Craft a Charming Journal with Traditional Handmade Washi Paper

The excellence of traditional washi paper

Washi is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan. Handmade by artisans, it is internationally acclaimed for not only its beauty but also its strength and durability. Produced all over Japan, regional varieties are known by their unique characteristics, such as “Echizen washi” – which is tough – and “Tosa washi” – which is gauzy and soft.

Rich-textured washi

Kamitowa sells washi and washi products from all over Japan, seeking to convey the charm of the paper. In its workshop, you can craft washi from scratch.

An array of colorful washi items

Kamitowa is run by a paper wholesaler with over 90 years of history in the business. Before the Second World War, it mainly handled washi, but afterward transitioned to dealing in Western style paper. As the modern world has gone increasingly paperless, focus has shifted to trying to convey the charm of paper, heralding a return to the business of washi. After a study of washi production methods, Kamitowa opened in 2019.

Following professional techniques, try your hand at making your own washi.

In this experience, use the washi you make in the cover binding of your own one-of-a-kind “Goshuincho”(Stamp Journal) . The raw material is domestically grown mulberry, processed with traditional papermaking techniques. In this method, the liquid material is placed in a fine mesh suketa then gently and quickly spread out by rocking.

Japan-grown mulberry, the raw material for washi paper

Absolute beginners are more than welcome. After carefully taking in the professional’s methods and an explanation, you will have a chance to practice. You will be coached in detail on how to handle the suketa screen and how to rock it quickly after adding the pulp solution.

Quickly scoop up the pulp liquid with a screen and rock it to distribute it evenly.

Decorate your cover to your liking with pressed flowers

The paper is made in two passes, waiting for excess water to drain and arranging the design of the pressed flowers that will adorn the cover.

An assortment of seasonal flowers

There are so many types of flowers that it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities. These design choices are where the creator puts their unique signature on their work with their chosen combination. Have fun!

A balanced arrangement within the cover-sized frame

Drying and dehydration to finish the washi

After arranging the pressed flowers, coat them with the prepared washi and a brush. The pressed flowers create raised spots, so it is crucial to properly remove air bubbles here to ensure a beautiful finished product. Next, put the paper through a dehydrator to thoroughly remove all moisture.

Coat with outward brushstrokes starting from the inside.

After that, the paper is attached to a purpose-built dryer. Use a large brush to remove bubbles and wrinkles. Since the Temple-stamp Journal needs to be strong enough to be carried around, reinforce the dried washi with konjac paste.

Dry for 15 minutes at 80-85 degrees.

Personalized washi made into a cute stamp journal

Once the washi is dry, it’s time to make your stamp journal. The work is done on raised tatami mats that are themselves made with washi. Use the pattern to cut it, then paste it to the backing paper to make the front and back covers.

Affix the cover to the inner paper firmly for a clean finish.

The inner pages of the journal are professionally made bag-type paper. The last step is to attach them to the front and back covers. If you wish, you may also put a “Stamp Journal” label on the cover.

A day spent hands-on with paper, appreciating its charm

Exclusive to the Wabunka plan, receive a souvenir journal cover made of deluxe Yuzen washi. Choose your favorite pattern from a wide selection.

Hand-made washi stamp journal and Wabunka exclusive Yuzen washi bag.

Take your journal with you on the day. A guide can recommend shrines and temples in Kyoto where you can use it.

A journal filled with travel memories and collected goshuin stamps from Kyoto’s temples and shrines