A rare opportunity to see authentic knife making factories in the heart of the scenic Echizen area. Guests will also get to speak with real knife making craftsmen who dedicate their lives to making the world renown Echizen knives. For Japanese knife lovers, this is the perfect tour. For the tour, guests will get to check out amazing knife handles made at Yamaken Woodworks and then see how the blades are made at Ryuzen Hamono. Within the tour guests will also get to experience a part of the knife making process.

Visit the authentic washi making factory of RYOZO Yanase Paper Mill and get a deeper look into the world of washi making. The owners, Mr. and Ms. Yanase have years of experience and will give you knowledgeable instructions. Guests will get to tour the washi factory where they make paper fit for commercials products such as packaging for Japanese sweets. It is a rare opportunity to see such a factory. Afterwards with the instructions of Ms. Yanase, a traditional craftsman, guests will make a washi piece that is perfect as a tapestry. It is made using traditional techniques so it is a chance to experience authentic washi making.

The scenic rural Echizen area is famous for its rich history of traditional Japanese crafts. One of these crafts is washi, or traditional Japanese paper. Come get a rare hands on experience of visiting authentic washi factories and speaking with craftsmen. Guests also get to try their hand at making their very own washi paper. Also as part of the tour, guests get to visit beautiful Otaki Shrine which is dedicated to the god of paper. *Washi factory may change due to availability.

Kubota Liquor Store is a long-established liquor store that was founded in 1914 (Taisho 3), and is the first place you should visit if you want to buy Fukui's local sake in Sabae. Here guests will get to taste locally made sakes in special lacquered glasses. Guests can try junmai sake, daiginjo sake, or both depending on the plan. Glasses for junmai sake have a wide opening so that you can enjoy the full flavor of junmai sake, whereas glasses for daiginjo sake have a slightly narrower opening to trap the aroma and has depth to its shape which is its characteristic. This experience is perfect for those who love sake as they will get in try local sake in a unique way.

Kinkori Shikkiten is a lacquerware shop run by brothers in Kawada, the town of Echizen lacquerware. In this experience, you will receive direct instruction from Mr. Masataka Kinkori, a craftsman at Kinkori Shikkiten, and experience painting lacquer on a wooden tray. The tray, which can be used for serving meals or as a tray for snacks, will make your ordinary foods for appealing. Guests will get to use the craftsman's tools for an authentic crafting experience. They will also get to learn about lacquerware from Mr. Kinkori who has years of lacquerware making experience.

Tour Attractions: Echizen Washi boasts 1,500 years of history and unparalleled quality. This experience combines traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity, offering a comprehensive programme of activities that will allow you to delve into the history, techniques, and culture of Echizen Washi in just a few hours. You will have the opportunity to make washi paper by hand and craft your own washi uchiwa (Japanese paper fans). The finished paper and fans will be yours to take home as unique and memorable keepsakes. This three-hour experience encapsulates all the charm and tradition of Echizen Washi Paper. Outline of the Echizen Washi Experience Tour: This immersive three-hour tour lets you explore the rich history and exceptional craftsmanship of washi paper. Set in Echizen, a region with 1,500 years of washi-making heritage, you’ll experience the living traditions of this remarkable craft by creating handmade washi in one of Japan’s most renowned production areas.

Experience the profound spirituality and craftsmanship of Echizen Washi on a guided tour through its historic village. First, enjoy a hands-on paper-making experience under the guidance of skilled artisans. Next, visit a workshop specializing in large-format washi, highly sought after by artists. Finally, explore Otaki Shrine, renowned for its intricately crafted roof, considered one of the finest in Japan. Stroll along the riverside in this peaceful village and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Echizen Washi, which has been passed down for over 1,500 years.

Explore the Enigma: Experience the enigma by immersing yourself in the unique geographical environment of Lake Mikata. Nature Immersion: Delight in the picturesque landscapes of the nature-rich Lake Mikata with the guidance of experienced local guides, as it is designated under the Ramsar Convention. Cultural Lifestyle: Reflect on the sustainability of the local ecosystem and its cultural practices by witnessing the scenes of traditional fishing methods that have persisted for over 400 years.

The Kawada district of Sabae City is a town of Echizen lacquerware with a history of 1500 years. Tour the roots of Echizen lacquerware on a lacquered bicycle, including the Lacquerware Shrine (Shikiyama Shrine), which enshrines the god of lacquerware, and a tour of a workshop led by a craftsman.

Visitors can learn about the history of Echizen tiles, which have been used for a long time in Japan, a country prone to natural disasters, for their durability and safety, and see the inside of a factory, which is usually rarely seen. You can also make devil tiles, which have been attached to the edge of the roof to ward off evil spirits to protect the house and family since ancient times.