Japanese paper Notebook and Mizuhiki Belt Bookmark Workshop

Japanese paper becomes more than a page to write on here. In a private workshop, you make an A6 notebook from washi, then use mizuhiki, a traditional paper cord, to create a belt and bookmark. The finished pieces are useful souvenirs, not just craft-class keepsakes.

I like two things in particular: you get to choose your own papers and colors, and the instructor explains the meaning behind mizuhiki as you learn its knots. Tea and sweets add a welcome pause. One consideration: $113 per person is a substantial price for a craft activity, and you’ll need to decide whether the instruction and handmade mementos are worth that spend.

Key points to know

• Make a notebook you can use: Choose Japanese washi paper and create an A6 notebook with a cover, in a style that can suit journaling or travel notes.
• Learn three mizuhiki knots: Make a notebook belt and bookmark from paper cord with a history of about 680 years.
• Get personal instruction: This is a private-group workshop, taught in Japanese or English, with materials supplied.
• Take home more than a souvenir: You leave with your own notebook, belt, and bookmark, made during the class.
• Expect a quiet, hands-on pace: The activity lasts 150 minutes, and the detailed notebook work can take time.
• Tea, sweets, and possibly a cat: Tea and sweets are included. A cat is sometimes at the studio, but its presence is not guaranteed.

Choosing washi for your A6 notebook

The workshop begins with the most personal choice: the paper for your notebook. You select from Japanese washi, a traditional paper prized here for its look and feel, then use it to make an A6 notebook with a cover. The materials are included, so you can focus on the craft rather than shopping for supplies.

The finished notebook is described as similar to a Traveler’s notebook or a junk journal. That gives you a useful sense of its style: it’s a compact book suited to notes, sketches, or collected keepsakes, rather than a plain pad of paper. Your choice of cover paper makes it your own.

This first stage is a good fit if you like making practical things. You’re not simply watching a demonstration or taking home a pre-made object. You follow the steps yourself, with an instructor available to guide you through the more challenging parts.

The pace matters. One participant found that completing the notebook took about two hours, while the full activity is scheduled for 150 minutes. That leaves time for the other parts of the workshop, but don’t plan to squeeze in a tight appointment immediately afterward. Careful paper work rewards patience more than speed.

Learning mizuhiki’s traditional knots

Once you have your notebook, you make a matching belt and bookmark using mizuhiki. This traditional paper cord has been used for about 680 years and remains part of Japanese wedding and funeral ceremonies. That context gives the knotting a cultural dimension beyond decoration.

You’ll learn three knots as you work. The basic lesson is suited to a beginner, while someone who already knows the foundational knot can try a more difficult one. If you have no experience, that’s fine: the workshop is guided, and the instructor can help you through the tricky steps.

The belt and bookmark turn the notebook into a more complete set. They’re also small examples of how traditional craft can be part of everyday life, not only a museum display. I like that you learn a little about the cord’s significance while making something you can take home and use.

Don’t expect to master a centuries-old craft in one session. The value is in learning the motions, understanding why mizuhiki matters, and making your own version with guidance. If the knots take a few tries, that’s part of the process, not a reason to rush.

Tea, sweets, and a pause in the work

Tea and sweets are included, and they offer a natural break during a 150-minute activity. Some accounts of the class also describe sandwiches and snacks, though the stated inclusions are coffee or tea and sweets. If you’re counting on a substantial meal, plan to eat beforehand or afterward.

The refreshments help make this feel like more than a quick craft lesson. You have time to sit, reset your hands, and enjoy a slower part of the day. The workshop is an especially appealing choice if you want a break from sightseeing that still connects you with Japanese culture.

What the private format means

This is a private-group workshop, not a large class where you have to keep pace with a crowd. That can make a difference when you’re learning a hands-on skill. You can ask for help with the notebook or knots, and the instructor can give your group individual attention.

Instruction is available in Japanese and English. The instructor’s guidance is particularly useful for the notebook construction, where a small correction can make the finished item neater. The host has also been described as patient and welcoming, and able to explain the process in English.

The provider is Washi labo TOKYO, and the activity takes place on Honshu. The exact address and transportation cost aren’t included in the details here, so check the meeting point before you book and factor in the journey. Transportation to the store is not included in the price.

A cat may be part of the studio visit

If you like cats, there’s a chance to take a picture with one at the studio. The cat has been described as the studio’s mascot, and meeting it has been a fun extra for some participants. But treat this as a possible bonus, not the main event: the cat’s appearance isn’t guaranteed.

For families, there is one important age detail. The activity is listed as unsuitable for children under 10. A nine-year-old has attended with a parent, but that individual experience doesn’t change the stated age guidance. If you’re considering booking for a child under 10, check directly with the provider first.

Is $113 a fair price?

At $113 per person, this is not a bargain-basement craft class. The fee includes the instructor, required materials, and tea or coffee, and you make a notebook, a mizuhiki belt, and a bookmark during a private 150-minute session. You’re paying for guided instruction and a personal craft experience, not just for the paper goods.

That price makes the workshop best for someone who values the process as much as the finished pieces. If you enjoy stationery, bookmaking, or learning traditional skills, the chance to choose papers and make your own items can justify the cost. If you mainly want a low-cost souvenir, a shop-bought notebook will be far cheaper.

The private format also matters to the value. You have space to ask questions and work at your own pace, rather than simply following a group demonstration. For a pair or a small family group interested in crafts, that personal attention can be part of what makes the price worthwhile.

Who will enjoy this workshop most?

I’d choose this activity if I wanted a calm, creative break and a souvenir with a story behind it. It suits stationery fans, journal keepers, and anyone curious about Japanese paper and decorative knotting. You don’t need to arrive with craft experience, though patience and an interest in making things will help.

It also works well for a parent and child who meet the age guidance. The private format gives families a chance to work together, and everyone can choose materials and make their own pieces. Remember that the listed minimum age is 10, and the activity takes more than two hours.

This may not be the right choice if you prefer fast-paced sightseeing, dislike detailed handwork, or have a packed schedule. The notebook takes care and attention, and the class is long enough to deserve a clear space in your day. You’ll get more from it if you arrive ready to slow down.

Practical details before you book

The workshop lasts 150 minutes, and starting times depend on availability. The group is private, and instruction is offered in Japanese or English. Required materials are provided, as are coffee or tea; transportation to the store is extra.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance qualifies for a full refund. Check the meeting details and timing before you set your day around the class. The specific location within Honshu is not stated here, so confirm how to reach the studio.

Should you book it?

Book this workshop if you want to make something with your hands and learn why washi and mizuhiki matter in Japanese craft. The notebook, belt, and bookmark give you a useful set to take home, while private instruction and refreshments make the session feel personal.

Skip it if you’re looking for a cheap activity, have little patience for detailed work, or need to keep your schedule tight. At $113 per person, it’s a considered purchase. For a craft-minded visitor with two and a half hours to spare, it offers a memorable alternative to another stop on a sightseeing route.

FAQ

How long does the workshop last?

The workshop lasts 150 minutes. Set aside about two and a half hours for the activity.

What will I make?

You’ll make an A6 notebook with a washi cover, plus a mizuhiki notebook belt and bookmark.

Do I need craft experience?

No experience is specified as necessary. The instructor guides you through the process, and people who already know the basic mizuhiki knot can try a more difficult one.

What is mizuhiki?

Mizuhiki is a traditional paper cord that has been used for about 680 years. It is still used in Japanese wedding and funeral ceremonies.

What is included in the price?

The workshop includes the instructor, required materials, and coffee or tea. Tea and sweets are also part of the experience.

Is the workshop taught in English?

Yes. Instruction is available in Japanese and English.

Is this a private class?

Yes. The workshop is offered for a private group.

Can children attend?

The activity is listed as unsuitable for children under 10. A nine-year-old has attended, but check with the provider if you’re considering booking for a child younger than 10.

Is transportation included, and can I cancel?

Transportation to the store is not included. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.