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30 Available Tour Excursions in Fukui Prefecture
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.
Price: $128.45
Duration: 2 hours
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.
Price: $160.56
Duration: 3 hours
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.
Price: $19.27
Duration: 1 hours
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.
Price: $160.56
Duration: 1 hours
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.
Price: $192.67
Duration: 3 hours
Explore Eiheiji Temple, a significant Zen Buddhist site in Japan, where centuries-old practices continue to thrive. Founded in the 13th century, this living monastery allows visitors to experience Zen philosophy in action. Guided by an expert, wander through the serene Seven-Hall Complex and grasp the essence of Zen through daily routines intertwined with meditation. This tour is perfect for those looking to connect with Japan's spiritual heritage, especially first-time visitors. Optional bus transfer from Fukui Station adds convenience, making your journey as enriching as the destination. - Engage with the living traditions of Zen Buddhism at Eiheiji Temple - Guided tour through the Seven-Hall Complex, revealing Zen practices - Optional bus transfer from Fukui Station for easy access - Ideal for travelers seeking meaningful cultural experiences
Price: $105.97
Duration: 2 hours
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.
Price: $160.56
Duration: 2 hours
Kawada is a town of Echizen lacquerware with a history of 1500 years. It is said that Echizen lacquerware began when lacquer painting was encouraged after Keitai Tenno successfully repaired his broken crown with lacquer coating. On this tour, we will visit two lacquer workshops in the Kawada area. Kinkori Lacquerware Shop is a lacquer workshop with a history of over 100 years. Kinkori Lacquerware Store is a lacquerware workshop run by brothers in Kawada, the town of Echizen lacquerware. In this experience, you will receive direct instruction from your brother, Masataka Kinkori, a craftsman at Kinkori Lacquerware Store, and you will be able to try your hand at lacquering a bowl. Next, we will visit Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill, a Japanese paper-making workshop in the Imadate area. Lastly, there was a calligraphy experience with calligrapher Kason Nishiyama at an old folk house next to the workshop.
Price: $417.45
Duration: 8 hours
Discover the story of Japanese food culture and the spirit of Zen hidden in a bowl of miso soup. Join a guided tour of Komego Miso, a traditional miso brewery that has been producing Japan’s essential fermented seasoning for about 200 years, and deepen your understanding of Japanese cuisine and fermentation culture. At the end of the experience, enjoy a delicious bowl of miso soup made by your own hands. - The experience is guided in English by expert staff from Komego Miso, who share their deep knowledge of miso and Japanese food culture. - You will explore the inside of an active miso brewery where miso is still produced using traditional methods. - You will prepare miso soup and grilled miso rice balls together. The menu is vegan-friendly, so both vegan and non-vegan guests can enjoy the experience together.
Price: $224.78
Duration: 2 hours
Guests will get to learn about the glasses and the accessory making process at KISSO which produces high quality accessories using glasses materials. You will get to see the rarely seen behind the scenes of a accessory making factory. You will then make your own ring by fitting your favorite glasses materials into machinery at the factory. There are many options for colors. You can make a one-of-a-kind ring that is suited to you.
Price: $96.33
Duration: 1 hours
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.
Price: $132.62
Duration: 2 hours
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.
Price: $83.49
Duration: 1 hours
Echizen ware, which was born in the Heian period, is one of the six ancient kilns in Japan that still continues to produce pottery. Soil that contains a lot of iron has a distinctive red-black color on its surface. This time we will take you to a workshop where Echizen ware is made. You can also view artworks by Taro Okamoto and others at the Echizen Ceramics Village, and learn about the history of Echizen ware at the Echizen Ancient Kiln Museum. Echizen Old Kiln Museum Echizen Ancient Kiln Museum is a museum that opened in 2017. In addition to the Echizen ware museum, there is also the ``Old Mizuno Family Residence,'' an old folk house from Fukui that was relocated, and a full-fledged tea room. Echizen Pottery Village A hands-on museum of Echizen ware. There are many works of art in the facility. Sometimes it's simple pottery for everyday use, sometimes it's a surprising work of art. Why not enjoy Echizen ware, which has many different faces, with all five senses?
Price: $128.45
Duration: 3 hours
This private car tour from Tsuruga Port is designed especially for cruise travelers who want to experience the very best of Fukui in one seamless journey.The itinerary combines three of Fukui’s most celebrated highlights: the world-class Dinosaur Museum, where the mysteries of ancient life come alive; the serene Eiheiji Temple, a living center of Zen practice for nearly 800 years; and Echizen Washi Village, where traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive after more than a millennium. Each site reveals a different facet of Fukui—its scientific significance, its spiritual depth, and its artisanal creativity.This tour is perfect for travelers who value both comfort and authenticity, offering an in-depth look at the culture, history, and beauty of Fukui Prefecture. It is more than sightseeing—it is an immersive experience that connects you with Japan’s heritage in a truly memorable way.
Price: $707.50
Duration: 7 hours
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.
Price: $128.45
Duration: 3 hours
Guests will get to learn about the lens making process at Inui Lens which produces high quality lenses. You will get to see the rarely seen behind the scenes of a lens making factory. You will then make your own sunglasses by fitting your favorite lenses into your own eyeglass frame (you'll need your own frame or you can purchase one at the store for an additional fee). There are more than 300 kinds of colors. You can make a one-of-a-kind sunglass that is suited to you. After the experience, take a break with a soft serve ice cream or a special coffee at the cafe in Lens Park!
Price: $96.33
Duration: 1 hours
An experience where you can learn the process of making Echizen lacquerware by visiting two workshops, Hacoa and Shitsurindo and making your very own original lacquer spoon. Guests will get to see the process of making authentic Echizen lacquerware. Hacoa is a woodworking workshop that makes the base for many of the lacquerware craftsman in the area. Here you will get to see craftsman transform wooden blocks into commercial products. After viewing the workshop you will polish your own spoon and head over to Shitsurindo. Shitsurindo is a Echizen lacquerware workshop where craftsman paint lacquer. You will get to also see their workshop which is usually off limits. Here you will paint your spoon with lacquer.
Price: $160.56
Duration: 3 hours
Experience the differences in water, the fundamental ingredient of Japanese sake. An interactive plan with the sake brewery staff. A special explanation of the sake brewing process will be provided.
Price: $44.96
Duration: 1 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English (commonly spoken by tourists)
- Climate: Humid subtropical
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Approximately 770,000 people
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Fukui Prefecture must follow Japan’s national visa policies. Citizens from many countries including the US, EU, and UK can enter Japan visa-free for short stays up to 90 days for tourism. Others may require a visa obtained in advance. Japan also offers e-visa options for certain nationalities. Visa on arrival is generally not available. Travelers should have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.
About Fukui Prefecture
Fukui Prefecture, located on Japan’s Sea of Japan coast in the Chubu region, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. Known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" of Japan, it boasts some of the most significant dinosaur fossil sites and museums, attracting paleontology enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond its prehistoric allure, Fukui is home to impressive historic landmarks such as the well-preserved Maruoka Castle and the serene Eiheiji Temple, a major Zen Buddhist monastery. The rugged coastline features stunning cliffs and beaches, perfect for scenic drives and outdoor adventures. Fukui’s relatively low tourist traffic compared to major Japanese cities allows visitors to experience authentic local culture and hospitality. The prefecture’s cuisine highlights fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, including crab and sushi, alongside traditional Japanese fare. Whether exploring ancient temples, hiking coastal trails, or indulging in local delicacies, Fukui offers a compelling destination for travelers seeking tranquility, history, and natural wonders.
Fukui Prefecture Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Chubu
- Duration Range: Half-day or Full-day
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack layers for variable coastal climate and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet behavior in temples. Fukui is safe, but carry cash as some places do not accept cards. Learn basic Japanese phrases for smoother communication.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $250
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Fukui Dinosaur Museum – One of Japan’s top dinosaur museums with extensive fossil displays and interactive exhibits. 2. Eiheiji Temple – A historic Zen Buddhist temple founded in the 13th century, offering spiritual and cultural insight. 3. Maruoka Castle – Known as one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles, famous for its original wooden keep. 4. Tojinbo Cliffs – Dramatic basalt cliffs along the Sea of Japan, offering breathtaking views and boat tours. 5. Ichijodani Asakura Family Historic Ruins – Archaeological site showcasing a samurai town from the Sengoku period.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy fossil hunting and museum tours, hiking in the mountains and along the coast, cycling scenic routes, exploring historic temples and castles, and relaxing in natural hot springs. Seasonal festivals and traditional craft workshops provide cultural immersion. The Sea of Japan coast offers fishing, boat tours, and beach activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Fukui’s cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, particularly crab (especially Echizen crab), yellowtail, and squid. Signature dishes include seafood rice bowls, sashimi, and local soba noodles. The prefecture is also known for its traditional sake brewing. Dining customs follow typical Japanese etiquette, with many local restaurants offering seasonal specialties. Noteworthy dining spots include seafood markets and traditional ryotei (Japanese inns with fine dining).
Getting Around
Fukui is accessible by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo and local trains from Osaka and Kanazawa. Buses and taxis serve local transit, but public transportation can be limited in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring remote attractions. Transportation costs are moderate, with train passes available for tourists.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack layers for variable coastal climate and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet behavior in temples. Fukui is safe, but carry cash as some places do not accept cards. Learn basic Japanese phrases for smoother communication.
Culture & Customs
Fukui’s culture is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism and samurai history. Visitors should observe respectful behavior at temples and shrines, including quietness and proper attire. Local festivals such as the Fukui Dinosaur Festival and traditional tea ceremonies highlight cultural heritage. Gift-giving and polite greetings are valued social customs.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..