Washi paper was first made in Japan and is used in many traditional arts due to its beauty and durability. Today, you’ll discover the art of Washi paper making at a craft village surrounded by the rich natural setting of the Niyodo River. A drive through the city and into the scenic countryside takes you to the Craft Village situated nearby Niyodo River. The Niyodo River is famous for its transparency and having the highest quality water in Japan. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that unfolds as you travel to your destination. Arriving at the craft village, you will experience how Tosa washi paper is made by hand, the traditional way. The mountainous area around Kochi provides the raw materials needed and the Niyodo River plenty of the water used in its production. Although the origins of paper are not conclusively known, according to the Engishiki (a record of laws & customs), taxes in Tosa Province were collected using papers. It is also estimated that the paper making history goes back at least 1,000 years. Enjoy the long history of paper making and experience the beauty of this unique artwork during your visit. Stop to view and photograph the Nagoya Chinka Bridge and the crystal clear waters of the Niyodo River. The bridge was uniquely designed to be underwater during floods and can only be crossed over when the water level is low.
