Traditional Papermaking Experience & Riverside Tour with Licensed Guide and Premium Minivan
Photo Highlights
Images from my gallery, related to this tour.
Tosa Washi is one of the oldest and most respected papermaking traditions in Japan — used for calligraphy, official documents, and art restoration work that demands the finest quality. It’s been made along the rivers of western Kochi for over a thousand years, and the same clean mountain water that gives the Niyodo River its extraordinary color is part of what makes the paper so exceptional.
This tour combines two things that are unique to this part of Kochi: the chance to make your own sheet of Washi paper using traditional techniques, and a drive along the Niyodo River to see that famous blue-green water up close. The low-water bridge at Nagoya — sitting just a few inches above the river surface — is one of those quiet, unexpected places that guests consistently tell me they remember long after the trip.
This is a good choice for anyone who wants something hands-on and genuinely different from standard sightseeing. The paper you make travels home with you as a lightweight, one-of-a-kind souvenir. And because we’re using a private Toyota Alphard the whole day, everything is relaxed and flexible — there’s no rushing to catch buses or stick to a rigid schedule.
Itinerary (Approximate times provided as an example)
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
I offer a convenient door-to-door meet-up service using a luxury Toyota Alphard. I can meet you at any of the following locations: Kochi New Port (Cruise Ship Terminal), Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ), JR Kochi Train Station, or any hotel or accommodation within Kochi City. Please inform me of your preferred meet-up location and time in advance. I will be there to welcome you and start our Kochi adventure in comfort.
Immerse yourself in the world of Tosa Washi. See master craftsmen at work and explore the intricate history of one of Japan’s finest papers. The museum showcases the traditional techniques and cultural significance of this 1,000-year-old craft that has been passed down through generations.
The highlight of the tour: Make your own Tosa Washi paper using traditional techniques. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll experience the ancient process of creating beautiful handmade paper. This unique and lightweight souvenir will be a perfect memento of your visit to Kochi.
Experience the stunning emerald-blue water of the Niyodo River. Walk across the famous “submersible bridge” (low-water bridge) and enjoy the serene rural landscape. The crystal-clear water of the Niyodo River creates the mesmerizing “Niyodo Blue” color that has made this area famous throughout Japan.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant along the route, selected based on the day’s itinerary and your preferences. This is an opportunity to experience everyday regional food enjoyed by locals, using seasonal ingredients from the surrounding mountains and coast.
Lunch is not included in the tour price, allowing flexibility based on individual tastes.
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✅ Local English-speaking licensed guide service (Regional license holder)
- ✅ Private transport by Toyota Alphard (Premium Minivan)
- ✅ Door-to-door meet-up and drop-off (Kochi New Port, Airport, or your Hotel)
- ✅ All vehicle-related expenses (Gasoline, expressway tolls, and parking fees)
- ✅ Complimentary photos taken by your guide
- ❌ Admission to Ino Town Paper Museum: 500 JPY per person
- ❌ Papermaking Experience Fee: Approx. 400–800 JPY per person (depending on the program)
- ❌ Meals and beverages: Approx. 1,500–2,500 JPY for a local riverside lunch
- ❌ Personal expenses (Souvenirs and other individual costs)
- ❌ Travel insurance (Please ensure you have your own coverage for the tour)
Tour Important Information
Papermaking Workshop: Advance reservation is required. Please confirm at the time of booking.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the bridge visit.
Expenses: Admission (500 JPY), Workshop (400–800 JPY), and Meals are not included in the tour price.
Vehicle Support: For your comfort and efficiency, I provide a Premium Toyota Alphard as a courtesy support. It is the most reliable way to visit the river area within 6 hours.
Important Notes on Availability
- On Mondays: The Ino Town Paper Museum is closed. Instead, we will visit the Tosa Washi Village “Qraud” for our papermaking experience and riverside lunch.
- On Wednesdays: Tosa Washi Village “Qraud” is closed. We will focus our visit on the Ino Town Paper Museum and I will arrange an alternative local restaurant for lunch.
- Start Time: I can adjust the start time to match your cruise ship’s arrival at Kochi New Port. Please let me know your ship’s schedule when booking.
Important Note regarding Transportation
My primary service is providing high-quality guiding as a licensed guide. For your comfort and to ensure an efficient journey, I provide my private vehicle as a courtesy support. This is not a taxi service. The price difference from a “Walking Tour” covers actual vehicle expenses like fuel, tolls, and parking.
I currently offer several tour options, but I can also create a fully customized itinerary based on your interests. In the photo gallery, you’ll find examples of places and experiences I’ve introduced to past guests.
If there’s a specific place you’d like to visit, feel free to reach out.
For cruise ship travelers, most tours are around 6 hours, so I recommend choosing 3 to 4 spots. To make planning easier, I’ve grouped locations into Central (C), Eastern (E), and Western (W) Kochi in the gallery — please use that as a reference.
Cancellation Policy
- ✅ Free cancellation: 8 days prior to meeting time
- ⚠️ 50% Refund: 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- ❌ No Refund: Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tosa Washi, and why is it special?
Tosa Washi is a traditional Japanese paper that has been produced in the Ino area of Kochi for over 1,000 years. It’s made using the clean, soft water from the Niyodo River — the same water that gives the river its extraordinary clarity. Tosa Washi is known for its exceptional strength and texture, and is used for calligraphy, art restoration, official government documents, and even currency paper. It has been designated as a traditional craft by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs.
What does the papermaking experience actually involve?
You’ll work alongside artisans to create your own sheet of Washi paper using the traditional “nagashizuki” technique — scooping a frame through a mixture of plant fibers and water, then gently shaking it to spread the fibers evenly. The process takes about 30–45 minutes and doesn’t require any special skill or preparation. Each person makes their own sheet, which is dried and given to you to take home. It’s a genuinely hands-on experience, not just a demonstration.
Can I take the paper I make home with me?
Yes. The sheet you make is yours to keep. After drying, it’s lightweight and flat — easy to pack in a suitcase or carry-on bag. Many guests use theirs for calligraphy, framing, or as a writing surface for letters. It’s one of the most personal and practical souvenirs you can bring back from Japan.
Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, and it works particularly well for cruise guests. Ino Town is about 30 minutes from Kochi New Port by car, and the Niyodo River area is another 40–50 minutes further west. I’ll pick you up directly at the cruise terminal and plan the entire day around your ship’s departure time. The Toyota Alphard makes the drive comfortable, and I’ll have you back at the port with time to spare.
What happens if the museum or workshop is closed on the day of my tour?
The Ino Town Paper Museum is closed on Mondays, and the Tosa Washi Village “Qraud” is closed on Wednesdays. I plan around these closures automatically — if one venue is closed, we visit the other. In both cases, the papermaking experience is still possible. Please let me know your tour date when you contact me and I’ll confirm the details in advance.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children tend to enjoy the papermaking workshop especially. There’s no minimum age requirement — young children can participate with a little help from a parent or guardian. The low-water bridge and the river scenery are also exciting for kids. Please let me know the ages of your children when you book so I can plan the pace accordingly.
How is this different from the Niyodo Blue Tour?
Both tours visit the Niyodo River and the low-water bridge, but the focus is different. The Niyodo Blue Tour spends more time at Yasui Valley and the Crystal Basin, going deeper into the river scenery. This Papermaking Tour adds the Ino Paper Museum and the hands-on workshop as the main cultural experience. If you’re primarily interested in the river, the Niyodo Blue Tour is the better choice. If you want both a craft experience and a taste of the river, this tour is the one.
How do I book this tour?
Click the “Send a Message” button on this page to contact me directly. Let me know your preferred date, group size, and any special requests. I typically respond within 12 hours. No payment is required upfront — we’ll confirm all the details, including workshop availability, before anything is finalized.
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