Koyagami, also known as Kishu Koyagami or Furusawa Paper, is a traditional type of Japanese handmade paper, or washi. It has been produced for centuries mainly in Kudoyama Town and Koya Town in Wakayama Prefecture.
Koyagami was traditionally made only in a limited group of communities known as the “Ten Villages of Koya”. Closely connected with the religious traditions of Mount Koya, the paper developed as an important part of local culture and daily life.
Its distinctive appeal lies in its simple, natural texture and exceptional durability. The paper reflects the natural environment of the Koya region as well as the skills and knowledge passed down through generations of local papermakers.
The traditional production area of Koyagami consisted of seven villages in Kudoyama Town—Kasagi, Kamifurusawa, Nakafurusawa, Shimofurusawa, Shiide, Kawane, and Higashigo—and three villages in Koya Town: Saigo, Nishihosokawa, and Higashihosokawa.
These communities are located around the route of the Nankai Koya Line and along the Fudotani River. Local papermakers developed techniques suited to the natural conditions of each area.
Different regions sometimes used names such as Furusawa Paper, Hosokawa Paper, and Kawane Paper. There were slight differences in size, texture, and other characteristics, but these varieties were collectively known as Koyagami and formed an important part of the traditional washi culture of the Koya region.
The origins of Koyagami are associated with two fascinating legends.
One tradition says that Niutsuhime-no-Kami, a Shinto deity closely associated with the Koya region, taught local people how to cultivate and use kozo, or paper mulberry, the main raw material used to make washi.
Another legend attributes the introduction of papermaking techniques in the Furusawa area of Kudoyama to Kobo Daishi Kukai, the Buddhist monk traditionally regarded as the founder of Mount Koya’s religious center.
Although these stories belong to the realm of tradition and legend, they demonstrate how closely Koyagami has been connected with religion, local beliefs, and the spiritual culture of the Koya region. The paper is therefore more than a traditional craft—it is part of the cultural heritage of the communities surrounding Mount Koya.
By the early Kamakura period, Koyagami was an important material used at Mount Koya for copying Buddhist scriptures and producing printed religious texts.
Its role in publishing gradually declined after the spread of modern movable-type printing during the Meiji period. The relatively coarse fibers that gave Koyagami its distinctive strength were not ideally suited to the new printing techniques.
However, the paper’s excellent durability allowed it to remain useful in everyday life. It was used for a wide range of products, including umbrella paper, shoji screens, rainwear, paper bags, and lanterns.
At its peak, around 100 households in the Furusawa area of Kudoyama are said to have been involved in papermaking. The entire community prospered through this traditional industry.
The papermaking techniques were carefully protected within the local communities. According to historical accounts, there were even unusual social customs intended to prevent the techniques from spreading outside the region, including marriages primarily within the same communities.
The production of Koyagami is a delicate process that combines natural materials, water, sunlight, and the skills of experienced artisans.
First, branches of kozo, or paper mulberry, are harvested. The branches are steamed to soften them, after which the outer bark is removed to obtain the clean inner bark, known as white bark.
The bark is then boiled and beaten to separate and loosen the fibers. This process requires considerable care because the condition of the fibers has a direct influence on the strength and texture of the finished paper.
The prepared fibers are mixed with water in a large papermaking vat. The artisan uses a traditional screen, or sukisu, to scoop up the fibers and form a sheet of paper.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Koyagami is the material used for this screen. Instead of the bamboo commonly associated with Japanese papermaking screens, Koyagami traditionally uses kaya, a type of reed or grass.
This unusual technique is rarely seen in other types of Japanese washi and contributes to the unique character and texture of Koyagami.
After the paper has been formed, the sheets are carefully dried in the sunlight. This final stage completes the transformation of natural plant fibers into strong, warm, and beautifully textured handmade paper.
Koyagami is not simply a traditional handicraft. It has long been an important symbol of the local community and its way of life.
In Kudoyama, a traditional “papermaking song” was passed down among artisans. The songs accompanied the rhythm of papermaking and became part of everyday life in the villages where the craft flourished.
Local religious traditions are also connected with papermaking. Events such as Ebisu no Watari, a traditional festival associated with prayers for prosperity in the papermaking industry, reflect the close relationship between local craftsmanship, community life, and religious belief.
Through these traditions, Koyagami has survived not only as a manufacturing technique but also as an important part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage.
Visitors to Kudoyama can learn about Koyagami at the Kishu Koyagami Traditional Papermaking Museum, Shiyu-en.
The facility was opened in 1999 after a historic building was renovated. The building had once been used as accommodation for the Emperor and retired emperors when they visited Mount Koya, giving the site an especially interesting historical background.
Inside, visitors can see displays explaining the traditional papermaking process, including dioramas recreating the production process. Traditional crafts made from washi, such as kites and lanterns, are also displayed, helping visitors understand how Koyagami was used in everyday life.
One of the most memorable experiences at Shiyu-en is the opportunity to make traditional Koyagami yourself.
Beginner programs allow visitors to create their own handmade paper in sizes ranging from postcard size to A3. More advanced programs are also available for those who want to spend a full day learning the traditional process in greater detail.
Depending on the program, visitors can experience various stages of production, including steaming the kozo, beating the fibers, and actually forming sheets of paper by hand.
Taking part in the process gives visitors a deeper understanding of the skill and patience required by traditional Japanese papermakers. The finished sheet becomes a one-of-a-kind handmade souvenir that serves as a lasting reminder of a visit to the Koya region.
The architecture of Shiyu-en is itself one of the attractions. Restored traditional structures, including a thatched-roof kitchen building, a nagayamon gatehouse, and a storehouse, preserve the atmosphere of historic Japanese architecture.
Decorative chrysanthemum crests can also be seen inside the building, recalling its historical connection with the Imperial family.
The grounds include a traditional garden, Japanese-style rooms, and a tea room. In addition to exhibitions and papermaking experiences, the site is used for photography, cultural events, and other activities.
Koyagami is a cultural heritage that brings together the natural environment, religious traditions, craftsmanship, and everyday life of the communities around Mount Koya.
Visiting Shiyu-en and learning about the traditional papermaking process provides an opportunity to experience this heritage firsthand rather than simply viewing it in a museum.
For international visitors, making washi by hand can also be a wonderful way to gain a deeper understanding of an important aspect of Japanese culture. The experience reveals how natural materials such as paper mulberry, water, and sunlight can be transformed through traditional craftsmanship into a beautiful and durable work of art.
When exploring Kudoyama Town or Mount Koya, consider adding Koyagami to your itinerary. Discovering this centuries-old tradition offers a unique glimpse into the rural landscapes, spiritual heritage, and craftsmanship of Japan that continue to live on in the Koya region.
From its legendary origins and connection with Mount Koya to the hands-on experience of making handmade paper, Koyagami offers a fascinating journey into a living tradition that has been passed down through generations.