Kurotani Washi

Kurotani Washi has been made by hand in northern Kyoto Prefecture for around 800 years, founded by defeated samurai who took up papermaking in winter to supplement their livelihoods. The local mountain streams and cool climate produced strong paper mulberry fiber well suited to the craft. For much of this period, roughly 90 percent of households in the area were engaged in papermaking. Today, Kurotani produces paper used in the conservation of nationally designated artworks, and the craft has been recognized as a Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property. Visitors can try papermaking at the Kurotani Washi Craft Village or the cooperative, which also has a gift shop and showroom.