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Saitama Craft Center
Try your hand at making original Ogawa washi paper.
Closed for renovation. Scheduled to reopen around March 2025 after renovations.
Traditional handicrafts of 30 items from 20 production areas designated by Saitama Prefecture are on display. The museum also offers demonstrations and hands-on experience of traditional handicrafts, where visitors can see a variety of handiwork.
The demonstration of Ogawa washi, one of the traditional handicrafts and a specialty of Ogawa Town, is a must-see. Ogawa washi, characterized by its high durability, has a long history dating back to about 1300 years ago. It was particularly in the Edo period that the industry developed. As Ogawa Town was close to Edo (now Tokyo), which is said to have had a population of over one million, it became an established industry along with the growing demand for paper. Today, Hosokawa-Shi, one of the best types of Ogawa-washi, is designated as an important cultural property by the national government and is registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
"Ogawa washi" and "Hosokawa-Shi" are sold at the museum's Village Product Hall. After visiting the exhibition, you can try your hand at making Ogawa washi! Let's make your own postcards and bookmarks using the washi you made!
At the "Roadside Station Ogawamachi", there is also a produce stand and a cafeteria. You can take your time enjoying the local food there.
Highlights
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Visitors can enjoy traditional handicrafts designated by Saitama Prefecture.
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In addition to washi paper products, souvenirs related to traditional handicrafts of the prefecture are sold at the Craft Village Product Hall.
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You can try your hand at making Ogawa washi paper!
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At the "Roadside Station Ogawamachi" produce stand, local vegetables and specialty foods are sold.
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You can also try the udon noodles made with 100% locally grown wheat at the Katakuri Noodle Factory!
Photos
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![Appearance of Saitama Craft Center]()
Appearance of Saitama Craft Center
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![Permanent Exhibition Section]()
Permanent Exhibition Section
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![Demonstration of Ogawa washi paper making]()
Demonstration of Ogawa washi paper making
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![At the papermaking workshop, you can make your own postcards and bookmarks.]()
At the papermaking workshop, you can make your own postcards and bookmarks.
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![Roadside station "Ogawamachi" attached]()
Roadside station "Ogawamachi" attached
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 埼玉伝統工芸会館
- Postal Code
- 355-0321
- Address
- 1220 Ogawa, Ogawamachi, Hikigun, Saitama
- Business Hours
- 9:30am-5:00pm (Admission until 4:30pm)
- Regular Holiday
- Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open), the day after a national holiday (if Monday is a weekend holiday, the museum will be open), year-end and New Year holidays
- Parking
- Available
- Admission
- Free (Free since April 1, 2021. Hand making experience is charged.)
- Telephone
- 0493-72-1220
- Access
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(1) About 40 minutes on foot from Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line and JR Hachiko Line.
(2) About an 8-minute bus ride from Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line and JR Hachiko Line, and about a 1-minute walk from the bus stop.
(3) About 10 minutes by car from the Arashiyama Interchange or the Ogawa Interchange of the Kanetsu Expressway. - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)