has shifted to trying to convey the charm of paper, heralding a return to the business of washi. After a study of washi production methods, Kamitowa opened in 2019.

Following professional techniques, try your hand at making your own washi.

In this experience, use the washi you make in the cover binding of your own one-of-a-kind “Goshuincho”(Stamp Journal) . The raw material is domestically grown mulberry, processed with traditional papermaking techniques. In this method, the liquid material is placed in a fine mesh suketa then gently and quickly spread out by rocking.

Japan-grown mulberry, the raw material for washi paper

Absolute beginners are more than welcome. After carefully taking in the professional’s methods and an explanation, you will have a chance to practice. You will be coached in detail on how to handle the suketa screen and how to rock it quickly after adding the pulp solution.

Quickly scoop up the pulp liquid with a screen and rock it to distribute it evenly.

Decorate your cover to your liking with pressed flowers

The paper is made in two passes, waiting for excess water to drain and arranging the design of the pressed flowers that will adorn the cover.

An assortment of seasonal flowers

There are so many types of flowers that it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities. These design choices are where the creator puts their unique signature on their work with their chosen combination. Have fun!

A balanced arrangement within the cover-sized frame

Drying and dehydration to finish the washi

After arranging the pressed flowers, coat them with the prepared washi and a brush. The pressed flowers create raised spots, so it is crucial to properly remove air bubbles here to ensure a beautiful finished product. Next, put the paper through a dehydrator to thoroughly remove all moisture.

Coat with outward brushstrokes starting from the inside.

After that, the paper is attached to a purpose-built dryer. Use a large brush to remove bubbles and wrinkles. Since the Temple-stamp Journal needs to be strong enough to be carried around, reinforce the dried washi with konjac paste.

Dry for 15 minutes at 80-85 degrees.

Personalized washi made into a cute stamp journal

Once the washi is dry, it’s time to make your stamp journal. The work is done on raised tatami mats that are themselves made with washi. Use the pattern to cut it, then paste it to the backing paper to make the front and back covers.

Affix the cover to the inner paper firmly for a clean finish.

The inner pages of the journal are professionally made bag-type paper. The last step is to attach them to the front and back covers. If you wish, you may also put a “Stamp Journal” label on the cover.

A day spent hands-on with paper, appreciating its charm

Exclusive to the Wabunka plan, receive a souvenir journal cover made of deluxe Yuzen washi. Choose your favorite pattern from a wide selection.

Hand-made washi stamp journal and Wabunka exclusive Yuzen washi bag.

Take your journal with you on the day. A guide can recommend shrines and temples in Kyoto where you can use it.

A journal filled with travel memories and collected goshuin stamps from Kyoto’s temples and shrines


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Kamitowa

A washi specialty shop run by a paper wholesaler in business since 1932. In addition to washi from all over Japan, find a variety of washi products such as stationery, table mats, and bags. See, touch, and enjoy the washi up close, appreciating the uniqueness of each regional variety. At the in-house workshop, experience making paper, a stamp journal, and a mini-andon (limited time only).

Location

Kamitowa
Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

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April 2026

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  • Instant Booking: Your reservation is confirmed immediately upon payment.
  • Request Booking: You will receive confirmation after the host reviews your request.

If your preferred dates are not available, you can explore recommended experiences or .

Kyoto

90 mins

¥12,100 /person

Private: 1 - 4

English-speaking host

Cancel free up to 8 days prior

Reviews & Reflections

17 Reviews

This was a fantastic experience. The owners where so lovely, knowledgeable and helpful. It was a great experience to make our own paper and temple journal.

B.J. Canada

Very interesting and informative. The paper making process was the most interesting part. The owners of the shop were always helpful and sooo nice :) Very friendly people. We were very satisfied with the outcome and we have something so nice to take home. The experience will last forever in my memories.

S.A. Switzerland

It was a lovely experience. There was so much information we got from this from both hands on experience and conversations. It was amazing. I would recommend this to anyone. It was such a great environment in the shop. Worth every penny!

A.S. United States

Excellent tutor. Fun experience.

Y.L.L. Hong Kong

It was a special and unique experience that brings you even closer to the culture of Japan. Both the assistant and the teacher were really extremely welcoming, polite and made the experience thoroughly enjoyable.

M.I. Greek

Hosts were great, the process was fun to make the paper and books. Store/location was great.

S.A. United States

It was a great experience! We got a great intro to what was going to happen, they took their time to explain the steps and help us through the process. As waiting time we got to see a short documentary about washi paper origins and process.

A.D. Belgium

Amazing workshop with lot of insights on washi paper making! We really liked the atmosphere of the small shop (they have gorgeous products, too). The professionality of the stuff was impressive, but they could give easy and understandable instructions, so we felt relaxed. I'm not much a craft-person, however I enjoyed to make my own journal from washi paper. The materials were beautiful and carefully selected. It felt almost like a meditation: very peaceful. We had a nice time! I would absolutely recommend it to others.

T.K. Hungary

Hiro is a wonderful teacher. We made a beautiful artifact inspired by nature.

C.M. Australia

A very solid cultural experience that is catered by two wonderful people. The whole experience was great, with the two being really charming. If I had to pick one moment to stand out, I'd say when we were dipping the frames to collect the fibers. I had never seen the process of how traditional Japanese paper had been made, and I did the whole thing intriguing. Just like with many other facets of the Japanese culture, it shows how the details really matter when making something to last. I would definitely recommend it.

S.P. United States

C était vraiment génial. Nous en avons appris plus sur le Japon. Que c est clairement a faire. Surtout a cet endroit avec de personnes adorable.

S.P. Switzerland

A personal experience allowing you to be creative and produce a unique Japanese craft. The owner and staff at Kamitowa were delightful and kindly shared their experience and culture with us. It provided close access to local people who kindly shared their culture with us.

S.K. Australia

Everything was great! Hiro-san was an amazing teacher and was patient with us as we worked through each step. It was a lot of fun going through the entire process. Made me recognize how a lot of old, traditional ways of creating are starting to disappear due to the advancement of technology. But it made me appreciate the art even more and I hope people will continue to be interested in the older ways of creating. Extremely fun, insightful/educational, humbling. Something I would recommend everyone does to create memories and collect stamps around Japan.

L.N. United States

Loved every minute. I’ve always loved Japanese culture so the experience reinforced it. Yuki was an amazing teacher. Each step was carefully outlined.

C.Z. United States

Very interesting-- including the video showing how the mulberry bark is gradually changed into the pulp (including the snow and sun treatment, now done with chemicals) into the pulpy water used in today's production of the journal. And the instructions and help (to prevent wrinkles, etc) from our patient and kind instructor were really good. I am an American tourist, and speak no Japanese. I should say that our instructor's English was very good indeed, and definitely contributed to the enjoyment and success of the endeavor. She and her associate should be given a lot of credit for how good our experience was. We wish them the best. We came to try to understand Japanese history and culture better, and washi is definitely part of that.

D.M. United States

Absolutely delightful and relaxing experience. I loved the welcoming vibe of the owner and the overall atmosphere of the store itself! I have always loved the Washi, being able to see the making of it and be part of the process was something l’ll hardly forget. The owner not only instructed us but also shared tips for perfection which made us feel like professionals. Knowing that the branches of trees and the handmade process of the Washi, were an eye opener of Japanese craftsmanship.

A.A. United Arab Emirates

Must-do! The sensei was very knowledgeable and patient, and he has such a wonderful way of going through the session. Learning the process of making the paper and seeing the final product was wonderful. Hands on learning of such an age old craft was amazing. And to see the end result was magical.

A.G. India

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We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.