Echizen, home of washi paper 越前和紙の里

A legendary paper

To understand the place of washi paper in the life of the people of Echizen, you must know its history. Legend has it that more than 1,500 years ago, a woman felt sorry for the people of the region, who were struggling to make a living growing rice, and gave them the art of making washi paper. She then disappeared into the river and was named "Upriver Goddess", Kawakami gozen in Japanese. As the goddess of washi, she is worshiped at the local Okamoto Otaki shrine.

At this time, many Chinese and Koreans had come to bring their expertise to Japan so it's suspected that in reality the supposed 'goddess' was from one of these two neighboring countries. But even though the making of paper comes from overseas, Japan has embraced it so wholly and adapted it with its own unique methods that washi art is considered an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Today, there are still 70 washi industries in the Echizen region, mostly family-run businesses, employing around 500 people. This ancestral craftsmanship is recognized throughout Japan and one of the manufacturers has even been proclaimed a "Living National Treasure" for perpetuating the washi paper tradition at its highest level. The fame is so great that the royal family uses it for their birth announcements!

To read: Washi

Manufacture and uses

Traditionally, paper is made from the fibers of three different materials: kozo, mitsumata and gampi. But today, many artisans import their materials to minimize costs so plantations have become more rare. Of course, some continue to use old-fashioned methods to ensure paper quality, with products growing on Japanese soil.

Paper discovery tour

Echizen is proud of its craftsmanship and offers you various ways to learn more about its history with washi. Between museums and workshops, you can learn all about the famous Japanese paper.

• The Museum of Paper and Culture

It's all in the name. You will learn the whole history of making washi in Echizen by looking at the different papers produced in the workshops and factories in the area. Different sizes, qualities and colors will show you that craftsmen have never stopped innovating to perfect their work. 1,500 years of history to feast your eyes on!

Useful information :
Address: 11-12 Shinzaike-cho, Echizen City, Fukui 915-0232
Price: 200 yen

• The Udatsu Paper and Crafts Museum

Right next to the first museum, you will find this traditional house from the Edo era (1603-1868) that serves as a workshop for the manufacture of paper and that you can, of course, visit. This will allow you to see professionals at work, using the traditional tools of yesteryear. The sheets of paper are put to dry outside and are available for purchase.

To access the workshop, you can use the same entrance ticket as for the Museum of Paper and Culture (see the information above)