Fukui Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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Popular Fukui Tour Guides

Kazuhiko G.

4.78 / 5

(188 reviews)

Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!

Yoji K.

(50 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yoji, based in Kanazawa. I spent my formative years in Kanazawa and pursued my master's degree in the United States. Having lived in Washington D.C. and California for six years, I then resided and worked in China and various Southeast Asian countries. My passion lies in exploring new destinations and connecting with people worldwide. Now, it's my turn to extend the same hospitality I've received to you. I specialize in crafting personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you're a food enthusiast, you've come to the right place. For those seeking to delve into Japan's rich history and culture, I highly recommend joining my full-day tour in Kanazawa. Additionally, I offer tours to Shirakawago and Takayama. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together.

Yuichi W.

4.56 / 5

(16 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yuichi, an English tour guide in Hokuriku region. If you are thinking about traveling to historical places such as Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama, I am willing to offer a tour. I can bring you to those popular destinations from my base, Toyama city. These are the examples of my tour: Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama Takaoka - Gokayama - Shirakawago - Takayama Toyama - Tateyama Kurobe Alipne Route - Omachi (Nagano Pref.) During the tour I like to provide simple explanations about Japanese history, and small tips for using the Japanese language on your request. My interests are food, cooking, sake and wine as well as Japanese novels and movies. It would be possible to add those tastes to our tour including a visit to local wineries, movie scenes, etc... Finally, I will do my best to give you a pleasant stay. Looking forward to seeing you in Hokuriku!

Megumi Y.

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Hi, my name is Megumi. I have traveled around all over Japan while pandemic via working remotely and I decided to move to Fukui where I fell in love. I will share with you the best part of Fukui!

New Fukui Tour Guides

Lucy F.

(5 reviews)

Hi, everyone! I'm Lucy, and I'm happy to share a bit about myself with you. Originally from the south of France, my career in fashion and costume design took me across both France and Germany. However, in 2019, my husband’s career brought us to the enchanting city of Kanazawa, and it didn’t take long for this beautiful place to capture my heart. Over time, Kanazawa has become much more than my adopted home—it’s a city I’ve come to truly adore. Becoming a tour guide here has been a deeply fulfilling journey, giving me the chance to meet incredible people from all over the world and share the rich culture, history, and hidden treasures of this incredible city. When I’m not guiding tours, I enjoy exploring Kanazawa’s lesser-known gems, delving into pottery and crafts, or hiking through the stunning natural landscapes nearby. My goal is not just to guide you through Kanazawa, but to create a meaningful connection and share the beauty and inspiration I’ve found in this special place. I can’t wait to explore it with you!

Yoshie K.

(37 reviews)

Hi, I am Yoshie. I am a national government licensed English speaking Guide. I used to work for multinational companies and served as an interpreter for several years and travelled around Japan with coworkers. I love plants, nature, travelling as well as finding good places to eat! I am also a communicative person. After having lived in Tokyo for some decades, now I live in my hometown, Fukui where you can have a great experience of Zen buddhism in the head temple of the Zen sect, Eiheiji which was founded in 1244. Fukui Dinosaur Museum is very popular regardless of age. It is one of the world's three largest dinosaurs. Echizen is also well known for Japan's handmade crafts including kitchen knives, washi paper, lacquer wares, Tansu chests and pottery. Seeing craftsmen's work right in front of you makes you excited and impressed. I have been travelling Kanazawa since my high school age so I know well about the town to show you around as well as Shirakawago, a day trip from Kanazawa. I am excited to meet you and coordinate what you are really interested in to make you the happiest memories in Japan. I look forward to guiding you soon!

Popular Fukui Private Tours

Touch the Craftsmanship: Washi Paper making in Echizen

3 hours

We will begin with a hands-on paper-making experience lectured by craftmen. Then let's visit to a studio specializing in large-format washi used by painters. Finally, we will visit Otaki Shrine, known for having one of the most intricate roofs in Japan. As we stroll along the river through the peaceful village, you'll discover the rich atmosphere of Echizen Washi village, where papermaking has thrived for over 1,500 years. Discover the deep spirituality and craftsmanship lies in paker making.

FROM$101/ per group

Megumi Y.

Echizen Crafts & Workshops - Fukui, Day Trip From Kyoto or Kanazawa

7 hours

In the ancient period from the year of 710 to 794, Echizen was the capital of gigantic province spreading across the four prefectures in Japan. Due to that, Echizen prospered and has been the producing area of five national traditional crafts today which are all handmade including Washi paper, kitchen knives, lacquer wares, potteries, and tansu chests. It is only in Echizen that you can closely view how artisans/craftsmen produce at their workshops and also experience in making crafts.

Half Day Meditation Tour - Eiheiji Zen Head Temple, Fukui

4 hours 30 min

Zazen is silent meditation of Zen Buddhism and it is performed in sitting. This tour is to have an experience of Zazen at Eiheiji Zen Head Temple where it was founded by Zen Master Dogen who first taught Zen in Japan. The Temple has been filled with the bracing and serene atmosphere of Zen practitioners. Let’s try Zazen to see inside yourself and/or relax in the deep mountains during busy travelling.

Mochi (rice cake) Making and Visiting Crafts Making Villages With The History of 1500 Years

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7 hours

Mochi is a rice cake that is chewy, soft and delicious. This tour provides you a highly amusing experience where you can make the mochi on your own from steamed rice to round-shaped mochi filled with sweet red beans and one with toppings by a pestle and mortar in the old Echizen classic farmer's house. Echizen is a major crafts town so you can learn how artisans produce crafts very closely including washi paper using bark of a tree, lacquerware and knives derived from a Japanese sword.

New Fukui Private Tours

Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Making by Pestle & Mortar - Half Day Tour

4 hours 50 min

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake that is chewy, very soft and delicious. This tour provides you a highly amusing experience where you can make the mochi on your own from steamed rice to round-shaped mochi filled with sweet red beans by a pestle and mortar in the Echizen classic farmer's house. You can make an intricate Chinkin pattern by carving with a knife and then gold/silver powder is inlaid into the surface to fix the design w/artisan. It will be quite a unique experience and such fun!

Magnificent Cherry Blossom Scenery & Picnic, Fukui - Day Trip

7 hours

Gorgeous cherry blossom sceneries can be seen along with a long quiet river bank with much less crowds. You feel like the entire cherry blossom is only yours. It is amazingly beautiful! Enjoy walking under a full of cherry blossom. A picnic under the cherry blossom can be provided in the park. After lunch, you have a choice to enjoy 1) the tour of traditional Washi Paper Village and see the artisan creates washi or 2) visiting the Knife Village to view how Echizen Knives are handmade.

Tour of Eiheiji Temple

5 hours

(Highlights) Deep in the mountains of Fukui prefecture, Eiheiji Temple was established in 1244 by the Reverend Dogen as the facilities for Buddhist monks undergoing austere Zen training. It consists of 70 buildings being used for conducting various Buddhist practices. The temple is the "Sohonzan" (head temple ) of the "Sotosyu" sect of Buddhism and the source of worshiping among the followers. Besides immersing yourself in the solemn atmosphere the entire temple precincts produce, you can listen to the priests` lectures, participate in a "zazen" meditation and do cleaning the floors. In winter, the entire compound is covered with deep snow each year, creating the picture-perfect scene of a different world. (How to enjoy) When arriving at the temple, follow the guidance of the priests who will tell you how to behave politely in a Buddhist temple. You will be amazed at being in the spacious "tatami-matted" halls and seeing the images, decorations, pictures and ornaments for worshiping. While being in the purified environment, you will feel your mind enlightened and your soul refreshed. But, above all, quietly express your appreciation for your presence in the sacred place. (others) Transportation: Take a limited-express train bound for Kanazawa at JR Kyoto station and get off at Fukui station. The fare is 5,140 yen (although 200 yen lower on weekdays and in off-travel seasons) and the ride takes some 90 minutes. There is a bus service between Fukui station and Eiheiji Temple for the fare of 720 yen. It will take about 40 minutes. Admission fee: 500 yen. Accommodations: You can stay there overnight if you make a reservation two weeks in advance.

Day Trips from Fukui

Kyoto

Kanazawa

Ishikawa

Shiga

Fukui Tour Reviews

Anastasiia G.

5 / 5

Jan 8, 2025

Half Day Meditation Tour - Eiheiji Zen Head Temple, Fukui

4 hours 30 min

Jan 8, 2025

“10 out of 10”

I'm a travel agent writing on behalf of my clients. The travellers loved this tour, Yoshie was amazing! The communication was excellent and she helped the travellers navigate the public transport in Fukui. Highly recommend this tour! Thank you!

Yoshie K.

Hi Anastasiia, thank you so much for your review. Eiheiji, Zen Head temple, was in the mountain and has been very sacred and serene with monks passing briskly and silently as always. Guests enjoyed the temple and its town with spirituality. Hope to work with you again!

Jeremy W.

5 / 5

Oct 8, 2024

Discover the Serenity of Fukui: Temples and Nature Day Trip

7 hours 30 min

Customized

Oct 8, 2024

“Three Days with Yoji-san!”

Yoji helped me plan out three days. One day in Kanazawa. Took us to the major spots, great conversation, good historical anecdotes in between. Next day he hired a private van for my group of three and we went to Shirakawago but we approached it from the White Road through Hakusan National Park. Beautiful drive with many waterfalls. Delicious spring water. Not enough time to hike to be close to the waterfalls sadly. Shirakawago was beautiful and it helps having him to show you around and do so without wasting time. Shirakawago is amazing and grand and a sight to see. Third day, our private driver took us all to Fukui to see some temples, a gorge, an amazing bridge, and then finally to Tojimbo Cliffs which were incredibly beautiful and unique. Then they dropped us off in Kaga Onsen, and Koji and the driver went back to Kanazawa. Yoji-san was a great guide and would recommend him wholeheartedly. He was interesting and easy to talk to with great English. Would love to see him again, but there's so much more left of Japan for us to visit. Thanks Yoji! We had a great time.

Yoji K.

Jeremy san, Thank you for such a wonderful comment and review on me. Thank you so much for allowing me to accompany you on the tour for three days. It was such an enriching experience, and for me, it was an unforgettable and precious time. Moments like these, spent with wonderful people, make me truly grateful to be a guide. I believe you’ll have more opportunities to visit Japan again, so let’s meet again in Tokyo or somewhere else. Thank you so much for the wonderful time!

Ken N.

5 / 5

Jun 13, 2024

Eiheiji Temple & Dinosaur Tour in Fukui