London Escorts sunderland escorts
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
      • Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Protecting the Sacred Trees of Koya-san

        Within the misty mountains of Japan's Kii Peninsula, Koya-san (Mt. Koya), stands as a sacred realm of tranquility, history, and spiritual significance. This awe-inspiring mountain has been revered for centuries and is home to a unique collection of trees known as the rokuboku, or The Six Trees of Koya-san.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
        togari onsen outdoor japan

        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Food and Drinks
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Races and Events
      • sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

        Winter News and Notes

        Check out the latest news and winter events held at ski resorts all over Japan in 2024!
        dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...

Following the Paper Trail in Kochi

washi papermaking kochi

washi papermaking kochi

Washi—traditional Japanese paper—has a history of nearly 1,500 years in Japan. Washi was used widely in everyday life until the arrival of mass-produced, machine-made Western paper in the 20th century. Today, washi is more art than commodity with a select few artists working to help keep this traditional paper relevant and evolving along with modern society. 

Deep in the mountainous region of Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island is Kamikoya, a modest two-story wooden workshop overlooking a hamlet. Long-time resident and nationally-acclaimed washi artist Rogier Uitenboogaart creates here. He was originally studying book binding back in his home country of the Netherlands, and discovered washi during the process. The 66-year-old Dutch artist made his way to Japan 40 years ago to learn more about washi and never left.

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

“I think people were surprised and wondering why a Dutch guy was so interested in washi,” he recalls. “But the locals were really open and willing to share with me what they knew.”

Kochi is one of Japan’s premier paper-making prefectures. Tosa-washi, the paper produced here, has a 1,100-year history with records showing it was once presented as a tribute to the emperor. Uitenboogaart soaked up everything he could about this dying industry.

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

He eventually settled down in Yusuhara, a small town made up of 90% forest land. Compared to most villages in Japan, Yusuhara has been fortunate as its forests and culture inspired famous architect Kengo Kuma, who designed the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Architects and designers from around the world have visited Yusuhara to see six of Kuma’s works located here. 

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

“We owe a lot to Kengo Kuma,” says Uitenboogaart, who produced wallpaper for Kumo-no-Ue-no Hotel designed by the architect. His washi has been used both for functional and artistic purposes, like a pop-up gallery in Ginza where he transformed an ordinary room into a “cave” using massive sheets of washi and contouring them to accentuate textures and lighting. Despite his many accomplishments, Uitenboogaart remains humble, working hard to preserve the local environment.

Washi is so intrinsically tied to nature—papermaking is a seasonal process and you have to know when to plant, harvest and make the fibers,” explains Uitenboogaart. He chose Yusuhara for its cold, dry winters and pleasant summers. “The fibers that we use all come from plants; the water we use has to be really clean in order to make good paper.” 

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

Kamikoya is surrounded by shoulder-height kozo (mulberry) and mitsumata (edgeworthia) plants that Uitenboogaart planted. He makes sure everything, from the plants themselves, to the other ingredients required for papermaking, stays natural without using pesticides and unnecessary chemicals. By producing small scale and locally, Uitenboogaart ensures his paper production is environmentally friendly. 

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

Together with his wife Chikako and son Yohei, they harvest the plants and start the time-consuming process of making paper the traditional way. First, bundles of plants are placed in wooden barrels and steamed. This allows the bark to be easily stripped away. The bark is placed in clean running water to wash away impurities and at the same time, be bleached under direct sunlight. Then, it is cooked with slaked lime to soften and break apart the bark into fiber. 

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

The fiber is flattened and beaten using a wooden mallet. Once it’s soft enough, the fiber is mixed with water and neri, an adhesive slime made out of okra. This liquid is then poured evenly in layers over a flat, rectangular sieve in a wooden frame. This determines how thick the paper is going to be. The workshop allows guests to customize their paper by sticking flowers and leaves on the paper as decoration or adding other washi colors. After decorating, the paper is pressed using a special stand, then left to drain overnight and dried by sun and wind. 

To continue washi’s legacy, Kamikoya started a guesthouse for travelers to really immerse themselves in the natural environment of washi. The guesthouse houses one group at a time (up to four people) and is decorated with Uitenboogaart’s washi wallpaper, lamps and other artwork. There is also a covered BBQ patio where guests can cook their own food. 

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

Uitenboogaart is also creating innovative ways to use washi, such as molding washi into straws, cups and other tools. He is also working on edible washi paper—even though technically every washi paper is or should be edible, he laughs. 

Uitenboogaart’s 36-year-old son Yohei is helping raise awareness about washi and manages Kamikoya’s marketing and branding. 

“I want people to not assume washi is this distant, intimidating artwork and process,” says Yohei. Younger people seem to be picking up an interest in not only washi, but also Japanese culture, he says while showing us a video of his father making paper that went viral on the mobile app Tiktok. 

“At Kamikoya, we want to let people experience and see how they can use washi in their everyday life. That’s why we teach them the process of making paper, then encourage them to decorate it at home, or even use it as a lampshade.” 

One night at Kamikoya starts at ¥18,750 per guest. Visitors can experience kamisuki, a two-hour papermaking workshop starting from beating the fiber (in-depth workshops are also available). To reserve or learn more, visit their website here.

Exploring Yusuhara 

Central Yusuhara Town is a 15-minute drive from Kamikoya. The town itself is very small and walkable. There is a grocery store where you can pick up ingredients for a BBQ at Kamikoya

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

Kengo Kuma’s work including the town office, library, Machi-no-Eki Yusuhara (a community market and hotel), Yururi Yusuhara (a nursing home) are located here. You can also drive another five minutes to Kumo-no-Ue-no Hotel to see Kengo Kuma’s iconic bridge design.

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

A 30-minute drive away is the Tengu Highlands of Shikoku Karst Natural Park; rolling green plains dotted with exposed limestone clusters and dairy cows. The picturesque karst plains are spread across 25 kilometers of Shikoku Island between Kochi and Ehime prefectures and split into three areas: the Tengu Highland, Keyakidaira and Mezurudaira. Route 383 winds through the highlands and, at 1,485 meters high, it is designated as one of the 100 most scenic roads in Japan and known as “Tenku no Michi,” or “Road in the Sky.” 

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

You can also access Kubotani Forest Therapy Road, one of the certified Forest Therapy Roads in Japan. A Forest Therapy Road is a walking path that has been scientifically evaluated by a qualified shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) expert as providing physiological and psychological benefits to those walking on it. It takes two hours to walk this pleasant trail paved with hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood chips.

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

Getting There

Kochi Ryoma Airport is an hour and a half flight from Tokyo, and Kamikoya in Yusuhara Town is a two-hour mountainous drive west of the airport. As the prefecture is big with limited public transportation, the best way to get around is by renting a car near the airport or in Kochi City. 

Read about Kaiyu, a Sustainable Beachside Onsen Hotel.

Learn more about traveling Kochi by camper van here.

Visit Kochi’s official tourism website here.

washi papermaking kochi

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest posts

Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Li...

Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

Kumano’s Path Less ...

A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

Categories