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Tosa Washi Papermaking — 1,000-Year Craft

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Tosa Washi Papermaking — 1,000-Year Craft

Tosa Washi Papermaking — 1,000-Year Craft 2

Tosa washi is handmade paper produced in Kochi using techniques that date back over 1,000 years. The paper is made from kozo (mulberry bark), mitsumata, and gampi fibers, harvested locally, steamed, beaten, and formed sheet by sheet in cold river water. The result is paper of extraordinary strength, translucency, and longevity — Tosa washi is used for calligraphy, woodblock printing, conservation work, and even currency (Japanese banknotes contain Tosa washi fibers).

The Ino Paper Museum (Ino-cho, 20 minutes west of Kochi) is the best place to experience Tosa washi. The museum has exhibits on papermaking history, displays of antique papers, and daily workshops where visitors can make their own sheet of washi by hand. The process — scooping pulp, shaking the frame, pressing, and drying — takes about 45 minutes. Your finished paper can be mailed home or taken as a souvenir.

Opening Hours

Museum 9:00–17:00. Papermaking workshop: continuous sessions 9:30–16:00 (last entry 15:30). Museum shop open same hours. Workshop results can be collected same day.

Closed: Closed Mondays (open if Monday is a public holiday, then closed Tuesday). Closed December 28–January 4. Open all other days.

Entrance Fee

Museum entry ¥800 adults, ¥300 children. Papermaking workshop ¥500 additional per person. Groups of 10+ should call ahead. International mailing of finished paper: extra charge (domestic only included).

Best Season

Year-round (entirely indoors). Rainy days make this an ideal activity. June and September see the most workshop participants. Combine with a Niyodo River visit for a full cultural + nature day.

Visit Duration

Museum exhibits only: 45 minutes. Papermaking workshop: 45–60 minutes. Full visit including museum and workshop: 90 minutes. Allow extra time if visiting the shop.

Getting There

Access Information

Ino Paper Museum: 110-1 Saiwaicho, Ino-cho. 20 min by train from Kochi (JR Dosan Line to Ino Station, 5-min walk). Open 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays. Entry: ¥800. Papermaking workshop: ¥500 additional. Budget 90 minutes.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Workshop details:** The papermaking workshop runs continuously from 9:30–16:00 (last entry 15:30). No reservation needed for individuals; groups of 10+ should call ahead. The instructor speaks limit