For Your Japan Tour, Crafting Memories: Mino Washi Paper dolls Workshop in a Japan’s Designated Important Preservation District—A Beautiful Historic Destination Mino Gifu
2025.05.30Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
Shop E-Newsletter Vol. 248
Hands-on crafting in Mino City, Gifu—our flagship “Washi Korokoro” doll workshop and other Mino-washi paper craft experiences are a hit with inbound group tours!
Thank you for visiting Ishikawa Shigyo’s Craft Experience Shop! Google Reviews ★4.9 (816) updated May 26, 2025
“Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo”
is located in the nationally preserved Udatsu Historical District—perfect for cultural tourism itineraries.
The Edo-period building, erected in 1760, still boasts its original udatsu firewalls.
Why not enjoy a hands-on Mino-washi craft session together?
Solo travelers, couples, families, school groups, company outings, and large tour groups are all welcome!
We can seat up to 45 guests per session—ideal for Japan group tours and incentive programs.
Menu highlights:
Washi Korokoro dolls, washi fans, washi earrings & piercings, washi plates, washi pen-stands, washi bookmarks, and more.
Follow the sample or let pure creativity guide you—
take home a one-of-a-kind Japanese souvenir crafted by you!
We offer over 30 different DIY kits.
Check our opening calendar and drop by—we look forward to welcoming you.
▼ Shop Schedule (Mar–May) ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
▼ Shop Schedule (Jun–Aug) ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1710.html
※Group bookings are possible even on closed days—contact us!
▼ Official Website▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Rakuten Online Store▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
My daughter’s school sent home a notice about the swimming program.
Wow—summer in Japan is almost here!
This year they’ll use a nearby indoor pool instead of the on-campus one.
I hope that takes a little pressure off the teachers. ^^
Fingers crossed our girl masters her least-favorite stroke! ♪
◆ Today’s hot topics ◆
• For individual travelers: a super-fan family even flew down from Hokkaido just to try our Washi Korokoro workshop!
• =Customer Gallery= Showcasing real crafts made during our hands-on sessions.
• Discover our hometown: Mino’s Oyada Shrine—beautiful even in early summer.
• Why our craft studio is the perfect stop on any Mino City sightseeing route.
• Looking for flexible workshops for tour groups? Guests rave about us—details inside.
• Teachers & school planners—add culture and memories to your field-trip program!
• Special-needs schools & disability-support groups: see our inclusive service menu.
• Wow! Visitors from around the globe enjoy our Mino-washi experiences—find out why.
• Today’s craft-menu spotlight: traditional Japanese fans (uchiwa) you decorate yourself.
• DIY take-home kits—perfect for home crafting, retail workshops, or café events.
• Mayu “Mino” Diary: uh-oh… my laptop is about to crash…
We love helping guests create smiles at the Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop.
Another fun-filled week has just wrapped up—join us next time!
Read on and enjoy. ^ ^
For individual travelers: a super-fan family even flew down from Hokkaido just to try our Washi Korokoro workshop!
We usually feature tour groups, but today we spotlight an individual booking. ♪
“Our daughter begged for a Washi Korokoro doll, so this trip revolves around your craft studio!”
That’s what a lovely family from Hokkaido told us when they booked online.
The daughter discovered our dolls on the web and planned her whole vacation around making one.
She chose the kimono option—sky-blue cherry-blossom yuzen paper with a matching inner collar.
“Blue is my favorite color!” she smiled, while Mom snapped photos of the creative moment. ^^
We couldn’t photograph every scene, but seeing a family fulfill a child’s wish is heart-warming.
Ishikawa Shigyo hopes to remain a shop that sparks joy for travelers of all ages. ^^
▼ Visit our Craft Experience Shop website here!
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Check our opening calendar here.
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
=Customer Gallery= Here are some pieces guests crafted during our workshops ♪
Today’s featured creation…
Rain-Shelter Frog ♪
Next to him, Tatsukun wields a paper fan—forming a comedy duo! (lol)
Feel free to add your own creative twists when you visit. ♪
Our hometown Mino City! Explore Oyada Shrine—gorgeous even in early summer.
Today’s recommendation is Oyada Shrine. ^^
This historic shrine blends cultural heritage with breathtaking nature—famous for crimson maples each autumn.
My personal highlights: the shrine’s architecture, the maple valley, and a gentle hike up Mt. Tenno.
About 3,000 Japanese maples—some over a millennium old—cover the grounds.
May brings fresh green leaves; mid- to late November offers tunnels of red and gold.
During the Maple Festival, local women’s groups sell yuzu-flavored gohei-mochi—don’t miss it!
On the fourth Sunday of November, catch the folk puppet dance “Hinkokono-Mai,” praying for a rich harvest.
Oyada Shrine is also a trailhead: the mellow path from Maple Valley up Mt. Tenno (≈ 1,000 m) suits beginners.
Sign the summit logbook—it’s fun to see frequent climbers’ names!
Best stop for Mino sightseeing—our studio is ultra-convenient!
Just minutes from the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway Mino I.C.—perfect for tour buses.
Dear tour planners designing Nagoya-to-Takayama or Nagoya-to-Kamikochi routes:
Our studio sits at the perfect halfway point.
Long coach rides get tedious—break up the journey with a one-hour cultural workshop!
We strongly recommend adding our Mino-Washi craft to your Japan group-tour itinerary.
Need a 90-minute stop including travel time? We’ve got you covered.
Key Advantages:
1. Five minutes off Mino I.C.; five-minute walk from the coach parking lot.
2. Workshop time under one hour.
3. Guests take their handmade souvenir home immediately.
4. Travel agencies receive an R10 rebate.
5. Guests enjoy 10 % off in-store shopping over ¥1,000.
6. Ultra-flexible—each participant designs freely for a truly original keepsake.
7. Our shop sits in the heart of Mino’s historic Udatsu streetscape.
8. Experience Mino-washi, a 1,300-year-old UNESCO-listed craft, hands-on.
9. High guest satisfaction—Google Reviews ★4.9 (816) as of May 26 2025.
For overseas visitors: a fun gateway to Japanese culture.
For domestic travelers: rediscover traditional Mino-washi through tactile creativity.
Crafting something entirely your own builds lasting affection for the piece!
【Access — Mino City】 How to reach Ishikawa Shigyo Craft Experience Shop
• From Nagoya: Nagoya Loop I.C. → Mino I.C. ≈ 1 hr (≈ 67 km)
• From Takayama: Takayama-Nishi I.C. → Mino I.C. ≈ 1 hr 15 min (≈ 90 km)
• From Shirakawa-go: Shirakawa-go I.C. → Mino I.C. ≈ 1 hr 15 min (≈ 110 km)
• From Gujo-Hachiman: Gujo-Hachiman I.C. → Mino I.C. ≈ 17 min (≈ 28 km)
• From Chubu Centrair Airport: via Nagoya Expressway & Tokai-Hokuriku Expy ≈ 1 hr 20 min (≈ 95 km)
• From Toki Premium Outlets: Toki I.C. → Mino I.C. ≈ 30 min (≈ 39 km)
Please use the municipal parking lot—we’ll gladly meet your group there.
▼ Hand-drawn Mino City Map
Packed with charming local shops!
[Front]
https://minokanko.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/30ddbcbb17e8592a50b2d0c9fcab3229.pdf
[Back]
https://minokanko.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/90c3049d7dadf0b1aa05f315a3aacf68.pdf
▼ More access details to Mino City
Searching for a flexible group workshop? Our guests are thrilled—let us host your team!
Elementary, junior-high, and high schools, family clubs, PTA trips, corporate retreats, sports teams, senior groups, NPOs—everyone’s welcome.
Give kids an experience outside regular classwork and create shared memories!
Consider Ishikawa Shigyo’s craft studio for your next excursion—unforgettable creativity awaits. ^^
Plenty of slots remain—group and individual reservations welcome via our booking site.
Our Washi Korokoro dolls and other projects are easy yet bursting with originality.
We cover the must-do steps; beyond that, follow the illustrated guide and let your imagination soar.
Visit us—staff are on hand for gentle assistance.
Beat the summer heat in our cool studio—craft something unique with friends and family.
With 30 + kits in stock, kids’ “I-want-to-make-that!” radar will surely ping. ^ ^
Have your own idea? Look up papercraft inspiration on your phone and customize away.
Come show off your creations—visit Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop!
▼ Craft Experience Shop website
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Washi Korokoro Catalog (PDF)
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/00/82/82_1_file.pdf
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/87/287_1_file.png
▼ Washi Earrings & Piercing DIY Kit — Tool-Rental Guidelines (PDF)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/84/284_1_file.pdf
▼ DIY Menu: Washi Plates, Pen-Stands, Bookmarks, Earrings & more (PDF)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/23/123_1_file.pdf
▼ Family-Set DIY Menu — Three Projects in One Kit (JPG)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/09/209_1_file.jpg
▼ Washi Korokoro “Samurai” Series DIY Menu (JPG)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/69/269_1_file.jpg
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Educators & school-trip planners—bring culture, fun memories, and hands-on learning to your curriculum! Let us assist you. ♪
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For social-studies excursions, study tours, and experiential classes,
consider the Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop, Ishikawa Shigyo.
We offer workshops using locally made Mino-washi paper—an ideal industrial-arts lesson.
Groups of up to 45 students can craft together in one sitting.
Larger than 45? Split the class—half enjoy the workshop while the rest explore the historic Udatsu district, then rotate.
Below are sightseeing ideas for the walking group.
Check the links! ♪
▼ Discover Mino City’s Attractions — Mino Tourism Association
https://minokanko.com/feature/
※ This page also links back to our craft-experience site—please have a look.
▼ Download Mino City sightseeing maps here ♪
https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/
※ Note—Mino offers more than mountains and rivers; cultural heritage abounds.
Why not learn traditional culture and visit its related sites?
Amazingly, three different UNESCO titles are represented here ♪
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — Hon-Mino hand-made paper techniques (2014)
• Globally Important Agricultural Heritage — Ayu of the clear Nagara River (2015)
• World Irrigation Heritage Site — Sodai Canal (2020)
Our fertile nature and living culture have earned global acclaim.
Incorporate these industries into your lesson plan and
let students experience Mino-washi crafting at Ishikawa Shigyo!
▼ Workshop reservations & questions ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
▼ Craft-studio homepage ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
Before or after sightseeing, enjoy hands-on crafting at our shop. ♪
Group workshops let each person dive deep or laugh together while creating.
Copy the sample or invent a hilarious original—anything goes!
Show off your work, share the laughs, and make unforgettable trip memories. ♪
We’d love to host that creative time for you.
“Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop, Ishikawa Shigyo”
is a designated property in the nationally preserved Udatsu streetscape.
Housed in an Edo-period building (built 1760) with original udatsu firewalls,
it’s the perfect place for a hands-on washi workshop!
Group inquiries ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Special-needs schools & disability-support groups—check out our inclusive service plan.
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For special-needs schools or care facilities,
we now offer the following support services:
Exclusive for groups from special-needs schools or holders of disability IDs:
• One free try at our ¥300 capsule-toy gacha
• Shopping-practice discount — 40 % OFF store merchandise (workshops excluded)
Our menu is easy—no complicated steps, yet everyone makes something wonderful.
Choose a pre-cut paper pattern, paste, repeat, and create your own original item!
Teachers, after-school programs, travel coordinators—
please make use of these services!
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So many countries! Visitors from 38 nations have enjoyed our workshops.
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Overseas reservations are rising—recently a group from Taiwan joined us.
Add our cultural activity to your group tour menu!
We’ve welcomed guests from 38 countries so far.
North & South America: USA, Brazil, Canada
Asia: Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, Timor-Leste, Nepal, India, Israel, Cambodia, Laos, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Pakistan, Malaysia
Europe: UK, France, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Italy
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
and counting!
Thank you all. To welcome even more nationalities we’re launching a campaign—guests from any country not on the list will receive a special gift. Ask our staff!
Please tell us where you’re from. ^^
We’ll keep improving to delight every visitor. Browse our wide range of inbound-friendly souvenirs!
▼ Cultural exchanges for international students & workers ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
Mino City’s Washi Promotion Division is surveying inbound visitors—stay tuned as we enhance the experience!
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Workshop menu spotlight—today: Mino-washi fan (uchiwa) crafting!
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In Japan’s hot summer, uchiwa fans have been an essential daily item.
A simple wave brings a gentle breeze that cools the skin without over-chilling.
Our bamboo-framed fans create a soft airflow—perfect relief from the heat.
Why not craft your own fan at our studio?
Materials:
• Bamboo fan frame
• Original Mino-washi dyed in Kyoto using yuzen techniques
Cut, paste, and design—make a totally original uchiwa in minutes!
Pre-cut shapes include rabbits, butterflies, frogs, and many flower motifs.
Feel free to cut your own shapes or even spell your name.
Washi-fan experience: one side ¥1,100 incl. tax / both sides ¥1,320 incl. tax
Try it next time you visit! ♪
Groups under ten can simply walk in during business hours.
▼ Shop calendar
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
▼ Contact
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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DIY kits—at home, in workshops, or to match your shop theme. Craft anywhere!
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Shop owners who want to offer more than retail souvenirs—add a creative memory-making event.
You can host our flagship “Washi Korokoro” experience yourself!
Setup is easy—tables, chairs, glue & scissors are all you need.
Our “Washi Korokoro” series is popular year-round.
Make your zodiac animal, or relax with a craft after touring Mino.
We can seat up to 45 at once—bring everyone!
Monthly and seasonal themes keep repeat guests engaged.
January — Zodiac & Setsubun (Red Oni)
February — Hina-doll Festival
March — Easter (Rabbits)
April — Samurai dolls & Koinobori
May — Warrior & Princess series
June — Frogs & Goldfish
July — Fan making
August — Fan making
September — Halloween
October — Cute animals (Sheep, Shiba-inu, Cats)
November — Cute animals (Sheep, Shiba-inu, Cats)
December — 12 Zodiac animals, Daruma, Lucky Cats
Lucky-charm and Historical (Samurai/Princess) lines are popular all year. Seasonal variety keeps events fresh and drives repeat traffic.
We can also develop bespoke kits—contact head-office Ishikawa Shigyo for OEM.
▼ Inquiries & reservations ♪
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
Buy kits at ▼ Rakuten
https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/手作りキット/?sid=391090
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Mayu “Mino” Diary — Uh-oh, looks like my laptop is dying…
My daughter’s secret hide-out is the bottom half of our closet—she’s tricked it out with bedding, my favorite lamp, snacks, and juice.
For newsletter inquiries ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Craft Mino-washi souvenirs in Edo-style streets—Mino-Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
1909-3 Honjyu-machi, Mino-shi, Gifu 501-3728
Shop manager: Mayumi Sato
Tel 0575-29-3680 / Fax 0575-35-1363
Mobile 090-5851-4673 Email shigyo@jt7.so-net.ne.jp
HP: https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/
Feel free to contact us ♪
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Media coverage—thank you for the rave reviews!
▼ “Can I recharge my battery here?” TV show — experience video with Kumada Yoko
▼ NHK “Marutto Gifu” — Mino-washi fan workshop
▼ Gifu TV “Meccha Gifu Wakaru TV”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼ Mino Tourism Association — Experience → Mino-washi (our site is listed!)
https://www.minokanko.com/index.php
▼ Gifu Prefecture press release — “New forms of Mino-washi” featuring our Kabuto décor
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
▼ Website
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Rakuten EC store
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
▼ Latest shop updates
NEW! Shop calendar (Mar-May)
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
※ Group bookings available outside posted dates!