Oguni Washi Intensive Japanese Papermaking Workshop
Number of Participants: 2-5
Cost/participant: ¥140000 (introductory offer)
Duration: 6 full days (+)
Date: October 27~November 2, 2024
Overview
Spend six full days in Oguni, Niigata, learning about the traditional craft of papermaking (washi). Learn, in English, how traditional Japanese paper is made, and try your hand at making sheets of your own that you can take home at the end of the workshop. Learn about traditional paper treatments, and bind papers into a traditional-style 4-hole stab-bound book. Learn about papermaking techniques, paper varieties, and more through evening lectures/discussion sessions. Master the fundamentals of this timeless art, all in a picturesque countryside setting.
Itinerary & Accommodation
On the afternoon of October 27 (Sunday), we will meet at either the ticket gate in Nagaoka station, or at our hotel in Nagaoka (exact times tba). Due to the proximity of amenities, we will stay near Nagaoka station, and commute daily to Oguni by car (approximately 50 minutes). We’ll depart from the hotel daily at 8:30 am.
Rooms (including breakfast but not dinner) have been pre-reserved at Route Inn Nagaoka at the reasonable price of ¥7500/night. For ease of travel, we recommend staying here, but if you wish to find your own accommodation, please let us know at the time of registration.
A simple bento lunch will be provided daily at Oguni Washi (please provide any dietary restrictions upon registration). Light snacks, coffee, and tea will be available throughout the day.
Around 5:00 pm daily, we will wind things down, and return to Nagaoka by car.
In the afternoon on Day 4, we will travel to a local hot spring, and soak in the public bath and spend the night there.
Once the workshop is complete, decide on your own if you want to stay on longer in Nagaoka, return to Tokyo, or travel on elsewhere.
What’s Included?
The workshop fee includes:
Daily transportation (studio/hotel)
Studio rental
Papermaking materials
Expert instruction and assistance
Bento lunch
Tea and light snacks
The workshop fee does not include:
Meals, except for bento lunch
Accommodation
Transportation to Nagaoka (transportation between Nagaoka and Oguni is included)
Registration & Payment
Early registration is appreciated; receive a 10% discount for registration before August 1. Payment in full is required within 10 days of registration. No registrations will be accepted after October 1. To register, or make an inquiry about the workshop, please click here.
Travel to Nagaoka
Nagaoka is located approximately 250km (150 miles) nw of Tokyo. If necessary, we can assist with travel to Nagaoka from Tokyo or other parts of Japan. Shinkansen (2 hours), highway bus (4 hours), and car (4 hours) are all viable options. Please inquire as necessary.
You won’t be disappointed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
“I highly recommend this workshop for anyone looking to learn about Japanese papermaking! The instructors were not only friendly but also extremely knowledgable and highly skilled!”
~Heather (2024)
Detailed Itinerary
Pre-workshop (Oct 27)
(Afternoon) Meet at Nagaoka Station
Travel to Nagaoka hotel
Evening Presentation/Discussion
Spend night in Nagaoka
Day 1 (Oct 28)
Travel to Oguni
Studio Tour/Intro
Kozo Harvest
Group Lunch
Kozo Steaming&Stripping
Travel to Nagaoka hotel
Evening Presentation/Discussion ii
Spend night in Nagaoka
Day 2 (Oct 29)
Travel to Oguni
Fibre Preparation — Scraping/Cooking
Group Lunch
Basic Sheet-forming (Oguni-size)
Travel to Nagaoka hotel
Spend night in Nagaoka
Day 3 (Oct 30)
Travel to Oguni
Fibre Preparation — Chiri-tori
Fibre Preparation — Beating
Group Lunch
Sheet-forming (Oguni-size)
Travel to Nagaoka hotel
Evening Presentation/Discussion iii
Spend night in Nagaoka
Day 4 (Oct 31)
Travel to Oguni
Additional papermaking
Travel to local hot spring
Spend night at hot spring hotel
Day 5 (Nov 1)
Travel to Oguni
Pressing and Drying
Group Lunch
Mini-WS — Kakishibu&Konnyaku
Travel to Nagaoka hotel
Spend night in Nagaoka
Day 6 (Nov 2)
Travel to Oguni
Mini-WS — stab-binding
Group Lunch
Nagaoka Sightseeing
Disperse at Nagaoka station for your next destination, or stay an extra night in Nagaoka
＊ An additional program in Tokyo may be offered on November 3 if enough interest is present (please inquire at registration if interested).
＊ Itinerary contents and schedule are approximate and subject to change. Outdoor activities, especially, may need to be rescheduled depending on weather conditions.
Your Guide/Instructor
Paul Denhoed
Paul, originally from Toronto Canada, is a washi researcher and papermaker who has lived in Japan for 20+ years. He has a close working relationship with the Imai family. Paul is a native English speaker and also fluent in Japanese. Although not a professional interpreter, he will facilitate communication between Mr and Mrs Imai and workshop participants.
Your Hosts/Instructors
Hiroaki and Chihiro Imai
The Imais followed Chihiro’s parents into the paper-making world beginning over 25 years ago. They have both travelled to widely (around Japan and abroad) to demonstrate washi papermaking, and have a robust workshop program at the studio. Their friendly and generous demeanor makes them great teachers and excellent hosts.
About Oguni Washi
The Oguni area of Nagaoka City (Niigata prefecture) lies in the heart of the region known as “Snow Country”, and is home to a papermaking tradition stretching back more than 300 years. From the cultivation and preparation of kozo (paper mulberry — the raw material for papermaking) to the drying and finishing of the sheets, the Oguni Washi Papermaking Workshop produces papers using traditional techniques that take advantage of the abundant snow of the area. Oguni-gami, the traditional paper of the region, has been recognised as an intangible cultural asset.
FAQ
Q — Can you help me to arrange travel and accommodation?
A — Yes. If necessary, please contact us to arrange assistance with your travel reservations/accommodations.
Q — What languages will be supported?
A — All communication/instruction will be offered in English, or through translation to English provided by Paul. The Imais will speak Japanese.
Q — Can my child participate?
A — This workshop is recommended for age 16 and up. Children 10-15 may be ok if accompanied by an adult. The workshop is not recommended for children under 10.
Q — Will this event be offered in the future?
A — This workshop is being offered as a one-time event, though iterations may be offered in the future. Please feel free to inquire about customizing a workshop program for yourself or your group.
Q — Are discounts available?
A — An early sign-up discount is available.
Q — What kind of weather should I expect?
A — Late October is a transistional period, and weather can be changeable. Expect daily highs of 16-22°C (61-72°F), with lows of 10-15°C (50-59°F), and anticipate possible high or low anomalies appropriately.
Q — What type of clothing should I wear?
A — Dress in layers so you can add/remove as necessary. You will likely get wet, and there’s a small chance you will get dirty. Rubber boots and/or hiking boots will be essential.
Q — Can I get a refund?
A — Refunds will be available as follows:
Cancellation prior to September 1:
Full refund, less ¥5000 cancellation fee
Cancellation between September 1 and September 30:
50% refund
Cancellation after October 1:
No refund
