[Fukushima Prefecture] Let's try making washi paper at Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum!

Fukushima Prefecture is the "gateway to Michinoku," and the more you know about it, the more profound it becomes. Even so, Nihonmatsu's Japanese paper has a history that is unrivaled by other regions.

The appeal of Japanese paper is that it can decorate any situation, from a rustic atmosphere to a solemn atmosphere. The Kami-Kawasaki district of Nihonmatsu has been producing washi for over 1,000 years.

This article introduces washi in the Kamikawasaki area of ​​Nihonmatsu City and the Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum

What is Kamikawasaki Washi?

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

Although its production volume is behind that of Kochi and Ibaraki prefectures, its history can be traced back to the mid-Heian period.
Kamikawasaki washi is said to have been loved by many aristocrats during the Heian period ``Michinoku no paper .

Speaking of its quality, it is said that the paper called ``Mayumigami'' that Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon liked to write on was made in the Kamikawasaki area.

In Nihonmatsu City, mulberry trees, the raw material for washi paper, are harvested in December.

After the mulberry trees, which have grown up to 2 to 3 meters in length, are harvested, they are peeled, boiled, pounded, and finally made into paper to become washi paper. All of these processes are performed in the Kamikawasaki area. This means that paper is produced locally for local consumption.

Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum

Adachi - Chieko no Sato - a roadside station with an inbound and outbound line, which is rare in the world.On the inbound line side, there is a washi-themed facility. Its name is ``Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum'' .

Here, we sell crafts and miscellaneous goods made using washi paper, and introduce the charm of washi to tourists.

Crafts made with washi include a variety of crafts, from battery-operated washi lamps with cute round shapes, ear picks with adorable dolls made from washi paper, and standard miscellaneous items such as postcards, envelopes, and stationery. sell things.

In addition to craft works, suji-shi, which is made by boiling mulberry, the material used to make washi, together with its outer skin and pounding it, is also popular.
This Japanese paper is made of white paper with finely scattered black skin, making each paper unique in its texture.
Of course, raw paper, a durable Japanese paper made in one color without scattered black peel, is also popular, and some customers even purchase it to make shoji paper.

The appeal of the Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum is its experience corner.

There are a wide variety of experience corners, ranging from short 15-minute experiences to large-scale experiences that take up to 40 minutes.
Not only can you experience paper-making, but you can also make your own original crafts using Kamikawasaki washi, so you can make all kinds of memories.

Please note that some experiences require reservations.
On the other hand, there are many other things that you can experience even if you just stop by, so feel free to join us.

Japanese paper has become soft serve ice cream! ?

Ice cream workshop Two Three, which is attached to the Nihonmatsu City Washi Folklore Museum, sells
soft-serve ice cream You might be surprised to hear that paper can be used to make soft serve ice cream, but actually, this washi soft serve is made by kneading mulberry tree, the material used to make washi paper, into soft serve ice cream. Therefore, you can eat it with peace of mind.

It's a curious taste, but it feels like an accent flavor has been added to the creaminess of soft serve ice cream. I was surprised to find that it was surprisingly easy to eat and had a refreshing taste.

Don't be put off by the name Washi Soft, give it a try! Recommended!

summary

Nihonmatsu Washi is a traditional craft with a history of over 1000 years. The Nihonmatsu City Washi Folk Museum located at the Adachi roadside station is where this technique is passed down to the present day.

At the Denshokan, you can not only buy washi products but also participate in various experiences such as paper making.

In addition, Ice Studio Two Three, which is located next door, sells 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 addicted to it.

Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum <Information>

• Name: Nihonmatsu City Washi Tradition Museum “Roadside Station Adachi (inbound)”
• Address: 33-1 Kamidaira, Shimokawasaki, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 969-1511
• Phone number: 024-361-3100
• Official URL: Roadside Station Adachi Inbound Line

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