Discover the Living Craft of Five Mountain Paper
Taira, a roadside station nestled in the high-altitude wilderness of the Five Mountain region, stands as a sanctuary of tradition and creativity. Surrounded by ancient forests and misty mountain peaks exceeding 1,000 meters, this hidden gem preserves the centuries-old art of Gokayama Washi paper-making, a craft passed down through generations with quiet dedication.
More than a rest stop, Taira invites travelers to engage with living heritage. Visitors can explore handmade paper products—from elegant stationery and vibrant tote bags to custom lampshades and interior wall panels—crafted from locally harvested kozo fibers. Hands-on workshops and seasonal events offer deeper connections to this timeless craft, making Taira a true cultural crossroads where nature, history, and art converge.
Why Visit
Taira roadside station is the only place where you can experience the living tradition of Gokayama Washi, handmade from locally harvested kozo fibers in the high-altitude forests of the Kurobe Valley. Visitors can witness artisans crafting the rare "Five Sekka - Snowflake" paper, used in unique lampshades and custom wall coverings. The station also hosts exclusive workshops on making washi-based lanterns and seasonal calendars, offering hands-on access to techniques passed down for generations—experiences found nowhere else.
Featured Products
Explore signature five-needle washi paper and local specialties, blending ancient artistry with modern design.
A3 Traditional Paper Print Calendar 2026
和紙の活版カレンダー2026 -A3-
A beautifully crafted calendar made using traditional paper printing techniques, featuring seasonal motifs and elegant design.
Five Gokayama Cedar and Paper Magnet Bar
五箇山杉と和紙のマグネットバー
A decorative magnet bar combining natural cedar wood from Gokayama and handmade washi paper, ideal for organizing notes and adding rustic charm.
Hand-drawn Tenugui - Koi
手ぬぐい TENUGUI -koi-
A vibrant hand-dyed tenugui featuring a traditional koi fish pattern, perfect for use as a towel, scarf, or decorative item.
Checkered One-stroke Postcard
市松の一筆箋
A minimalist postcard with a classic checkered pattern, hand-written with a single brushstroke, ideal for correspondence or gifting.
Checkered Note Paper A5/A4
市松の便箋 A5/A4
Note paper with a traditional checkered design, available in A5 and A4 sizes, perfect for journaling, planning, or creative writing.
Gokayama-grown Kozo Black Skin Paper Raw Material 500g/1kg
五箇山産楮 黒皮 和紙原料 500g/1kg
High-quality raw paper material made from locally grown kozo fibers, harvested from the Gokayama region, ideal for traditional papermaking.
Gokayama-grown Kozo Stick 1kg
五箇山産楮 ガラ棒 1kg
Dried kozo sticks harvested from the Gokayama mountains, used as raw material for traditional washi paper production.
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade Yellow Dye
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade イエロー 染黄
A handcrafted lamp shade made from washi paper with a soft yellow dye, creating a warm ambient glow.
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade Red Dye
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade レッド 染赤
A striking red-dyed washi paper lamp shade, offering a bold and artistic lighting feature.
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade Blue Dye
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade ブルー 染青
A serene blue-dyed washi paper lamp shade, ideal for creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere.
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade Natural Finish
ORIHOSHI Lamp Shade ナチュラル 晒
A naturally finished lamp shade made from undyed washi paper, showcasing the raw texture and subtle elegance of the material.
HOSHITERAS LED Lantern
HOSHITERAS LED Lantern
A modern LED lantern crafted from washi paper, combining traditional materials with contemporary lighting technology.
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops and seasonal experiences that celebrate the spirit of the mountains.
Traditional Washi Paper Making Workshop
五箇山和紙作り体験
Participants will learn and practice the traditional art of making washi paper using locally sourced materials, including kozo fibers from the region. The process includes pulp preparation, sheet formation, and drying.
Duration
90 min
Washi Paper Lamp Shade Making Workshop
和紙ランプシェード作りワークショップ
Attendees will create their own unique lamp shades using handmade washi paper, learning techniques for shaping, layering, and assembling the paper around a frame.
Duration
120 min
Washi Paper Art and Drawing Experience
和紙ちきり絵体験
Participants will explore the creative use of washi paper by drawing or painting on it, learning how the texture and absorbency affect artistic expression.
Duration
60 min
Washi Paper Craft Workshop
和紙クラフト体験
Guests will engage in hands-on crafting using washi paper to make decorative items such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or small accessories.
Duration
75 min
Washi Paper and Nature Tour
和紙と自然の散策ツアー
A guided tour through the mountainous landscape of the Gokayama region, highlighting the natural sources of kozo plants and the traditional methods of papermaking passed down through generations.
Duration
150 min
Best enjoyed on clear, dry days
Insider Tips
Learn local insights and hidden gems to make the most of your visit to Taira roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the live paper-making demonstration, which begins at 10:30 AM and fills up quickly
- Hidden Gems: Ask at the counter for the limited-edition Five Sekka – Snowflake series, available only during seasonal events like the October 4th Traditional Craft Exhibition
- Workshop Access: Join the hands-on paper-making workshop at Saku Labo by booking in advance through the official website—workshops are held only on Sundays and sell out within 24 hours
- Specialty Purchase: Buy the Orihoshi Lamp Shade – Yellow (Dye Yellow) directly from the store on days when the Gokayama Washi Craft Market is hosted—these are not available online
- Unique Souvenir: Pick up the A3 Traditional Woodblock Calendar 2026 at the roadside station’s main counter—this item is only restocked once a year in August and sells out by mid-September
- Exclusive Material: Purchase Ko-ki (Black Bark) Paper Material – 500g from the back corner display—this raw material is only available at Taira roadside station and not sold in bulk online
- Best Photo Spot: Position yourself near the wooden bridge entrance at 3:00 PM on weekdays when natural light hits the paper art installations, creating ideal photo conditions
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the roadside station in early spring; peak season for traditional papermaking workshops begins in April.
Summer (June-August): Summer workshops and events held throughout August; ideal for experiencing handmade washi paper in warm weather.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn festivals and paper art exhibitions, including the National Washi Chikuri-e Exhibition, held in September.
Winter (December-February): Limited activities; best for quiet visits and seasonal paper crafts during colder months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers interactive workshops on traditional washi paper, engaging children with hands-on activities. Limited play areas, but educational value is strong. Accessible with stroller-friendly paths and basic facilities.
Food Lover Review
Features local specialty washi paper products and artisanal goods. Offers unique food-related crafts and seasonal items. No on-site dining, but strong emphasis on authentic regional craftsmanship.
Car Camping Review
Has basic restroom and vending machine access. Quiet surroundings suitable for overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy mentioned, limiting reliability for campers.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in the scenic Gokayama region, surrounded by mountains over 1,000m high. Offers serene natural views and seasonal beauty. Well-designed viewpoints enhance the aesthetic appeal and photo opportunities.