Fukui Private Tours
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Fukui Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
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 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.
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.
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.
Fukui Unique Experience Tours
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.
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.
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!
Fukui Nature & Outdoor Tours
Fukui Tour Reviews
Kiyomi K.
“Had the best day of my entire trip with Megumi!”
Words cannot express what this day brought to me. It was incredibly moving, powerful, scenic, life injecting. The washi paper tour demonstrated all the craft you can imagine and the people I spoke and met with were unforgettable, it literally had me questioning my life and wanting to move to Echizen haha. Megumi was so knowledgable, friendly, and so lovely. We spent the entire day together and it felt like being with a friend the entire time. If you’re thinking about this tour, don’t think! Just do it!!!!
Megumi Y.
Thank you for joining the Echizen Washi Village tour! Your smile lit up the day and made everyone in Echizen enjoy sharing the experience even more. If you ever visit Fukui or Japan again, don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all the best on your journey ahead—I’m rooting for you!
Victor B.
“Excellent Guide”
Toshi was our guide for 2 full days. She contacted us online, well before we met, to arrange a tour that accommodated our interests. In Echizen, we visited the lacquer art area, had lunch, and learned how to make mochi in a local woman’s house, visited an art museum, and a knife making factory. The second day with her was spent in Kanazawa in the Samuri area,, the Kenrokuen Garden, and the Geisha area. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spend with Yoshi. She was well informed, and provided us with in depth historical background. We learned a lot, had fun with her, and recommend her very highly.
Yoshie K.
Hi Victor & Stephanie, thank you so much for your warm and quick review. The 2 days were so quick and fun to be talking with you on all subjects during the tours. I am truly glad that you enjoyed all the experiences and visits in Echizen and Kanazawa. Thank you again, Yoshie
Anastasiia G.
“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!
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