Nao Tesuki Washi (Japanese paper Workshop), Saga

Nao Tesuki Washi is a traditional Japanese papermaking workshop located in the mountain village of Nao in Yamato-cho, Saga City, Saga Prefecture. Founded in 1876, it stands as the last remaining washi workshop in an area that once housed more than 100 papermaking facilities in the early 20th century. The workshop represents over 300 years of continuous papermaking tradition in the Nao region, preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations since the craft was introduced to the village by Yoshisuke Nodomi in the Genroku Period (1688-1704).

The workshop specializes in creating washi using kaji mulberry (kajinoki), a local species that grows naturally in the surrounding mountains. Unlike the more common kozo mulberry used elsewhere in Japan, kaji fibers are exceptionally long and intertwine readily, producing paper of remarkable thinness and durability. This unique characteristic makes Nao washi particularly valuable for restoring culturally significant artifacts across Japan, including parade floats from the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Karatsu Kunchi Festival, lanterns for the Hakata Yamakasa Festival, and sacred objects at Yutoku Inari Shrine. The paper's translucent quality and strength also make it ideal for traditional applications such as shoji screens, fusuma sliding doors, and paper lanterns.

Visitors to Nao Tesuki Washi can participate in authentic papermaking experiences using the same 970 x 670 mm wood-framed trays employed by professional craftspeople, rather than the smaller tools typically offered at tourist workshops. The experience begins with a walk through the tranquil mountain village and kaji mulberry fields, where participants collect plants and flowers to incorporate into their paper. Inside the workshop, visitors learn the complete production process, from cultivating and harvesting the mulberry trees to the final paper-making technique that involves mixing finely separated kaji fibers with a viscous liquid from sunset hibiscus plants (tororoaoi) in spring water. The workshop is housed in a 200-year-old building that also features a shop displaying various washi products, including elaborately textured wall hangings, noren curtains, colorful postcards, and contemporary paper art pieces.

The workshop operates Monday through Friday with experiences starting at 13:00, requiring advance reservations at least 7 days prior. The two-hour papermaking experience costs ¥140,000 for groups up to four people, with an additional ¥35,000 per person for larger groups. The price includes all materials, and participants can take home their finished washi paper the same day. English interpretation can be arranged for an additional fee. Access to the workshop requires taking a bus from Saga Station Bus Center bound for Mitsuse (approximately 70 minutes), though many visitors opt for taxi or rental car due to the rural location. The facility can accommodate up to 7 vehicles in its parking area, though advance notice is required for buses or large vehicles by calling 0952-63-0334.