Echizen Crafts & Workshops - Fukui, Day Trip From Kyoto or Kanazawa
Joined 2019
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Echizen-Takefu Station
Udatsu Paper & Crafts Museum
You will learn a basic knowledge of washi paper making viewing an artisan or craftsman producing it.
Washi Villlage Tour
Explore a small washi village in the nice and tranquil atmosphere where it has prospered since the ancient period. You can enjoy viewing the classic example of traditional Echizen houses as walking.
Washi Paper Workshop Tour & Experience
Explore a workshop to learn how washi paper is made from fibers taken out of barks of trees and experience in making washi using their tools if you wish. Workshop(s) we visit are basically making various size of paper and/or you can see how designs on a paper are created by a craftsman's hands.
Okamoto Jinja Shrine and Otaki Jinja Shrine
These shrines have over 1,500 and 1,400 years of history, respectively and it is the complex building structure with dignity appearance. The goodness of paper making has been enshrined in Okamoto Jinja Shrine which is only one in Japan and has been designated a National Important Cultural Asset.
Lunch in The Echizen Washi Village
Enjoy eating traditional dishes using locally harvested veges, fishes and meat.
Umeda Washi Paper Shop
Various handmade Washi paper products from over 40 makers are available at a 20% less price to the market. It is so much fun to explore the shop to see different style of paper works including envelops, letters, memos, trays, dolls, decorative paper, lampshades and etc.
Knife Village
Learn about how a handmade knife is made by viewing craftsmen making it from the 2nd fl of a factory as well as a small museum. 13 different companies with over 40 artisans/craftsmen are producing beautiful knives and sell at a shop in this village.
Oyanagi Tansu Chest Shop
Learn how a traditional tansu chest is made from viewing a craftsman produces. Every parts of tansu chest including decorative metal fittings and Hozo Tsugi (mortise and tenon technique without using nails) are handmade and you can close look how those small pieces are made by a craftsman.
Ending Point
Echizen-Takefu Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour fee
Transportation fee related to the tour and lunch for you and a guide.
Factory tour for washi paper and Tansu chest: 2,200 yen/person
Workshop for washi paper: 2,200 yen/person
Tour Important Information
- Visiting places (traditional washi paper, handmade knife, pottery, tansu chest and lacquerware) are at your choice and time is flexible.
- For visiting the lacquerware production place, a very economical taxi ticket supported by the government is available at 1,000 yen for one direction. You can buy when you arrive at Echizen-Takefu
Station.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2019
About Tour Guide 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!
Reviews
Lenore M.
“Kanazawa Tour with Yoshie ”
We had so much fun today on our tour of Kawazana with Yoshie. Yoshie was instrumental in planning our day, researching options and offering sound advice and suggestions to tailor a fun day for us. We all had great time dressing up in Kimonos while Yoshie took photos and interpreted. It was a highlight of our Japan trip so far. Yoshie is knowledgeable and experienced. Highly recommend.
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!
$260/ per group
More tours by Yoshie K.
Kanazawa One Day Tour
The city of Kanazawa is very compact and you will be able to feel the appearance of the ancient samurai days in the feudal period as strolling the town and streets.
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.
Magnificent Cherry Blossom Scenery & Picnic, Fukui - Day Trip
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.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Fukui
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.
