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Echizen Crafts & Workshops - Fukui, Day Trip From Kyoto or Kanazawa
Fukui
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.
FROM$261/ per group
Yoshie K.
5.00 / 5
(39 reviews)
Touch the Craftsmanship: Washi Paper making in Echizen
Fukui
4 hours 30 min
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$201/ per person
Megumi Y.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Half Day Meditation Tour - Eiheiji Zen Head Temple, Fukui
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.
FROM$201/ per group
Yoshie K.
5.00 / 5
(39 reviews)
Mochi (rice cake) Making and Visiting Crafts Making Villages With The History of 1500 Years
Fukui
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.
FROM$262/ per group
Yoshie K.
5.00 / 5
(39 reviews)
Magnificent Cherry Blossom Scenery & Picnic, Fukui - Day Trip
Fukui
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.
FROM$246/ per group
Yoshie K.
5.00 / 5
(39 reviews)
Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Making by Pestle & Mortar - Half Day Tour
Fukui
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!
FROM$211/ per group
Yoshie K.
5.00 / 5
(39 reviews)
Tour of Eiheiji Temple
Fukui
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.
FROM$136/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)