[Fukushima Prefecture] Let's try making washi paper at Nihonmatsu City 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 article introduces washi paper from the Kamikawasaki area of ​​Nihonmatsu City and the Nihonmatsu City Washi Heritage Museum

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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, its history can be traced back to the mid-Heian period.
Kamikawasaki washi paper was loved and called "Michinoku paper" by many aristocrats during the Heian period .

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

Adachi-Chieko no Sato Roadside Station is a rare station with both northbound and southbound lanes , and on the northbound side of the road stands a facility themed around washi paper. It's called 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 crafts, another popular item is sujigami, made by boiling and beating mulberry paper, a material used in Japanese paper, together with the bark.
This is a type of washi paper with fine black bark scattered all over the white paper, and the appeal is that each piece has a different texture.
Of course, namagami, a sturdy washi paper made in one color without the black bark scattered all over, is also popular, and some customers apparently purchase it to be used as shoji paper.

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

The experience corner has a wide variety of activities, from short 15-minute experiences to more elaborate 40-minute experiences.
Not only can you actually try papermaking, but you can also create original crafts using Kamikawasaki washi paper, so you can create many memories.

Please note that some experiences require reservations, but
on the other hand, most of the others can be experienced even if you just drop in, so feel free to join in.

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Washi paper has turned into soft serve ice cream!?

At the ice cream factory Two Three, located next to the Nihonmatsu Washi Tradition Museum, they sell
soft serve ice cream You might be surprised to hear that paper can be used to make soft serve ice cream, but this washi soft serve ice cream is actually made by kneading kozo, the material used to make washi paper, into the ice cream. This means that it is safe to eat.

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: Roadside Station Adachi Upbound

Google Maps

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