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Kurodani Handmade Washi Paper
An 800-year-old paper making tradition
Japan has been producing handmade washi - one of the finest papers in the world in terms of quality and durability - for more than 1,000 years. The Japanese used and still use washi for all kinds of things: window, door and lantern coverings, wrapping paper to keep kimono dry, candy wrappers, writing paper, art work, and money.
Washi production is largely carried out in rural areas, where the bushes and plants used to make paper are found in abundance. Producing paper also depends on large amounts of clean water. Kurodani, near the town of Ayabe in central Kyoto Prefecture, is world famous for its exceptionally fine washi. The tradition dates back to a member of the famous Taira clan who started paper making in this village nearly 800 years ago.
Kurodani is worth the trip: the surrounding countryside is stunning and the craft making process fascinating. If your Japanese is not fluent, asking a Japanese friend to accompany you is strongly recommended. It takes about 3 hours to get there by JR train to Ayabe and then a bus ride east for about 30 min.
Information on washi, paper making workshops, tours of the paper workshops and homes in the surrounding area is available at the Kurodani Washi Exhibition Hall: Tel: 0773-44-0213. Open: 8:30-17:00 (Sat: 9:00-12:00), closed Sun. & national holiday. The village is less than 30 minutes by car from Ayabe Station on the JR line.
