In Nihonbashi Honmachi, there is a long-established Japanese paper store "Ozu Washi" that has been in business for over 360 years.
It is said that this was the first time that Ozu Seizaemon Nagahiro founded a paper wholesaler "Ozu Seizaemon Store" in Temmacho, a commercial area in Edo (current location) in 1653 in the Shoo era.
The new store, completed in 2015, is surrounded by fences like a store from the Edo period, with Japanese shop curtain at the entrance.
On the first floor, there is a corner called "Washi Experience Studio" where you can experience paper making in front, and on the left hand side is a store where products using Japanese paper and Japanese paper from all over Japan are lined up.
The second floor is the Ozu Cultural Class and the Ozu Gallery, and the third floor is the Ozu Historical Museum and the Mini Museum, which displays the history, raw materials, manufacturing methods and production areas of Japanese paper.
Of course, the "Ozu Historical Museum" is a collection of exhibits that introduce the history of "Ozu Washi", but it seems to be a long-established store that has been in business for more than 360 years, and the exhibits include customs of the Edo period and the lifestyle of merchants.
On the third floor, in addition to the Ozu Historical Museum, there is also a gallery of works made of Japanese paper and a mini-museum where you can gain knowledge about Japanese paper, which is also recommended for elementary school studentsIntangible Cultural Property during summer vacation!
Mr. Banzu gave me a lot of explanations and also showed me a video recording of the process of actually making Japanese paper at the gallery.
Also, on the first floor of the store, you can experience the original handmade Japanese paper experience even by family members, friends or one person (reservation priority).
Japanese calligraphy, Chigiri-e, pressed flowers, seal engraving, Monochrome ink painting, colored pencil drawings, picture letters, calligraphy, incense, dynasty paper, and more. (There is also a 2-hour hands-on workshop.)
Wouldn't it be fun to visit such a mini-museum with your children during summer vacation?
〒103-0023 3-6-2, Nihonbashihoncho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3662-1184 FAX: 03-3663-9460
Business hours From 10:00 to 18:00 Closed: Sunday
