A Hands-On Facility Where You Can See, Shop, and Make Washi
Sekishu Washi Hall opened in 2008 within the beautifully landscaped Misumi Central Park. Its role extends far beyond that of a conventional museum. It also serves as a center for preserving traditional techniques, training future craftsmen, and sharing the culture of Sekishu Washi with people in Japan and around the world.
The facility includes an exhibition room, shop, gallery, and workshop. Together, these spaces allow visitors to explore the world of Sekishu Washi from different perspectives.
The exhibition room provides easy-to-understand introductions to the history, manufacturing process, and uses of Sekishu Washi, making it accessible even to visitors who are encountering traditional Japanese paper for the first time.
Traditional and Contemporary Washi Products
The shop offers a wide range of products made from Sekishu Washi. Alongside traditional hanshi calligraphy paper and Japanese account books, visitors can find accessories, everyday goods, clothing, and other products designed for modern lifestyles.
The hall also features impressive works connected with the culture of the Iwami region. In particular, Iwami Kagura masks and a huge representation of Yamata no Orochi, the legendary eight-headed serpent, provide striking examples of how washi is incorporated into local traditional culture.
Experience the Art of Japanese Papermaking
One of the highlights of Sekishu Washi Hall is its hands-on washi papermaking experience. Advance reservations are required, but the opportunity to make traditional Japanese paper with your own hands offers a memorable way to experience the skill and precision developed by generations of craftsmen.
During the workshop, participants learn the traditional nagashizuki method, in which paper fibers are carefully distributed through water to create a strong and beautifully textured sheet.
Making your own piece of washi provides a deeper appreciation of the patience and craftsmanship involved in traditional papermaking. The finished sheet can be taken home, making it a unique and personal souvenir of your trip to Shimane.
The History and Cultural Value of Sekishu Washi
Sekishu Washi is traditionally produced in the Iwami region of western Shimane. It has been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and a Traditional Craft Product. Sekishu-hanshi is also recognized as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The origins of the craft are traditionally traced back to the Nara period. According to local tradition, the famous Man’yoshu poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro introduced papermaking techniques to the region.
Over the centuries, the craft developed alongside Iwami’s abundant natural resources and the skills of local papermakers, eventually becoming known for its distinctive strength and quality.
The Distinctive Qualities of Sekishu Washi
Sekishu Washi is made primarily from the plant fibers of kozo, mitsumata, and gampi. Its most notable qualities are its remarkable strength, light weight, flexibility, and soft texture.
Another distinctive feature is the way the paper can develop a beautiful whiteness over time. Because of its durability, Sekishu Washi has been used in many specialized fields, including the restoration of cultural properties, calligraphy paper, certificates, and traditional crafts.
It is also used in Iwami Kagura, including for decorative elements associated with the region’s spectacular traditional performances.
Preserving a Traditional Craft for the Future
In the past, Sekishu Washi was produced by more than 6,000 businesses and workshops. However, changes in lifestyles and the spread of industrial manufacturing caused the number of producers to decline dramatically. Today, only a small number of workshops continue the tradition.
Against this background, Sekishu Washi Hall plays an important role in preserving traditional techniques and encouraging their continued use.
Through exhibitions, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, visitors can gain a better understanding of the papermaking process while supporting efforts to pass these skills on to future generations. The hall also works to introduce the value and possibilities of washi to audiences both in Japan and overseas.
Convenient Access for Travelers
Sekishu Washi Hall is easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary around western Shimane. It is approximately five minutes by taxi from JR Mihomi-Sumi Station and about five minutes by car from the Iwami-Misumi Interchange.
Admission to the facility is free, making it an easy and accessible stop for travelers interested in Japanese traditional culture.
A Memorable Encounter with Traditional Japanese Culture
Sekishu Washi Hall is much more than a place to view traditional crafts. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience an important part of Japanese cultural heritage through exhibitions, traditional products, and hands-on papermaking.
Seeing the materials and techniques, touching the finished paper, and making your own sheet provides a much deeper understanding of the craft than simply looking at it in a display case.
Whether you are traveling with children, exploring Japanese traditional crafts, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Sekishu Washi Hall offers an engaging introduction to the world of handmade Japanese paper.
When visiting the Iwami region, take the opportunity to discover the remarkable tradition of Sekishu Washi and experience firsthand the craftsmanship that has been passed down for approximately 1,300 years.