Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo – Your Gateway to Authentic Japanese Culture
Shop E-Newsletter No.246
Attention inbound group tours! Spend an unforgettable time at our 123-year-old craft venue, touching Japan’s heritage through a fun, hands-on workshop.
At “Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo”
you’ll find us in the nationally designated Important Preservation District of “Udatsu-rise” historical townscape.
Our Edo-period building, erected in 1760, still boasts its iconic “udatsu” firewalls.
Why not enjoy a team-building Mino washi craft session with everyone?
From solo travellers and couples to friends, families, group travel planners and corporate incentive trips—everyone’s welcome!
Groups up to 45 guests can craft together in one sitting.
Our workshop menu includes:
Washi Korokoro dolls, washi uchiwa fans, washi earrings, washi plates, washi pen-stands, washi bookmarks and more.
Follow the sample or let your creativity flow—
Create a one-of-a-kind souvenir straight from Japan!
More than 30 different DIY kits available.
Check our opening calendar before you visit—we look forward to meeting you!
▼ Shop opening days for March, April & May ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
※ Group reservations are available outside these dates—just ask!
▼ Official Website ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Rakuten EC Store ▼
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
How was your Golden Week holiday?
Our shop welcomed many visitors eager for hands-on Japanese craft experiences!
Some youngsters who once came with grandma returned this time with the whole family to craft Washi Korokoro dolls together.
As a staff member on the shop floor, I met wonderful people and made great memories.
Now, let’s dive into the latest updates just for you!
◆ Today’s Topics ◆
• Group visit report: our latest guests were a dancing-all-together crew!
• Workshop menu spotlight: the classic Japanese uchiwa fan
• Customer Gallery – see the amazing crafts guests actually made
• Planning a group workshop? High flexibility and high satisfaction—discover our washi craft programs.
• Teachers & school trip planners—boost classes and field trips with cultural hands-on fun!
• Special-needs schools & disability-support groups—check out our tailored service plans.
• Guests from around the world are flocking to Mino City for our immersive washi experiences!
• DIY kit lineup—perfect for home crafting, workshops or retail themes: enjoy making anywhere.
• March-April-May Instagram Contest — use #IshikawaShigyoContestSpring2025
• Mayu “Mi-no” Diary – Angel signs? We spotted a double rainbow!
We love seeing your smiles in our Mino Washi workshop—
Another round of great memories made!
Stay with us to the end!
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Group visit report: our guests this time were all dancers!
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Thank you to the many groups who keep choosing us.
This visit came via our website: a corporate incentive trip from Taiwan!
Although we’d emailed directions beforehand, there was a little confusion over the shop and parking—sorry about that!
Thanks to their bilingual guide, the microbus reached the lot safely.
Most participants were women in their 20s–30s, laughing and crafting together.
A parent-child trio also joined, earned a free clear case via Google Review, and displayed three Washi Korokoro dolls inside—it looked great!
We always gift the guide something special—this time a fan featuring a famous anime pattern, which they loved.
Guests enjoyed shopping for Hariko-shika lucky cats, chirimen-yuzen rabbit dolls and more—
Even after recommending our popular photo spot, they were oddly quiet…
Then we found out why!
They lined up their crafts outside and started a photoshoot.
The guide told us, “They all dance!”—and after our request everyone broke into a joyful dance in front of the shop.
They headed off saying, “That was fun!”
We hope every overseas guest enjoys both the Washi Korokoro craft and friendly time with our staff.
Come visit the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop at Ishikawa Shigyo!
▼ Click here for our official shop site
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Shop opening calendar
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
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Workshop menu spotlight: today we feature the traditional uchiwa fan!
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Essential for hot Japanese summers, the uchiwa fan has long been loved by locals.
A simple flick of the wrist brings a gentle breeze without over-cooling your body.
Our bamboo-frame fans create a soft, soothing airflow—perfect natural air-conditioning.
Why not craft your own eco-friendly uchiwa in our Mino Washi workshop?
Materials:
• Bamboo fan base
• Original Mino washi dyed in Kyoto using yuzen techniques
Simply cut and paste our exclusive papers to make a personalised uchiwa!
Pre-cut shapes include rabbits, butterflies, frogs and more.
You’ll also find plenty of floral motifs.
Feel free to design your own shapes too!
Families with many siblings sometimes add their names in Roman letters or hiragana so everyone knows whose fan is whose.
Washi Uchiwa Workshop: ¥1,100 (one side) / ¥1,320 (both sides) tax-incl.
Come and try it!
Groups under 10 can simply walk in.
▼ Shop opening days
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
▼ Contact us
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
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Customer Gallery – showcasing what our guests made!
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Today’s highlight is…
This year’s zodiac snake sprouted legs—so cute!
Feel free to add your own twist!
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Searching for a flexible, high-satisfaction group workshop? Our Mino washi program is perfect!
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Ideal for elementary, junior-high and high schools; kids’ clubs; family trips; PTA tours; company outings; corporate training; sports teams; senior clubs; NPOs; volunteer groups and cultural experience tours.
If you’re a planner, coordinator or concierge looking for unforgettable Japan group-tour content—read on!
Give children experiences beyond everyday school life.
Create lasting memories together.
Choose Ishikawa Shigyo’s Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop for a spectacular cultural workshop!
You’ll craft amazing keepsakes.
Plenty of slots still open.
We welcome both group reservations and individual bookings via our online system.
Our Washi Korokoro and other kits let anyone create original works with ease.
High creative freedom, high fun!
“Is that all the instructions?”
“Is it really this free-style?”
Yes—after we cover the key points, follow the easy guide and craft as you like!
Staff are on hand to help if you visit the shop.
Beat the heat in our cool venue while creating together—
Over 30 different kits mean every child’s curiosity will spark.
Have a design idea? Look it up on your phone and make it real!
Show and share your team’s creations—it’s great fun.
We look forward to welcoming you!
▼ Official shop site
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Washi Korokoro catalogue
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 jewellery DIY kit—tool rental guidelines
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/84/284_1_file.pdf
▼ DIY menu: washi plates, pen-stands, bookmarks, earrings and more
www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/01/23/123_1_file.pdf
▼ Family set of three DIY projects
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/09/209_1_file.jpg
▼ Washi Korokoro Samurai Series DIY experience
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/lsc/lsc-upfile/catalog/02/69/269_1_file.jpg
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• School planners! Need lesson ideas, social-studies excursions or unforgettable cultural learning? Let us support your curriculum.
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For field trips, study tours and hands-on classes,
how about the Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop at Ishikawa Shigyo?
Our venue offers DIY Japanese craft workshops using locally made Mino washi—perfect for cultural immersion.
Groups up to 45 people can enjoy the experience together.
For parties over 45, split into craft and town-walk teams: while one group creates, the other explores historic Mino City.
Here are must-see spots for the sightseeing team.
Check the link below!
▼ Discover Mino City’s highlights – courtesy of Mino Tourism Association
https://minokanko.com/feature/
※ You’ll also find our workshop featured on that page—take a look.
▼ Download the official Mino sightseeing map here
https://minokanko.com/pamphlet/
※ Mino isn’t only mountains (climbing, bouldering) and rivers (rafting, fishing)—there’s rich history too!
Learn living heritage and visit related attractions on the same day.
Mino boasts three UNESCO listings:
• 2014 Intangible Heritage — Handmade Hon-Mino washi
• 2015 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage — Ayu of the clear Nagara River
• 2020 World Irrigation Heritage — Sodai Canal
Our pristine nature and culture have global recognition.
Plan a class unit on local industry, then
experience washi crafting first-hand at Ishikawa Shigyo.
Nothing beats learning by doing!
▼ For reservations & inquiries
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
▼ Workshop website
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
Before or after sightseeing,
drop by for a fun hands-on craft session!
Group crafting lets guests focus quietly or laugh together as they create.
Either way, it’s a memorable highlight of any Japan group tour.
Follow the sample or make a humorous original—anything goes!
Show off your work, share a smile and deepen team bonds.
Let us help you create those special trip memories.
“Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo”
is housed in a 1760 Edo-era building with iconic udatsu firewalls,
located in the nationally protected historic district.
The perfect setting for traditional washi craft!
Group inquiries ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Special-needs schools & disability-support groups—new service plans available!
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We now offer the following benefits for
special-needs schools and disability facilities:
Exclusive for qualified groups
• One free ¥300 capsule-toy spin per participant
• 40 % off retail purchases for shopping practice (workshop fee excluded)
Our craft menu is easy—no complex steps—so everyone can succeed.
Cut the pre-shaped washi, glue and create your own original.
Coordinators for after-school programs or facility trips—talk to us!
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Wow! Guests from all over the world have enjoyed our workshop.
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Reservations from abroad keep rising—thank you!
Our latest booking was a corporate group tour from Taiwan.
Add our hands-on washi workshop to your Japan group-travel itinerary.
To date, visitors from 38 countries have joined us.
Americas
USA, Brazil, Canada
Asia
Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, 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 more.
Thank you to everyone worldwide—we’ll keep improving for global guests!
Our shop also stocks great inbound souvenirs—drop by.
▼ Cultural exchanges for international students and workers ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_672_0_0.html
Mino City Hall’s Washi Promotion Section is now running an inbound-visitor survey.
Responses are pouring in from international guests.
They’re gathering data to make Mino tourism even more appealing—stay tuned for upgrades to your future Japan group tours.
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Introducing our DIY kits—perfect at home, in workshops or matched to your shop’s theme. Any scene becomes a fun creative memory!
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Store owners who want to offer more than retail sales—how about selling an experience that sparks lasting memories?
Our signature Mino Washi crafting experience can be hosted by you, the owner!
All you need is a space with tables, chairs, glue and scissors to launch a workshop—easy setup, high-value cultural content.
Enjoy the year-round “Washi Korokoro Series.” Make your zodiac animal or craft as a relaxing break on a Mino City sightseeing loop.
Up to 45 guests can join at once—ideal for incentive trips and large family excursions.
Our lineup changes monthly for festivals and seasons; staff pick the best-selling kits for you.
January Zodiac & Setsubun (red ogre)
February Hina-doll Festival
March Easter (bunnies)
April Boy’s Day armor & Koi-nobori
May Samurai & Princess series
June Frogs & Goldfish crafts
July Uchiwa fan making
August Uchiwa fan making
September Halloween decorations
October Cute animals (sheep, Shiba-inu, cats)
November Cute animals (sheep, Shiba-inu, cats)
December Twelve-year zodiac, Daruma, Lucky Cats
Popular all-year themes include our “Good-Luck Series” and “Historic Samurai & Princess Series,” perfect for repeat events and destination marketing.
We can even develop exclusive private-label kits—contact our head office if you’re interested.
▼ Reservations / Inquiries
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
To purchase kits online:
▼ Rakuten Kit Store
https://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/手作りキット/?sid=391090
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March-April-May Instagram Contest
Keyword: #IshikawaShigyoContestSpring2025
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Our Instagram Contest “spring 2025” is live!
Post with #IshikawaShigyoContestSpring2025.
Entries can include past creations.
Winners receive fabulous Ishikawa-Shigyo prizes—let’s see your handiwork!
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Mayu “Mino” Diary Angel sign?! I spotted a double rainbow!
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I recently witnessed something beautiful and want to share it with you—my third double rainbow!
• First time: while pregnant, visiting a friend—we all rushed outside to marvel at the sky.
• Second time: a double rainbow arched over the shrine protecting my daughter and me—we chased photo spots by bike.
• Third time: after work—best one yet, vivid colors and the sky split in brightness.
A double rainbow has a bright “primary” and a faint, reversed-color “secondary.” Both were crystal clear that day.
Legend says double rainbows—nicknamed “angel signs”—mean wishes come true, blessings, fresh starts and life-changing luck.
So here’s a photo to share that luck with you! Next time the rain stops, look up and make a wish under a real double rainbow.
For newsletter questions, contact us ▼
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/contact/shop.html
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Craft your own Mino-washi souvenirs in an Edo-period townscape
Mino Washi Craft Experience Shop Ishikawa Shigyo
1909-3 Honjyu-machi, Mino-shi, Gifu 501-3728 Japan
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 anytime!
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Our media features—come see what the buzz is about!
▼ TV Tokyo “Can I Recharge My Battery?” — washi doll workshop with celebrity Kumada Yoko
https://youtu.be/S8nqVqxGoiI
▼ NHK “Marutto Gifu” — handmade washi uchiwa feature
https://youtu.be/Pn995x3oX9Q
▼ Gifu-Chan TV “Meccha Gifu Wakaru Telebi”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKiDL8-xf_w
▼ Mino Tourism Association website — our shop is listed under “Experiences → Mino Washi”
https://www.minokanko.com/index.php
▼ Gifu Prefecture “Seiryu no Kuni” News Letter press release — our washi kabuto decoration featured as “New Shape of Mino Washi”
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000143336.html
▼ Official Workshop Website
https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/shop.html
▼ Rakuten EC Store
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/ishikawa-shigyo/
▼ Latest Shop Info — March–May opening dates (group bookings available outside listed days)
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.ishikawa-shigyo.com/news/detail_1584.html
