Sitama Tours & Transportation Services

Experience 1,300 Years of Washi Paper History

To make traditional Japanese washi paper, you need harsh cold and clear water. Ogawamachi, in northwest Saitama Prefecture, is a region that has both of these conditions. The Hosokawa paper made here is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is highly regarded worldwide, having even been used to restore the Louvre and the British Museum. The Ogawamachi Washi Experience Learning Center is a historical building constructed in 1936 for the study of washi paper, and is a place where craftspeople can learn and practice papermaking. Visitors can also observe and experience the washi-making process, ranging from simple introductory courses to a comprehensive four-day experience. *Reservations are required for experiences. Brochures in English and Chinese are available, but staff explanations are in Japanese only, so if you need an interpreter, please contact the Saitama Tourism Support Desk.

This is a hot air balloon experience that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults, people from overseas, people who are afraid of heights, people in wheelchairs, medical buggies, and even pets. We will work with you from assembly to create many photogenic scenes. Listening to an explanation of its mechanism and history before riding a hot air balloon is sure to be even more impressive. The tour also runs in the afternoon from October to mid-April, so don't worry if you can't come in the morning. There is also a guest house where you can stay the night before, and we will guide you to a luxurious way of spending the night that only pilots know. *The minimum number of participants is 4 people. Please note that if this is not reached, the order will be cancelled. Please note that there is no minimum number of participants for the free flight experience.