A Papermaking Experience at Nao Tesuki Washi Workshop (2 hrs)
Traditional Japanese paper (washi) has been produced in the Nao region of Saga Prefecture for over 300 years. Experience papermaking and learn the work of washi craftsmen at the last remaining washi workshop in the area, Nao Tesuki Washi. Stroll amidst the expansive kaji mulberry fields in the tranquil mountain village of Nao before heading to the papermaking workshop. Learn about the region’s history and the complete washi-making process from tree to paper. Afterwards, with the same tools and methods washi artisans use, make your very own washi paper infused with plants from the surrounding mountain village
- ● Experience a papermaking apprenticeship under the guidance of Nao Tesuki Washi craftsmen
- ● Stroll the mountain village of Nao while learning about the history of the region and washi-making
- ● Gain a rare look into a papermaking workshop (most washi makers do not allow visitors), with detailed explanations from the craftspeople themselves
- ● Make washi with the same tools and methods artisans use
- ● Choose between creating washi infused with flowers and plants, or one with a translucent watermark design
- ● Browse artwork and purchase washi at the studio shop

- Nao Tesuki WashiWashi making workshop
- Founded in 1876, Nao Tesuki Washi is located in Yamato-cho, Saga City, Saga Prefecture. Nao Tesuki Washi carries out all the processes for making washi paper including the cultivation of the Kaji tree, one of the raw materials.
What is Nao Washi?
The Nao Washi craft began hundreds of years ago when the village chief at the time, Yoshisuke Nodomi, learned papermaking techniques in Chikugo Mizoguchi-mura (modern-day Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture) from the founder of Kyushu’s paper industry, Shonin Nichigen, and brought this knowledge back to Nao. The region is naturally rich in the materials indispensable to washi-making: clear water and kaji mulberry. The long fibers of the kaji tree give Nao Washi its unique thinness and strength, characteristics that lend to its use in shoji screens, fusuma sliding doors, and paper lanterns. The kaji mulberry’s long fibers also allow for various materials to be infused into the paper itself, creating the potential for a diversity of creative expressions.


The Last Washi Workshop: Nao Tesuki Washi
Though there were more than 100 washi workshops in Saga Prefecture’s Nao region during the early 20th century, Nao Tesuki Washi is the only one that remains. The entire process of papermaking happens here, beginning with the cultivation of the kaji mulberry trees used to make paper pulp. Due to its thinness and durability, Nao Washi is used for restoring items of cultural importance across Japan, such as parade floats of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Karatsu Kunchi Festival, lanterns used in the Hakata Yamakasa Festival, and sacred objects of the Yutoku Inari Shrine.


A History-Filled Walk Through the Mountain Village of Nao
Nao Tesuki Washi collects almost all of its raw materials from the surrounding mountain village. The area is also rich in spring water essential for washi production. Walk through the tranquil mountain village of Nao with a washi craftsperson, and head to the mulberry fields behind the workshop. Along the way, collect plants and flowers to infuse into the washi you will make later. After taking a close look at kaji, the same raw material used to make paper at Nao Tesuki Washi, head back to the workshop to learn about the process that turns the tree into paper.


Make Washi with the Same Tools Craftspeople Use
After mixing finely-separated kaji fibers and a viscous liquid made from the sunset hibiscus plant (tororoaoi) in a large tub filled with well water, create washi with a 970 x 670 mm wood-framed papermaking tray. This is unique experience in which you will be able to use the same tools as craftspeople do, rather than smaller versions often used in more basic papermaking experiences. With the help of a system of bamboo springs that hang from the ceiling, move the papermaking tray back and forth, and side to side. Arrange the flowers and plants you’ve gathered onto the washi, and brush the finished washi onto a steam boiler for drying. You’ll be able to take home the finished washi right away.


Tour Code | GSSG01 |
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Dates | Monday to Friday 13:00~ |
Duration | 2 hours |
Schedule |
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Languages | Japanese ※An English interpreter can also be arranged for an additional fee. Please contact UNA Laboratories for more details. |
Participants | Minimum 4, Maximum 6 |
Meeting Place |
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Reservation Deadline | 7 days before the start of the tour (for example, please reserve by October 3rd for a tour that starts on October 10th)
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Payment Method | Advance payment at the time of reservation (VISA, Mastercard, Amex, JCB) |
Attire | Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty |
Please Note |
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Cancellation Policy | 3 to 1 day(s) preceding the tour start date: 50% of the tour fee |
Travel Planning: Implementation
- UNA Laboratories Inc. (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Registration #2-951)
- 3-12-22-302 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0022
- TEL: 092-982-7956E-MAIL: tour@unalabs.jp
- Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors:
Aya Tamura, Noriko Yahata, Rei Watanabe - Business Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) - *Requests received outside of business hours will be processed the following business day.
- *Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors are responsible for transactions held at the sales office that processes customers’ travel. Please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors with any questions or concerns regarding the travel contract.
Tour Information
- Dates
- Monday to Friday 13:00~ ※Tours held by request. Please send us your preferred dates using the reservation form.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Recommended Age
- Suitable for All Ages
- Price
- 35,000yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- ※ Material fee included
※ Guests under 12 can accompany a parent or guardian on the studio visit (without papermaking) for free
※ Please send us your preferred date(s) through the inquiry form. We will confirm availability with the workshop and notify you as soon as possible.