BEST PICKS
Best Origami Picks
Not sure what to fold? Start with our top 10, then pick by age, by style, or find Japanese models that make great gifts for friends abroad.
Top 10 classic origami to fold first
- 1
つるCrane
The most famous origami in Japan, and the one in a thousand-crane garland. It teaches all the key folds.
- 2
かぶとSamurai Helmet (Kabuto)
A Children’s Day classic. Fold it from newspaper and you can wear it.
- 3
よくとぶ紙ひこうきLong-flying Glider
A paper airplane that glides a long way. Have a distance contest!
- 4
ぴょんぴょんがえるJumping Frog
Press its back and it jumps. Perfect for a frog race.
- 5
パクパクFortune Teller (Pakupaku)
Put your fingers in and make it talk — or use it as a fortune teller.
- 6
チューリップ（花）Tulip Flower
An ideal first model for small children.
- 7
かみふうせんPaper Balloon
Blow into it and it puffs up — a traditional paper balloon.
- 8
いぬDog Face
Only a few folds. Draw a face to make it your own.
- 9
ハートHeart
Add it to a letter or a gift.
- 10
やっこさんYakko-san
Yakko-san, a folk model passed down for generations.
Easy origami for toddlers (age 3–5)
Models made with just a few triangle and half folds. Draw faces and play with them.
Origami for school kids — fun to play with
Models that fly, pop, spin and jump — fun to play with friends.
Cute origami
Animals, sweets and hearts — great for cards and gifts.
Advanced and complex origami
The toughest models, with the most steps first. The animation shows every tricky move.
ORIGINALしか（マスター）Deer (Master)
ORIGINALペガサスPegasus
ORIGINALドラゴンDragon
ORIGINALライオン（マスター）Lion (Master)
ORIGINALティラノサウルスT. rex
ORIGINALほうおうPhoenix
ORIGINAL伊勢えび（マスター）Spiny Lobster (Master)
ORIGINALくわがた（マスター）Stag Beetle (Master)
あやめIris
ORIGINALおしろ（金のしゃちほこ）Japanese Castle with Golden Shachihoko
ORIGINALくじゃく（マスター）Peacock (Master)
連鶴 妹背山Linked Cranes "Imoseyama"
Japanese origami that friends abroad will love
Cranes, samurai helmets, lucky cats and daruma — with English instructions, perfect for sharing Japanese culture.
つるCrane
かぶとSamurai Helmet (Kabuto)
やっこさんYakko-san
ORIGINALまねきねこBeckoning Cat (Maneki-neko)
ORIGINALだるまDaruma Doll
ORIGINALせんすFolding Fan (Sensu)
ORIGINALわがさJapanese Umbrella (Wagasa)
ORIGINALとりいTorii Gate
ORIGINALきものKimono
ORIGINALにんじゃNinja Face
ORIGINALさむらいSamurai Face
ORIGINALふじさんMt. Fuji
Useful origami
Boxes, envelopes, gift envelopes and bookmarks you can really use.
See all 376 models in the model list, or browse by season and level.