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11/01-07  2023 in kyoto　/    artisan experience

Deepen your creativity, connect yourself with Japanese washi paper traditon in For international visitors to learn and experience Kyoto’s Kurotani Washi, from making materials to creating washi by hand from a washi artisan.

In this unique one-week program, an artisan of Kurotani Washi, which has a history of 800 years, will thoroughly teach you from material making to the process of making washi.

Spend time in a village known for handmade washi, surrounded by nature, and take your time to deepen your understanding of the craftsmanship of washi. You will fully experience Kyoto culture with a stay at a traditional Japanese farmhouse where you can get in touch with local life and experience Zen at Shorekiji Temple.

We will also take you on an inspirational trek to Tochigami Mountain, known only to the locals. Please come and feel the history, culture, and spirit of Kyoto.

[Kurotani Washi is an Intangible Cultural Heritage Designated by the Kyoto Prefectural Government]

✔️Learn the essence of handwork from technically and mentally

✔️An active craftspeople guide you the production from raw materials to washi paper

✔️Elevate your artistic ability in the rich nature of Kurotani, tiny quiet village surrounded by mountains and river.

【Highly recommended to 】

✔️ Creators and artists who is curious about handwork and crafts

✔️ Curious about traditional Kyoto culture, history and creativity people

Program

■11/1 (WED) 12:00-17:00

Meet at Kyoto Station/ Arrive accommodations/Overall lecture

■11/2（TUE）9:00〜17:00

Material preparation, get the Kozo mulberry brunch, steam, peel

■11/3（FRY）9:00〜17:00

Material preparation, Wash, simmer, beat

■11/4（SUR）9:00〜17:00

Rice thresher activity + lunch with local farmer,

Paper making with mold

■11/5 (SUN) 9:00-16:00

Drying procedure of paper / closing ceremony

Dry the washi paper to finish the production.Closing ceremony with craftspeople, receive a certification

■11/6 (MON) 9:00-16:00

Zen meditation experience / 3 hours trekking in the sacred Tochigani mountain

Experience monk guided meditation in the bamboo forest of temple. After lunch, trek to the sacred mountain known for 1,000-year-old giant tree in autumn colors where the local artist get the inspiration.

■11/7 (TUE) 9:00-13:00 Souvenir shopping / Back to Kyoto Station

Please note that the details of this program may change.

Stay

Farmer’s Inn “Nagomiyado ORIGIN” 4 nights 11/01-04

A cozy traditional farmhouse surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. Rooms are traditional tatami mat style. Local fresh vegetables are used for meals. “Hand roll sushi”,”Savory pancake,Okonomiyaki’ is included. Vegetarian meals are available. Local hot spring experience is highly recommended for relax.

*Only 2 rooms are available, so you may need to share the room with other participants.

*Rooms are divided by the sliding doors.

*Not bed but futon mattress is prepared.

*Shared clean toilet and bath.

*Hot spring nearby are also available.

* If you prefer to stay in western style hotel, please don’t hesitate to inform us.

Shorekiji Temple 2 nights 11/05,06

Shorekiji Temple offers beautiful traditional style place to stay which is built more than 100 years ago. Located in the mountain side of the city, you can overlook the panoramic river view from the room. it’s not just a place to stay, the place to charge energy. Vegetarian Shojin course, carefully prepared by monks with local ingredients will served. Course meal of Shamo chicken is also available.

*Only 3 rooms are available, so you may need to share the room with other participants.

*Rooms are divided by the sliding doors.

*Not bed but futon mattress is prepared.

*Shared clean toilet and bath.

* If you prefer to stay in western style hotel, please don’t hesitate to inform us.

Details

【Schedule】1st (wed) to 7th (tue) November 2023　*Shortened schedule is avaialble, please ask.

【Location】Kyoto , Ayabe City Kurotani

【Price would rise from】 500,000 yen + 10% tax　(Aid of local gavament is included, price may would rise from next time) * Includes accommodation, meals, and transportation

【Number of participants】Up tp 4 people * First-come, first-served basis.

For foreigners and expats / with English speaking guide

【Transportation 】 Bus/shuttle

【How to apply】 experience@freeplus-hd.com (PIC: Yoshida)

Apply with the subject “Kurotani Washi Tour” . Please let us know your name, age, occupation, number of participants, contact information, social media info(if you have) and reason of participation. Thank you!

*If you have any questions, please contact experience@freeplus-hd.com

【Closing to apply】 Thursday, October 25, 2023

▼Movie for reference▼

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye7tXU7Sr_E

【Corona measures】 Carefully taken

【Host】FREEPLUS Inc. ／ MU inc.

【Cooperation】Kurotani Washi Cooperative Association / Ayabe City / Woodland Kyoto / Ayabe City