Museum · Oji

Paper Museum 紙の博物館

One of the world's oldest paper museums, in Asukayama Park in Oji where Japan's first Western-style paper mill opened, covering washi making, industrial papermaking and paper crafts.

About

Oji was the birthplace of Japan's modern paper industry: Eiichi Shibusawa founded the Shoshi Kaisha mill here in 1873, and the museum dates from 1950. Four floors cover how paper is made, from a giant model of a modern paper machine and samples of wood pulp to the slow craft of washi, with displays of kozo bark, tools and examples from paper-making regions across Japan. Upper floors show the history of paper worldwide and its countless uses, from paper armour and clothing to umbrellas and lanterns. Hands-on paper-making workshops run on some weekends. Sitting in Asukayama Park, one of Edo's great cherry-blossom spots, it combines easily with the Shibusawa Memorial Museum and Kita City Asukayama Museum next door.

Highlights

• Washi-making tools, materials and regional paper samples
• Huge models of modern paper-making machines
• Paper objects from armour to lanterns
• Weekend hands-on paper-making workshops
• Setting in cherry-blossom-famous Asukayama Park

Tips

• A 3-museum pass (¥800) covers the Paper Museum, Shibusawa Memorial Museum and Asukayama Museum for three months.
• Ride the free Asukayama Park Monorail ("Ascargot") up from Oji Station's South Exit.
• Closed the weekday after public holidays as well as Mondays.
• Visit in early April for cherry blossoms or June for the hydrangeas along the nearby Toden tram tracks.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Asukayama ParkPark · 60 m away
• Toden Tram Street Section at AsukayamaPhoto Spot · 120 m away
• Asukayama Park Monorail (Ascargo)Transit Hub · 210 m away
• Oji ShrineShrine · 460 m away
• Hokutopia Observation LobbyVista & View · 570 m away
• King SeimenRamen & Noodles · 590 m away
• Kairaku (Oji)Ramen & Noodles · 820 m away
• Oji Inari ShrineShrine · 840 m away