Origami is a traditional Japanese pastime in which square sheets of paper are folded into shapes such as animals, plants, and more.
It’s an activity that anyone—from children to adults—can enjoy. You can fold alone and focus quietly, or fold with friends or family to deepen communication and share creativity.
But the appeal of origami goes far beyond that.
At Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan in Tokyo, visitors can explore the rich and intricate world of origami.
Interior of Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan
Just what is Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan?
The museum is located about a five-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
Inside, the space is filled with traditional Japanese paper, origami, and chiyogami (decorative patterned paper). Visitors can admire exhibitions, try hands-on folding experiences, and even shop—all with free admission.
With its exhibits and interactive activities, the Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan makes origami accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to the art.
Enjoy seasonal displays and special exhibits
Show window displaying origami creations
The first thing that catches your eye is the front window facing the street, where seasonal origami displays welcome visitors.
Upon entering the first-floor entrance, you’ll find origami and paper dolls arranged throughout the space, creating an atmosphere that showcases the beauty of traditional Japanese crafts and the possibilities of paper.
An example of the origami on display
On the same first floor, there is also a display of beautifully hand-printed washi (Japanese paper).
Many of these sheets feature delicate designs that would look stunning framed and displayed.
Chiyogami is decorative washi with vibrant patterns, used not only for origami but also for dressing paper dolls, decorating crafts, and a variety of other purposes.
Beautiful designs created through multiple print layers
Additionally, the mezzanine gallery hosts special exhibitions related to paper.
At the time of our visit, the exhibition titled “Real Origami Exhibition: Welcome to the Forest of Origami” featured works that realistically depict animals and dinosaurs.
It’s astonishing to see how much detail can be achieved from a single sheet of paper.
Some pieces from the exhibition will continue to be displayed on the first and third floors after the event ends
The world of chiyogami and the artisan dyeing studio
Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan was established by a dye-paper shop founded in 1858.
On the fourth floor, you can see the traditional paper-dyeing process being carried out in the “Paper-dyeing Studio,” a craft passed down through generations.
Visitors can observe the artisans at work, but only when the studio doors are open, so keep an eye out for that.
Watching the paper transform as vibrant colors take hold is mesmerizing.
The Paper-dyeing Studio on the fourth floor
The chiyogami dyed in the studio is displayed on the first floor, where it can be appreciated not only as origami material but also as works of art.
The beauty of the patterns, the subtlety of the colors, and the texture of the paper all convey a uniquely Japanese tradition that comes alive before your eyes.
Brushes used for dyeing paper
Perfect for souvenirs! The third-floor washi & origami shop
The shop on the third floor offers around 2,000 items, including washi, chiyogami, and colorful origami sheets, along with original origami kits, books, and accessories.
Inside the Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan shop
Books with English translations are also available, making them perfect gifts for overseas visitors or for introducing Japanese culture.
The selection is so visually exciting that you might lose track of time just browsing.
Origami book with English translations
There are also plenty of small items perfect as souvenirs or gifts, making this a great stop during a sightseeing day.
Meet the Master? Watch the Director’s Origami Demonstration
On the third-floor shop, if you’re lucky, you might catch an origami demonstration by Kazuo Kobayashi, the director of Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan.
Kobayashi is the fourth-generation head of the dye-paper shop and also serves as the chair of the NPO International Origami Association. He has authored and supervised numerous origami books and is recognized as a leading expert in the field.
He promotes origami not only in Japan but around the world.
Kazuo Kobayashi, director of Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan
“Origami isn’t about perfectly aligning the corners or being rigid. Anyone, children or adults, can fold freely however they like,” he explains.
Watching him effortlessly shape origami pieces is true craftsmanship. From making a dog chopstick rest out of a paper bag to folding a flamenco dancer from a napkin, his impromptu creations bring smiles to everyone watching.
Dog chopstick rest made from a paper wrapper
Flamenco dancer made from a paper napkin
“Origami is universal—you can make it with people from other countries even if you don’t speak the same language. Anyone, anywhere, can do it,” he adds.
His words, combined with his demonstrations, are so captivating that you might lose track of time watching him.
Easy and Fun! Origami Workshops and Classes
Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan offers “Mini Workshops” and classes that are perfect for beginners to enjoy safely and comfortably.
The mini workshops, held on the day of your visit, are casual and don’t require reservations.
From October 2025 onward, classes will be in Japanese only, so visiting with an interpreter is recommended.
Examples of origami from Mini Workshops and classes
The beginner-friendly classes can accommodate small groups to larger parties, offering a more private learning environment.
They are designed to be easy to follow, even for those experiencing origami for the first time.
However, reservations and prepayment are required at least one month in advance, so plan ahead if you wish to participate.
Since the classes are conducted in Japanese, arranging a separate interpreter is necessary if you wish to attend in English.
If you plan to join, it’s best to confirm the date, number of participants, and price via email in advance.
Whether you are completely new to origami or already familiar with it, Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan offers new discoveries and a deep appreciation of this traditional craft.
It’s a place to experience the charm of origami from multiple perspectives.
Conveniently accessible from tourist spots like Ueno and Akihabara, it’s perfect for a short stop during your Tokyo sightseeing.
Immerse yourself in Japan’s traditional culture and enjoy the simple yet profound art of paper folding, beloved around the world.
Information
| Facility name | お茶の水 おりがみ会館 Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-7-14 Yushima, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Ochanomizu Station 7-minute walk from the Ochanomzuubashi Exit or Hijiribashi Exit
Ochanomizu Station 5-minutes from Exit 1
Suehirocho Station 7-minute walk from Exit 3
|
| Phone number | 03-3811-4025 |
| Hours | 9:30-16:30 |
| Closed | Sunday, national holidays, and unscheduled holidays in mid-August |
| Official website | https://www.origamikaikan.co.jp/ |
※All museum information in this article is accurate as of September 2025.
