Discover the Living Legacy of Japanese Craftsmanship
Tosa Washi Craft Village is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the pristine banks of the Yodogawa River in Ino Town, Kochi Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and serene natural beauty, it offers more than just a place to rest—it’s a gateway to the enduring art of traditional handmade washi paper. Visitors can immerse themselves in hands-on experiences at the on-site washi paper-making studio, where ancient techniques are kept alive through guided workshops and live demonstrations.
Beyond paper crafting, the station features a regional food market, a relaxing bathhouse with herbal foot soaks, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and scenic spots perfect for river views and outdoor activities like canoeing. With its blend of cultural heritage, natural charm, and thoughtful amenities, Tosa Washi Craft Village invites travelers to slow down, connect with tradition, and rediscover the quiet magic of craftsmanship.
Why Visit
Visit Tosa Washi Craft Village to experience the only hands-on washi paper-making workshop in the region, where you can craft traditional Tosa washi using techniques passed down for centuries. Located along the pristine Yoshino River, the site offers unique access to the historic Nagoyaya Submerged Bridge and the Ino Town Paper Museum, showcasing the area’s deep cultural heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Tosa Washi Craft Village roadside station, where fresh regional ingredients meet traditional recipes in a welcoming dining atmosphere.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine featuring regional ingredients
A dining space offering traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy authentic regional flavors.
Café and Light Meals
喫茶・軽食
Specialty
Refreshing drinks and light snacks
A cozy café serving a variety of light meals, beverages, and desserts, perfect for a relaxing break during your visit.
Specialty Food Stall
食品販売所
Specialty
Local snacks and ready-to-eat items
A food stall offering convenient, ready-to-eat local snacks and treats, ideal for quick bites while exploring the area.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and seasonal goods at the roadside station’s vibrant shops and specialty center.
Specialty Center
特産センター
A retail shop specializing in locally produced goods, including traditional crafts, food products, and regional souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade Tosa Washi paper
Craft Shop
工芸品販売所
A shop dedicated to selling handmade crafts and traditional artisanship from the region, including paper and textile works.
Products
Must-Try Item
Tosa Washi paper art
Farmers Market
農産物販売所
A market offering fresh, locally grown produce and agricultural products from nearby farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh seasonal produce
Featured Products
Explore signature products like handmade Tosa washi paper and regional delicacies crafted with heritage techniques and local pride.
Tosa Washi Paper Set
土佐和紙セット
A premium set of handmade Tosa Washi paper, known for its durability and natural texture, ideal for art, writing, or gifting.
Handmade Tosa Washi Notebook
手漉き土佐和紙ノート
A beautifully crafted notebook made from traditional Tosa Washi paper, perfect for journaling, sketching, or as a unique gift.
Tosa Washi Paper Art
土佐和紙アート
Artistic pieces created using traditional Tosa Washi paper, showcasing intricate designs and cultural heritage.
Local Seasonal Fruit Pack
地元旬果物セット
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal fruits grown in the region, highlighting the natural flavors of local agriculture.
Tosa Washi Paper Lamp
土佐和紙ランプ
A unique decorative lamp made from translucent Tosa Washi paper, offering soft ambient lighting and traditional craftsmanship.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, EV charging, and family-friendly facilities at the roadside station.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 70 spaces, Large vehicles: 3 spaces, Disabled parking: 1 space. Available 24 hours.
At the roadside station
Toilet
Men's toilets: 7 units, Women's toilets: 4 units, Accessible toilet: 1 unit.
At the roadside station
Information Corner
Provides information about the area, facilities, and local attractions.
At the roadside station
Playground
A playground located at the Wave River Park, suitable for children to enjoy with play equipment.
Wave River Park, beneath the Niyodogawa Bridge
Hot Spring
A bathhouse with medicinal hot spring water, known as Qua House, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Qua House, within the roadside station complex
Shower
Public showers available at the Qua House facility.
Qua House, within the roadside station complex
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for breastfeeding, equipped with changing tables.
At the roadside station
Children's Play Area
Play equipment available at Wave River Park, ideal for family visits.
Wave River Park, beneath the Niyodogawa Bridge
Bicycle Rental
Cycling opportunities available in the area; rental services may be available at the roadside station or nearby.
Near the roadside station, along the Niyodogawa River
Pet Area
No specific pet area mentioned, but the surrounding natural environment supports pet-friendly visits.
Near the Niyodogawa River and parks
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences like washi paper making, seasonal river activities, and cultural workshops.
Handmade Washi Paper Experience
土佐和紙手すき体験
Participants will learn and practice the traditional technique of handmade washi paper production, using local materials and methods passed down through generations.
Duration
90 min
River Play in Niyodogawa
仁淀川での川遊び
Enjoy playing in the clear waters of Niyodogawa River, a refreshing activity perfect for summer days.
Duration
120 min
Best enjoyed on sunny days; avoid during heavy rain or flooding.
Canoeing on Niyodogawa River
仁淀川でのカヌー
Rent a canoe and paddle along the scenic Niyodogawa River, enjoying the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.
Duration
120 min
Not available during heavy rain or high water levels.
Visit to Ino Town Paper Museum
いの町紙の博物館
Explore the history and culture of Tosa Washi paper through exhibits, live demonstrations, and interactive displays.
Duration
60 min
Walk Across Namikawa Submerged Bridge
名越屋沈下橋
Walk across a unique bridge that submerges during floods, offering panoramic views of the Niyodogawa River.
Duration
30 min
Avoid during or immediately after heavy rain due to flood risk.
Visit to Hagawa Park
波川公園
Relax and play at a riverside park located directly under the Niyodogawa Bridge, featuring playground equipment and a safe space for children to enjoy the river.
Duration
60 min
Best enjoyed on warm, dry days; avoid during storms.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and check seasonal events for special demonstrations and limited-edition crafts.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the craft village by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the handcrafted washi paper experience, which starts at 9:00 AM and often fills up by 10:30 AM during peak season
- Hidden Gems: Check the specialty center’s second shelf near the back wall for limited-edition handmade washi paper greeting cards made exclusively by local artisans—these are restocked only once a week on Tuesdays
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant serves a special menu item called "Yamato Rice Noodles with Local Vegetable Broth" from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM—this dish sells out quickly and is not listed on the standard menu
- Best Photo Spot: Head to the Nago-ya Submerged Bridge at 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the best light for photos of the flowing Iyogawa River through the open bridge structure, especially when the sun is low
- Off-Peak Experience: Use the public shower facilities between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays when they are least crowded—this is ideal for post-camp or post-hike visitors
- Free Activity Tip: Join the free washi paper demonstration at the Iyo Town Paper Museum at 2:00 PM on Fridays and Sundays—the event runs for 30 minutes and includes a hands-on mini-activity with scraps of paper
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the "Iyogawa River Gift Set" at the specialty center between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays—this set includes three types of local washi paper, a handmade bookmark, and a small sample of dried river stones, offered at a 15% discount during the final hour of operation
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing near the station, coinciding with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): July and August offer ideal conditions for river activities on the Yumegawa River, including swimming, canoeing, and camping.
Autumn (September–November): Late October brings the annual paper-making festival at the paper museum, showcasing traditional handcrafting techniques.
Winter (December–February): December sees the opening of the medicinal hot spring bath (Kuahouse), perfect for winter relaxation.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a dedicated playground, baby changing stations, nursing rooms, and stroller-friendly paths. Includes child-friendly activities like river play at Wave River Park and hands-on washi paper crafting. Safety and accessibility are well addressed with ample parking and accessible facilities.
Food Lover Review
Features multiple dining options including restaurants and cafes serving local dishes. Offers regional specialties like Tosa washi paper-themed snacks and farm-fresh produce at the specialty center. The presence of a medicinal bathhouse and high-quality food experiences enhances the culinary appeal.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and a large parking area suitable for vehicles. Offers a quiet, scenic environment along the Yodo River ideal for overnight stays. Overnight parking is permitted, though no formal camping facilities are specified beyond the general camping area.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along the clear Yodo River with serene natural surroundings. Offers scenic viewpoints from the lookout and the Namekawa Bridge. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by river activities and lush greenery. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and visually appealing.