Discover the Living Heritage of Saitama’s Paper Craft Tradition
Ogawa-machi roadside station, nestled in the serene heart of Ogawa Town in Saitama Prefecture, is a gateway to Japan’s enduring craftsmanship and natural beauty. Known as the "Little Kyoto of Musashi" and the birthplace of handcrafted washi paper, this station sits along National Route 254, just a short drive from Tokyo. It seamlessly blends history, artistry, and regional pride, offering travelers a rare opportunity to connect with traditional Japanese culture.
At Ogawa-machi, visitors can witness master artisans at work, participate in hands-on washi paper-making, and explore the Saitama Traditional Crafts Museum, which showcases over 30 traditional crafts from 20 local production sites. The station also features a charming noodle workshop using locally grown wheat, a vibrant craft market, and a 203-meter roller slide with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From seasonal festivals like the Kudzu Festival to the vibrant Ogawa Summer Festival, every visit reveals a new layer of this vibrant community’s soul.
Why Visit
Ogawa-machi roadside station stands out as the only place in the region where visitors can experience the full lifecycle of traditional handmade washi paper. Beyond watching master craftsmen at work, guests can participate in the rare, hands-on process of making paper from kozo fibers, including the dramatic boiling of harvested kozo in large cauldrons. This immersive experience, paired with the station’s role as a cultural hub for Saitama’s designated intangible cultural heritage, offers a deeply authentic connection to local tradition.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Ogawa-machi roadside station, where handcrafted udon and soba are made with fresh, locally milled wheat.
Noodle Workshop Kataguri
麺工房かたくり
Specialty
Handmade soba and udon using 100% locally grown wheat from Ogawa-machi
A restaurant specializing in handmade noodles made from locally sourced wheat, freshly milled on-site. The rich sweetness and aroma of the wheat are preserved in every bite. The menu also features local organic vegetables and prepared meals.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional crafts and seasonal specialties at Ogawa-machi’s artisan shops, celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Craft Village Craft Market
工芸の里 物産館
A retail shop selling traditional crafts and local specialty products from Saitama Prefecture.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade washi paper
Saitama Traditional Craft Museum (Main Building)
埼玉伝統工芸会館(本館)
A museum showcasing traditional crafts from Saitama Prefecture, including handmade washi paper, textiles, koi kites, dolls, and dyeing techniques.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade washi paper
Sake Brewery
造り酒屋
A sake brewery producing local sake using the region's climate and water from the Chichibu mountain range.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local sake
Featured Products
Experience signature handcrafted washi paper and organic produce, reflecting Ogawa-machi’s legacy as a traditional craft and agricultural hub.
Handmade Washi Paper
手すき和紙
Traditional handmade washi paper made using natural fibers and traditional techniques, known for its durability and elegance.
Kudzu Fiber (Kozo) for Papermaking
楮の繊維
Natural kudzu fibers harvested from the mountains, used as raw material for traditional washi paper production.
Traditional Saitama Textile
埼玉伝統織物
Handwoven textiles using traditional techniques and locally sourced materials, reflecting regional heritage.
Koi Kite
手がき鯉のぼり
Traditional handcrafted koi kite, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity, made using natural materials.
Dyed Fabric
染め物
Artisanal fabric dyed using traditional methods and natural dyes, showcasing regional craftsmanship.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and information desks, with 24-hour access to essential facilities.
Parking Lot
96 standard cars, 7 large vehicles, and 4 disabled-accessible parking spaces are available.
Near National Route 254
Restroom
23 male toilets, 19 female toilets, and 3 disabled-accessible toilets. 24-hour access is available for male (3), female (2), and disabled-accessible toilets.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Provides information about the town of Ogawa, its history as a former junction on the Kamakura Road, and its reputation as 'the little Kyoto of Musashi'. Also offers details on local attractions and events.
Along National Route 254
Roller Slide
A 203-meter-long roller slide located in the scenic hill park of Senmoto Mountain, offering panoramic views of Ogawa Town.
Senmoto Mountain View Hill Park
Oomurasaki Exhibition Hall
A facility dedicated to the protection and breeding of the national butterfly Oomurasaki and the endangered plant Katakuri. The area is known for its blooming Katakuri flowers from late March to early April.
Within the town of Ogawa
EV Charging Station
Available for electric vehicles. The station is accessible 24 hours a day.
Near the parking lot
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers, located within the roadside station facilities.
Inside the information center area
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on traditions like washi paper making and seasonal events, from autumn fiber festivals to summer lantern celebrations.
Handmade Washi Paper Demonstration and Experience
手すき和紙実演、体験
Participants can observe the traditional process of handmade washi paper production by artisans and personally try making their own washi paper. The activity includes hands-on participation in the paper-making process.
Duration
60 min
Mulberry Bark Processing Exhibition (Autumn)
楮かしき（秋）
Witness the traditional process of preparing kozo (mulberry) bark, the raw material for washi paper, including boiling it in large cauldrons. The moment the lid is lifted, a dramatic burst of steam occurs. Additional processing steps are also available for hands-on experience.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain; check in advance.
Crafts Village Festival (Spring and Autumn)
工芸の里まつり(初夏・秋)
A lively festival held in the courtyard with numerous food and merchandise vendors, traditional performances, music, dance, and cultural activities celebrating local crafts and products.
Duration
180 min
Outdoor events may be canceled or postponed in case of rain.
Kawagoe Town Tanabata Festival
小川町七夕まつり（7月第4土・日）
A festive event held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of July, featuring bamboo decorations made from local washi paper, traditional performances, and various cultural activities.
Duration
120 min
Events may be affected by rain or high temperatures; bring rain gear or sun protection.
Washi Paper Workshop
手すき和紙実演、体験
Participants learn and practice the traditional craft of handmade washi paper production under the guidance of skilled artisans, including mixing pulp, forming sheets, and drying.
Duration
75 min
Insider Tips
Visit during the autumn fiber festival to witness the dramatic boiling of kozo bark, and arrive early to reserve popular hands-on workshops.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to participate in the hand-sukii washi paper experience, as the workshop is typically available during this window and often fills up by midday
- Hidden Gems: At the Kawarake Kashi (Makura Kashi) stall in the craft hall, look for the limited-edition “Kami no Kashi” (Paper Candy) made with edible washi paper, available only during the autumn season
- Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the Makuhari Kashi (Rice Cake) stand between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to purchase freshly made rice cakes using locally grown organic rice—these sell out by 1:00 PM
- Best Photo Spot: Visit the 203-meter roller slide at Higashimura Park at 4:00 PM on weekdays to capture the best sunset views over the town, as the sun sets directly behind the slide structure
- Special Event Tip: Attend the Kuzukashi (Mulberry Processing) event in October to witness the large iron cauldron boiling mulberry bark—the steam release moment at 3:00 PM is the most dramatic and photo-worthy part of the day
- Foodie Insider: Order the handmade soba noodles at Menkou Katakuri between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM when they are freshly made using locally milled wheat flour, as the shop only prepares one batch per day and sells out quickly
- Unique Souvenir: Purchase the “Saitama Traditional Craft Box” at the Craft Village Store before 3:30 PM on weekdays—it includes a mini washi paper kit, a sample of handwoven fabric, and a printed guide to local crafts, available only during the station’s open hours
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak viewing of catkin flowers in late March to early April and handcrafted washi paper experiences available year-round with seasonal workshops.
Summer (June–August): Summer festival with paper lanterns and live performances held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of July.
Autumn (September–November): Mulberry harvesting and processing demonstrations (Kuwa-kashi) in autumn highlight traditional washi paper production.
Winter (December–February): Limited access to main facilities; no seasonal events or special activities mentioned.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Ogawa-machi offers a large playground, interactive paper-making experiences, and a 203-meter roller slide with panoramic views. Facilities include stroller-friendly paths, accessible restrooms, and kid-friendly food options like handmade noodles and local snacks.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features a handmade udon and soba shop using local wheat, fresh organic vegetables, and regional specialties. The craft market offers unique local products, and the seasonal events highlight authentic regional cuisine.
Car Camping Review
Ogawa-machi provides ample parking, 24-hour restrooms, and vending machines. While not a dedicated campsite, the quiet rural setting and accessible facilities make it suitable for short overnight stays with basic comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
The station offers scenic views from the roller slide hill, with seasonal beauty in spring from blooming catkins and summer festivals. The surrounding natural landscape and historic temples enhance the peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.