東山和紙
‘Washi‘ is traditional Japanese paper made with plant fibers. The 800 year history of Tozan Washi of Higashiyama, Ichinoseki, conserves unique techniques that have been passed on for generations, key to making this soft yet strong paper. The paper is perfect for postcards, business cards, envelopes, calligraphy paper, among other things. The trees used to make this paper are grown in Ichinoseki's sister city, Miharu of Fukushima Prefecture. Tozan Washi and special paper products can be purchased at Kamisuki-kan located conveniently in close vicinity to one of Ichinoseki’s most famous tourist destinations, Geibikei Gorge. The patterned paper, paper dolls, coasters and my personal favorite, lamp shades, are great souvenirs. Paper-making workshops are also run at Kamisuki-kan. It takes about 1 week for the paper to dry, so you will need an address in Japan to have it mailed to you.
(Originally written for the Kitakami Times, click for the article)
Details: Address: 390 Nagasaka Azamachi, Higashiyama-cho, Ichinoseki City
029-0302 岩手県一関市東山町長坂町390 Hours: 9:00-17:00 ( April-November ) 10:00-15:00 ( December-March )Regular holidays Open every day ( April-November ) ; closed irregularly ( December-March ) Access: ~5min walk from Ichinoseki Geibikei Station