🗺️ Daoshi Station Ogawacho Traditional Craft Facility道の駅おがわまち 伝統工芸施設

The museum showcases 20 designated production areas in Saitama Prefecture and 30 types of traditional handicrafts. In the exhibition hall, visitors can also enjoy demonstrations of traditional handicraft production by skilled artisans, and if interested, they can even experience making them themselves. A highlight is the live paper-making demonstration of "Ogawa Washi," one of the traditional handicrafts representing Ogawa Town. This type of Japanese paper is known for its durability and was developed during the Edo period, with a history that dates back 1,300 years. Due to Ogawa Town's proximity to Edo, which had a population of over one million at the time, the demand for paper was very high. Notably, "Hosokawa Paper," which originates from the Ogawa Washi technique, stands out and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and it is also listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. In the "Crafts Town Product Hall" within the museum, "Ogawa Washi" and "Hosokawa Paper" are available for purchase. If interested, visitors can challenge themselves to create their own "Ogawa Washi," making unique postcards or bookmarks. Additionally, at the adjacent facility "Michi no Eki Ogawa Town," various locally produced agricultural products and a cafeteria are available, where visitors can taste delicious local cuisine.

Showcasing various traditional crafts designated by Saitama Prefecture. At the "Crafts Village Product Hall," in addition to Japanese washi products, you can purchase traditional crafts from Saitama Prefecture and various local specialties. You can also challenge yourself to experience the papermaking of "Ogawa Washi." At the adjacent "Roadside Station Ogawamachi," local specialty vegetables and other agricultural products are sold. In the dining hall "Noodle Workshop," you can taste udon made from 100% locally produced wheat.