Nationally specified traditional craft

Capitalizing on Iiyama’s heavy snow, local craftsmen use a unique technique called yukizarashi (snow bleaching) to create durable, long-lasting Japanese paper. Called Uchiyama-gami, this handmade paper is light and airy, but also has insulating properties, making it the perfect paper for shoji, Japanese sliding paper screens.

Iiyama City has produced Uchiyama-gami for more than 350 years. Taking advantage of snowy natural surroundings, the studio uses techniques passed down for generations. Visitors can experience the centuries-old tradition for themselves through the studio’s workshops.