About Tour Guide Megumi Y.

“A papermakers dream day”

Megumi san is a wonderful guide. She is friendly and personable. As a papermaker this tour was perfect for me and Megumi san ensured we packed in as much as possible in the time we had together, including bringing me to different papermaker studios that I would otherwise not have found myself. The highlights included the Rakusui making experience at Ryozo and visiting the Okamoto Otaki Shrine to pay my respects to the Paper Goddess. Along the way we had a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant. However, the highlight was the privilege and honour of meeting Aki san at Iwano Heizaburou who gave the factory tour. She extremely knowledgeable and just a delight to be around. Seeing all the craftspeople in studio at work was very inspiring. I truly enjoyed my day and Megumi san. I highly recommend this tour or any tour Megumi san puts together for you!

Megumi Y.

(5 reviews)

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind review. It was such a pleasure spending time together and sharing Echizen papermaking culture with someone who understands and appreciates handmade paper so deeply. Thank you again for your warmth, curiosity, and enthusiasm throughout the day. It was an honor for me to guide you. Wishing you all the best in your own papermaking journey!

“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.

(5 reviews)

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!

“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.

Megumi Y.

(5 reviews)

It was truly a pleasure meeting you both and welcoming you to Echizen for your first visit. I’m very happy to hear that the day suited your interests so well — from the moving washi experience with Aki-san, to the spontaneous visit with the knife artisan, and our quiet lunch in the park. Thank you also for being so open, curious, and engaged throughout the tour. Your warm energy made the entire day very special for me as well. Wishing you all the best on your travels, and I hope our paths will cross again someday. Warmest regards, Megumi