Fukui Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Fukui, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Fukui Tour Guides
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Yoshie K.
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!
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Yoji K.
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.
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Megumi Y.
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!
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Lee S.
Welcome to Hokuriku! I’m based in Kanazawa and would love to show you around not just the famous sights, but also the everyday beauty and hidden corners that make this region special. I also provide winter tours and have a logistics team for your expedient comfort needs and convenience. Whether you're strolling through samurai districts, sampling fresh seafood at a local market, or soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of mountain villages like Takayama, Shirakawa-go or Ainokura among many more, I’ll help you experience Japan in a way that feels personal, relaxed, and real. I grew up in BC Canada with friends from all over the world, and now call Japan home. I speak conversational Japanese and understand both the traveler’s curiosity and the local rhythm of life. That means I can help bridge the gap, so you feel comfortable and connected wherever we go. Every tour is flexible—if the weather shifts or something catches your eye, we can adapt. My goal is to make your time here smooth, engaging, and full of insight. Let’s explore Hokuriku together, one story, flavor, and moment at a time.
New Fukui Tour Guides
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Popular Fukui Private 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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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 the bark of trees and knives derived from a Japanese sword. It will be so fun!
Mochi (rice cake) Making and Visiting Crafts Making Villages With The History of 1500 Years
New Fukui Private Tours
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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 also see artisan's producing handmade knives or washi paper. Or even you can experience making those if you wish. It will be quite a unique experience and such fun!
Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Making by Pestle & Mortar - Half Day Tour
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Magnificent Cherry Blossom Scenery & Picnic, Fukui - Day Trip (closed for 2026)
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.
Magnificent Cherry Blossom Scenery & Picnic, Fukui - Day Trip (closed for 2026)
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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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Popular Fukui Private Cars
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Fukui Tour Reviews
Gail N.
“Everything tour with great english”
We wanted a tour of the crafts and artisans of the Echizen area and Yoshie-san fulfilled that wish. A pottery fair, washi paper making and lacquer making. Couldn’t have been better. Oh, and a delicious lunch. Because artisans are scattered rather far apart, the taxi fare was a bit steep in addition to the tour cost.
Yoshie K.
Hi Gail-san, thank you very much for your kind review. I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed a whole craft tour in Echizen! There are many more exciting crafts tours seeing artisans' work/techniques. So you are always welcome back! Thank you again. Yoshie
Mr. murray B.
“Great Tour with Local Guide ”
Fantastic tour seeing so many local crafts - how they are made and final products. Even fit in a great lunch. Most personable tour guide - a lot of fun. Highly recommend!
Yoshie K.
Dear Murray, thank you so much for your kind review. You could successfully see all Echizen crafts attractions including knife, washi paper, pottery, tansu chest and lacquerware and had communication with each craftsman! I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the tour. Thank you again. Yoshie
Calvin K.
“A Memorable Day Exploring Fukui with Megumi-san”
Megumi-san responded quickly and efficiently to my enquiry and customized a one-day tour. She picked me up at my hotel and took me through the beautiful inland hills of Fukui. We started at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum — an incredible experience that truly feels like stepping back in time and is an absolute must-visit in Fukui. Another highlight was Eiheiji Temple, the heart of Sōtō Zen Buddhism since the 13th century — peaceful, spiritual, and stunning. Nearby, we visited Echizen Daibutsu, home to Japan’s largest seated Buddha (it’s truly massive!), and the mystical Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, founded over 1,300 years ago and open to the public only once every 33 years. Throughout the day, Megumi-san was patient, knowledgeable, and took time to explain the history and cultural background of each site. It was a wonderful and memorable day — I highly recommend Megumi-san to anyone planning a tour in Fukui.
Megumi Y.
Thank you very much for coming all the way to Fukui. I believe there was heavy snow on your way back, and I hope you were able to return home smoothly. Fukui may seem quiet or modest at first glance, but it holds wonderful treasures that reveal themselves to those who take the time to see them. I’m very happy that I could share some of those special places with Kevin san. I would be delighted if you have the chance to visit Fukui again someday. Until then, I wish you all the best and good health. Thank you once again!
Fukui Private Tour Guide
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