Washi Papermaking at watashino in Asakusa | Handcraft Four Colorful Tosa Washi Postcards

Make Colorful Washi Postcards at watashino in Asakusa

The venue is watashino, a Tosa handmade washi shop in Asakusa. The shop offers hands-on papermaking using Tosa washi, a craft passed down for generations in Kochi Prefecture, and also sells washi goods.

On the Color Plan, you'll change into samue (traditional Japanese work clothes) and make four postcards under an instructor's guidance. You'll then layer on rakusuishi, decorative washi in colors and patterns of your choice, to create a combination that's uniquely yours.

What sets this plan apart is that you don't just make the paper — you also get to choose colors and decorate it. Since you can take your postcards home the same day, it's a chance to create your own Asakusa souvenir with your own hands.

First, Get Ready in Samue

The experience begins with changing into samue and watching a short video on the history of washi and how it's made.

The workshop is lined with sukibune — vats where the raw fibers are dispersed in water — and the wooden tools used to form the paper. As your instructor explains the process, take a close look at the fibers that become washi.

Once you've seen the material in its raw form, it's time to make paper yourself.

Now, Form the Paper with Wooden Tools

Your instructor shows you how to hold and move the tools, and you scoop the fiber-filled water from the vat.

As you move the tool, the fibers in the water layer on top of one another. The highlight of this step is when the water drains away and the shapes of your four postcards appear.

Even first-timers can follow along easily with the instructor's guidance.

Next, Layer On Your Favorite Colors and Patterns

With your paper formed, it's time to pick colored washi to decorate your postcards. You'll use rakusuishi dyed by artisans in Kochi — washi given holes and patterns by sprinkling water on it, known for its delicate designs and hues.

Compare the array of colors and patterns, then place your favorites on top of the washi you made. Match all four in the same color or give each one a different combination — decorate them with the finished look in mind.

The colors you pick change the whole feel of each postcard. If you're joining with family or friends, it's fun to compare the colors everyone chose.

Then, Press Out the Water and Dry the Paper

The newly formed washi is pressed to remove water, then moved to a heated dryer.

You smooth it with a brush as it dries into finished paper. You get to see the whole journey, from fibers floating in the vat to postcards you can take home.

Finally, Pose for Photos with Your Finished Postcards

Your finished washi postcards are yours to take home as souvenirs the same day. Each sheet has its own colors and fiber textures, making them truly one of a kind.

We recommend snapping a commemorative photo with your creations while still dressed in samue.

The shop also sells washi products such as goshuin-cho (temple and shrine stamp books), washi notebooks, and folding fans, perfect as travel souvenirs.

Prefer a Plain Finish?

There's also a Plain Plan, which skips the colored washi so you can enjoy the natural texture of the paper you made. You'll still make four postcards and take them home the same day.

FAQ

■ How long does the Color Plan take? About 45–60 minutes. In addition to papermaking, you'll choose and layer colored washi. Timing may vary depending on progress, so leave some buffer before your next plans.

■ Is there a plan for making plain washi? Yes. You can choose the Plain Plan, which doesn't include colored washi decoration. You'll make four postcards in about 30–40 minutes. On the booking site, it's listed as the "Postcard Washi Papermaking Experience."

■ Can beginners take part? Yes. The instructor will teach you how to use the tools and guide you through each step. Instruction is available in Japanese and English.

■ Can children join? The experience is described as suitable for children. Please check the latest details for your chosen plan regarding age requirements, guardian supervision, and pricing categories.

■ Can I take my creations home the same day? Yes. Your four dried and finished washi postcards are yours to take home that day.

■ Where is the venue? watashino is on the 2nd floor of the Bonsoir Building, 1-32-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo. It's about a 1-minute walk from Exit 6 of Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

■ What should I wear? Clothes with sleeves that are easy to roll up are recommended. Please check the information sent after booking for arrival time and anything else you need to bring.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Selecting the Color Plan, and its 45–60 minute duration
• Start time, and meeting at the shop's 2nd floor in Asakusa
• Conditions for children and accompanying guardians, and available languages
• What's included in the price, and the cancellation policy

Prices, session times, and plan details are subject to change, so please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Form washi with wooden tools, layer on your favorite colors and patterns, and finish four postcards. At watashino in Asakusa, you can experience a traditional Japanese craft while creating a souvenir that reflects your own taste.

Will you display all four side by side, or add a message and give them to someone special? Thinking about how you'll use them as you pick your colors makes the process all the more absorbing. Why not add colorful washi papermaking to your Asakusa itinerary?

Book here: Traditional Japanese Craft: Washi Papermaking Experience (Asakusa, Tokyo).