DISCOVER FUKUI

Did you know that Fukui Prefecture has a thriving textile industry? Since ancient times, the region of Echizen (the ancient name for Fukui) has been a major producer of silk fabrics, and during the Edo period (1603–1867), textiles were a vital commodity that supported the finances of the Fukui Domain (a feudal territory ruled by a daimyo). In the Meiji period (1868–1912), with the introduction of the latest weaving technologies, the production of Habutae (a type of high-quality Japanese silk fabric known for its smooth, glossy texture) flourished, primarily for export. From the Taisho period (1912–1926), as facilities became modernized, production shifted to rayon (artificial silk), and today, the region is famous as one of Japan’s leading production centers for synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. Here, we introduce three spots where you can experience and learn about Fukui’s textile industry!

Located in the central district of Katsuyama City, “Yumeole Katsuyama Textile Factory Museum” is a cultural facility where you can enjoy the world of textiles. “Hataya (weaving factory )” is a traditional term referring to a workshop or factory where cloth is woven. The building itself is a preserved and repurposed factory that operated as a weaving mill from 1905 to 1998. It is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Katsuyama City and recognized as a national Heritage of Industrial Modernization.

In the weaving demonstration corner on the 1st floor, four power looms that were actually used in a Hataya (weaving factory) are installed, allowing you to watch live weaving demonstrations. The museum zone on the 2nd floor features an exhibition corner where you can learn about the process of making Habutae silk and the history of the textile industry in Katsuyama City, which has continued for over 100 years. You can also observe traditional machines, such as silk-reeling machines, in their operating state.

This is a popular workshop corner at Yumeole Katsuyama Textile Factory Museum. I tried the “Hand-woven Coaster Making Experience | 600 yen.” You can choose your favorite yarn and create an original coaster while learning the mechanics of hand-weaving! By meticulously passing the yarn through the hand-weaving machine, the coaster was completed in about 30 minutes. The spacious workshop area is perfect for group tours or families. Other activities include “Mayudama Craft (making mascots of dinosaurs or animals using silk cocoons) | 600 yen” and “Takabata (a traditional Japanese high-framed loom) Weaving Experience | 1,500 yen.”

At the souvenir shop “Omiyage-dokoro Silk,” you can purchase local specialties such as silk products, Katsuyama sweets, and dinosaur-themed goods. Additionally, the facility houses “Egg Egg (Tamago Kobo Egg Egg),” a cafe known for its delicious sweets like pudding made with fresh local eggs and milk. Please stop by after your tour or workshop.

【Yumeole Katsuyama Textile Factory Museum】

Address: 1-7-40 Showamachi, Katsuyama City

TEL: 0779-87-1200

Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Cafe Corner: 10:00–17:00)

*Experience registration: 9:00–16:00

Closed: Wednesdays (if a national holiday, the following day; Year-end/New Year: Dec 29–Jan 2)

Admission: Free (experience fees are separate)

*Please check the official website for group tour or experience applications. 〈Access〉 By Train: From JR Fukui Station, take the Echizen Railway to “Katsuyama Station.” Transfer to the community bus “Gururin” and get off at the “Hataya Kinenkan-mae” stop (approx. 3 min). By Car: Free parking available. Approx. 10 minutes from the “Katsuyama IC” on the Chubu-Jukan Expressway.

Located in Katsuyama City, "Lacorme Co., Ltd." is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer: A company that produces goods marketed and sold under another company's brand name) for world-renowned brands such as "COMME des GARÇONS" and "YOHJI YAMAMOTO." They handle the production of pants and skirts for globally famous apparel labels.

Inside the factory, visitors can observe various stages of production, including sewing, cutting, pattern-making (the creation of paper templates used to cut fabric), and final ironing. Founded in 1941, Lacorme began its journey after World War II by producing men's work pants for export to the United States, eventually specializing in the production of "bottoms" (trousers and skirts). While continuing their manufacturing operations, they currently welcome educational school trips and business inspections with the hope of making the textile industry feel more accessible to the public. Being able to see the actual site where products sold all over the world are born is a deeply moving experience!

Lacorme is a member of "MADE BY," a network of textile-related companies in Fukui. To ensure the textile industry remains sustainable and is passed down to the next generation, "MADE BY" organizes factory tourism, regional tours, and various events that provide opportunities for learning and information sharing. Many of the member companies welcome factory tours. (Please contact each individual company for inquiries regarding factory visits.)

Located in Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, "EIGHT RIBBON" is a Tyrolean ribbon factory that utilizes the largest number of shuttle looms (A traditional weaving machine that uses a shuttle to carry the weft yarn back and forth, known for producing fabrics with a distinctive soft and high-quality texture) in Japan. The building, which was originally established in 1961 by a collective of eight ribbon factories, completed its renovation in 2021. Visitors can easily tour the factory, which features a unique blend of a retro atmosphere—feeling as though you have stepped back in time to the Showa-era (The period of Japanese history from 1926 to 1989)—and a modern aesthetic. On this visit, I enjoyed the “Tyrolean Ribbon Factory Tour & Ribbon Badge Making Experience | 2,000 yen” (Advance reservation required).

During the factory tour, the staff provides a detailed introduction to each stage of the process. In addition to observing the moving machinery and the manufacturing process of Tyrolean ribbons (A decorative ribbon featuring intricate, colorful embroidered-style patterns), a key highlight is the chance to actually operate the machinery yourself. This offers a unique experience that can only be found at EIGHT RIBBON and nowhere else!

After the tour, the experience moves to “RIBBON’S CAFE,” located directly across from the factory, to create badges using ribbons. By choosing and combining your favorite ribbons, you can complete an original badge in about 20 minutes! Ribbon motifs featuring bird and cat characters, which visitors see being produced during the tour, are said to be particularly popular. I made a badge using a ribbon with my favorite apple motif.

Inside the cafe, a vast array of ribbons and products made using those ribbons are available for purchase. It is even possible to use the shop’s sewing machines to create your own crafts on the spot using the ribbons you have just bought! Furthermore, the cafe serves coffee, allowing you to relax in the warm, inviting interior while gazing at the natural scenery stretching out beyond the windows.

【EIGHT RIBBON (Eight Co., Ltd.)】

Address: 13-8 Horimizu, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City

TEL: 0776-66-3550

Business Hours: 8:30–17:30

Closed: Sundays and Saturdays (The facility is open on approximately two Saturdays per month)

〈Access〉

By Car: Parking available. Approximately 10 minutes from the “Maruoka IC” on the Hokuriku Expressway. Approximately 30 minutes from central Fukui City via National Route 8.

Please refer to the official website for the latest prices.