Fukui Private Tours
Book a Private Fukui Tour with a Local Tour Guide
Fukui Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
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Echizen Crafts & Workshops - Fukui, Day Trip From Kyoto or Kanazawa
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 major 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 enter their factories and closely view how craftsmen produce and also experience in making crafts.
Echizen Crafts & Workshops - Fukui, Day Trip From Kyoto or Kanazawa
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Touch the Craftsmanship: Washi Paper making in Echizen
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.
Touch the Craftsmanship: Washi Paper making in Echizen
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Tour of Eiheiji Temple
(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.
Tour of Eiheiji Temple
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Fukui Unique Experience Tours
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Half Day Meditation Tour - Eiheiji Zen Head Temple, Fukui
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.
Half Day Meditation Tour - Eiheiji Zen Head Temple, Fukui
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Mochi (rice cake) Making and Visiting Crafts Making Villages With The History of 1500 Years
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.
Mochi (rice cake) Making and Visiting Crafts Making Villages With The History of 1500 Years
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Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Making by Pestle & Mortar - Half Day Tour
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!
Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Making by Pestle & Mortar - Half Day Tour
Fukui Nature & Outdoor Tours
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Fukui Tour Reviews
Kim I.
“The Heart of Echizen Art and Crafts”
Thanks to Yoshie and her exceptional planning skills I was able to meet a broad range of local artisans, take part in workshops and learn so much about the local history and culture. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute with Yoshie, from my attempt at laquerware carving, to the memorable tour of a washi factory, soba noodle making and the incredible craft of tansu chest making. Yoshie was well organised, good humoured and a joy to be with. I wish I could have her as my guide for longer! She certainly made me want to return to such a beautiful and fascinating area. Thank you Yoshie !
Tobias G.
“Great Guide!”
Hiro was very kind and helpful. He had good communication coordinating the trip and arranging train and bus tickets for us ahead of time. He was knowledge about local culture, history and geography.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Tobias-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am really encouraged and inspired by it. I now understand why you chose Eiheiji temple deep in the mountains: because you are a pious Buddhist, for which I pay a great respect to you. I wish you a good luck in learning more about Buddhism. By the way, I was unable to explain to you what the yellow flour on the lunch table was. It is called "kinako" in Japanese, rich in protein and made by griding parched soybeans. Good health. Good day. Regards, Hiro
Jami N.
“Half Day in Echizen: Washi, Knife Making & Laquerware”
This was our 1st trip to Echizen and we had limited time. Megumi picked us up from the train station and graciously transported all of our luggage too! She listened extremely well to our interests and customized a tour that was perfect- she even was able to fit in a quick lunch in a nice park. The washi tour was incredibly moving - and the history and connection will stick with us; Aki, our 80 yr old tour guide is an absolute gem. Megumi was also able to pivot quickly during our visit to the Takafu Knife Center, we were able to visit an artisan in his shop and purchase one of his handmade knife’s. The lacquerware and temple stops were also wonderful. We highly recommend you book a tour with Megumi. She will make your day unforgettable.
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