Mino washi is among Japan’s finest traditional handmade papers, produced in the town of Mino in central Gifu for over 1,300 years and prized for its exceptional thinness, strength and even texture, with the traditional ‘hon-minoshi’ technique recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The historic town of Mino preserves a beautiful old merchant street of udatsu-walled houses built by prosperous paper traders, and visitors can explore a dedicated washi museum and try hands-on papermaking workshops, forming their own sheet of Mino paper to take home.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Mino, Gifu |
| Hours | Town always accessible; museum/workshops ~9:00–17:00 |
| Admission | Town free; museum and workshops small fees |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to Do
- A hands-on papermaking workshop, forming your own sheet of Mino washi.
- A preserved old street of udatsu-walled merchant houses.
- A dedicated washi museum explaining the 1,300-year tradition.
- One of Japan’s finest handmade papers, a UNESCO heritage craft.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Gujo Hachiman water town nearby.
- Pair with Gifu Castle and Gifu City sights.
- Read our Gifu overview .
Getting There
- By train: Nagaragawa Railway to Mino-shi Station, near the old town.
- By car: convenient via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway from Gifu.
Tips
The hands-on papermaking workshop is beginner-friendly and a good way to appreciate the skill behind the thin, strong paper, so consider booking one alongside the museum visit. The old merchant street with its distinctive udatsu firewall gables is worth a slow walk in its own right, reflecting the wealth the paper trade once brought the town.
