[Fukushima Prefecture] Experience making washi paper at the Nihonmatsu Washi Tradition Museum!

The more you learn about Fukushima Prefecture, the deeper you'll find it is the "gateway to Michinoku." Among these, Nihonmatsu's washi paper has a history unmatched by any other region

The appeal of washi paper is that it can add color to any situation, from a simple atmosphere to a solemn one. The Kamikawasaki area of ​​Nihonmatsu has been producing washi paper for over 1,000 years

This articlewashi paper from the Kamikawasaki district of Nihonmatsu Cityandthe Nihonmatsu City Washi Paper Museumintroduces

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What is Kamikawasaki Washi?

The Kamikawasaki district of Nihonmatsu City is a production area of ​​washi paper

Although its production volume lags behind that of Kochi and Ibaraki prefectures, Kamikawasaki washi paper has a history that can be traced back to the mid-Heian period.
Many aristocrats of the Heian period"Michinoku paper"used it regularlyand.

Speaking of quality, it is said that the paper that Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon liked to use for writing, called "Mayumigami," was made in the Kamikawasaki area

In Nihonmatsu city, kozo, the raw material for washi paper, is harvested in December

After the mulberry trees have grown to 2-3m in height, they are harvested, peeled, boiled, beaten, and finally made into washi paper. All of these processes are carried out in the Kamikawasaki area. This is truly local production for local consumption of paper

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Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum

is unusual in that it has both an uphill and a downhill lanethe Adachi-Chieko-no-Sato roadside station, which, there is a facility themed around washi (Japanese paper) on the uphill side. Its name is the"Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum".

Here, crafts and miscellaneous goods made from washi paper are sold, and the charm of washi paper is introduced to visiting tourists

The crafts made with washi paper include a wide variety of items for sale, from cute, round, battery-operated washi lamps and earpicks with adorable washi paper dolls attached to the end, to standard miscellaneous goods such as postcards, envelopes, and letter paper

In addition to craftwork, sujigami, a type of washi paper made by boiling and pounding kozo (mulberry) fibers together with their bark, is also popular.
This washi has fine black bark scattered across its white surface, and each sheet has a unique texture, which is part of its charm.
Of course, raw washi, a sturdy, single-color paper without scattered black bark, is also popular, and some customers even buy it to use as shoji screen paper.

The charm of the Nihonmatsu City Washi Heritage Museum is its experience corner

The hands-on experience corner offers a wide variety of activities, from short 15-minute experiences to more elaborate 40-minute workshops.
Not only can you actually try your hand at papermaking, but you can also create original crafts using Kamikawasaki washi paper, allowing you to create all sorts of memories.

Please note that some experiences require reservations.
On the other hand, most of the other experiences can be enjoyed by simply dropping by, so feel free to participate!

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Washi paper has turned into soft serve ice cream!?

At the Two Three ice cream shop located next to the Nihonmatsu Washi Tradition Museum,washi (Japanese paper) soft serve ice creamthey sell
It might sound surprising to hear that paper can be made into soft serve ice cream, but this washi soft serve is actually made by kneading kozo (mulberry), the raw material for washi, into the ice cream. So you can eat it with peace of mind.

The flavor is a bit off-putting, but it adds a nice accent to the creamy texture of the soft serve ice cream. I was surprised at how easy it was to eat and how refreshing it was

Don't be put off by the name "Washi Soft Serve" - ​​just give it a try! I highly recommend it!

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summary

Nihonmatsu washi paper is a traditional craft with a history of over 1,000 years. The Nihonmatsu Washi Tradition Museum at the roadside station "Adachi" continues to pass on this technique to the present day

At the museum, you can not only find washi products, but also take part in a variety of experiences, including papermaking

Also, the neighboring Ice Cream Factory Two Three sells a soft serve ice cream called Washi Soft, so why not give it a try when you visit Nihonmatsu? You might find it surprisingly delicious and get hooked

Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum <Information>

• Name: Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum "Roadside Station Adachi (Upbound)"
• Address: 33-1 Shimokawasakikamidaira, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-1511
• Phone number: 024-361-3100
• Official URL:Michi-no-Eki Adachi (Upbound)

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