Tosa Washi Paper: A Thousand-Year Tradition of Kochi's Paper Culture

Tosa Washi Paper: The Center of Japan's Washi Industry

Kochi Prefecture (Tosa) is Japan's largest washi production area, accounting for approximately 60% of national production. The Niyodo River basin centered on "Ino Town (Inomachi)" is the main production area, with a traditional industry over 1,000 years old continuing today.

Characteristics of Tosa Washi Paper

Tosa washi has the conflicting characteristics of being thin yet strong, and is internationally evaluated as "the highest quality washi." In particular, "thin paper (usuyoshi)" is used in international applications including gold leaf beating, cultural property restoration, and French banknotes.

Paper Museum (Ino Town)

The "Paper Museum" in Ino Town along the Niyodo River allows learning about the history and manufacturing process of Tosa washi. Paper-making experiences (hand-making experiences) are also offered, with the experience of making your own washi popular.

Contemporary Art and Washi Paper

In recent years, contemporary art, lighting fixtures, and stationery using Tosa washi are also attracting attention. Products fusing traditional techniques with contemporary design are gathering popularity domestically and internationally.

Access

To Ino Town from JR Ino Station on foot, or from Kochi city by the last stop "Ino" on the streetcar (Tosa Electric Railway). Approximately 30–40 minutes from Kochi city by streetcar.