The things Kazuo Kobayashi can do with paper are astounding. As the director of the Origami Kaikan Hall, an center for all things dedicated to the art of paper folding, he can turn a couple of pieces into moving lips, blooming flowers, spiders, insects, and, of course, the quintessential paper crane. The hall celebrates the art, from making the paper itself to the final form. The shop and gallery on the first floor is perfect for gifts and souvenirs, while even more elaborate displays are one floor above. In the workshop, artisans create richly hued paper to be used in origami. If you want to learn the art itself, there are classes — try to get one with Kobayashi, a perfectly gentle and charming instructor if there ever was one.
