Discover Shikokuchuo: Paper Culture and Washi

For a stay in Shikokuchuo, the 紙のまち資料館 offers a clear cultural focus: paper. The museum presents the history of the paper town and covers the traditional industries of handmade Washi and Mizuhiki, as well as papermaking and paper technology. The subject therefore ranges from history and craft traditions to the technical aspects of production.

The different topics appeal to different interests: the history of the paper town provides a cultural and historical context, while Washi and Mizuhiki point to traditional industries. Papermaking and paper technology add a look at the process and its technical aspects. You can choose what to focus on according to whether you are more interested in the town’s history or its crafts.

Try making Washi yourself

At the 紙のまち資料館, you can try making handmade Washi yourself. This adds a practical activity to the opportunity to explore history and technology. If you would like to learn about the subject by trying it yourself, this is a distinct option to consider when planning your visit. Check the current visitor program before your trip.

The museum also sells paper-related products. If you are interested in specific paper goods, you can include this in your plans. The products available may change, so check current availability before your visit.

Cultural sites in the same municipality

The municipality of 四国中央市 has other cultural points of interest with different focuses. 川之江城 is also known there as 仏殿城. This alternative name provides additional historical context for the castle and offers a different focus from the paper-related themes of the 資料館.

In the municipality of 四国中央市, the 暁雨館 exhibits items related to local figures 近藤篤山, 永隆院（お作さん） and 安藤正楽. It also displays rock and mineral samples from the 赤石山系 and Sekigawa. The people and natural specimens are presented as distinct topics, so a visit here can have a different focus from one centered on paper.

At the 霧の森茶フェミュージアム in the municipality of 四国中央市, you can try hand-rolling tea in a 手もみ茶道場 and learn about Shingū tea. This combines a practical activity with information about tea. If you are choosing between the hands-on activities described here, Washi-making is the focus at the 資料館, while the tea museum offers tea rolling and the chance to learn about Shingū tea.

Located in 四国中央市, 由霊山 三角寺 is the 65th temple on the 88-temple pilgrimage route of Shikoku and is considered an old temple with a history of more than 1,000 years. Its profile also includes a literary connection: 小林一茶 visited the temple and left the poem “これでこそ 登りがいあり 山桜” about mountain cherry blossoms. If you are interested in the connection between pilgrimage traditions and literature, this story offers a distinct way to discover the site.

Discover more destinations: Matsuyama, Seiyo, Saijō, Kumakogen, Niihama, Ōzu, Uwajima, Ikata

For the broader travel overview: Ehime Prefecture.