DISCOVER FUKUI

Echizen Yaki (Echizen pottery) is counted as one of the Nihon Rokkoyo (Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, ceramic production sites with over 800 years of history) and is designated as a Japan Heritage site. Echizen Town, the center of production, has flourished as the largest ceramic center in the Hokuriku region since the late Heian period (late 12th century), more than 850 years ago. Currently, about 80 Kamamoto (Pottery workshops/kilns) are active in the prefecture.

The "Fukui Prefectural Ceramic Museum" in Echizen Town offers pottery classes. While Hand-kneading and E-tsuke (Decorative painting) are recommended, you can also try authentic pottery making with the "Dendo-rokuro (Electric potter's wheel) Experience" (3,500 yen, includes firing fee for one piece; an additional 1,000 yen for a second piece). *Only up to 2 people can use the electric wheels simultaneously; reservations are prioritized.

With the kind support of the staff, I created a beer mug. After choosing the final glaze color, the piece is fired and completed in about 40 days. (Completed works can be shipped for a fee.) You'll feel a special attachment to pottery you've made yourself, making whatever you drink from it taste twice as good!

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[ Fukui Prefectural Ceramic Museum ]

Address: 120-61 Osobara, Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture

TEL: 0778-32-2174

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)

Closed: Mondays (Except public holidays), the day after a public holiday (Except Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays), and Year-end/New Year holidays (Dec 28 – Jan 4).

*For pottery classes, please check the official website in advance and inquire by phone.

Official Website: https://www.tougeikan.jp/[JP]

Official Instagram: @tougeikan

Wakasa Nuri (A unique type of Japanese lacquerware from Obama City) was born about 400 years ago. Its most distinctive feature is the "Togidashi" (A polishing-out technique) where unique patterns are created using abalone shells, eggshells, and pine needles, covered with dozens of layers of Urushi (Natural lacquer), then sanded with stone and refined with charcoal.

At "Wakasa Kobo" in Obama City, you can experience "Hashi no Togidashi" (Chopstick polishing, 1,300 yen). You will spend about 40 minutes rubbing the entire surface of Wakasa Nuri chopsticks, which are embedded with abalone shells and eggshells, while rolling them.

An artisan provides the final polishing, completing the Wakasa Nuri chopsticks that shine like jewels! (Photo: Top is before polishing, bottom is after). A key point of charm is that the patterns appear differently depending on how they are sanded, making each one unique.

Another traditional craft of Obama City is "Wakasa Menou Saiku" (Agate Craftsmanship). It originated in the Nara period (710–794) as part of religious devotion. Agate is the root of Japanese Kiseki-saiku (Precious stone craftsmanship), and since the patterns and shapes of the stones vary, every finished product is a one-of-a-kind piece.

At "Wakasa Kobo," you can experience "Menou-migaki" (Agate polishing, 1,100 yen). First, you choose your favorite stone and diligently polish it for about 40 minutes using two types of sandpaper, which gradually brings out the stone's transparency.

For the finishing touch, an artisan will turn your stone into a pendant or a keychain. I had mine made into a pendant. The natural stone's gradation is beautiful, and it has a strong presence as a piece of jewelry!

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[ Wakasa Kobo ] Address: 2nd Floor, Miketsukuni Wakasa Obama Food Culture Museum, 3-4 Kawasaki, Obama City, Fukui Prefecture

TEL: 0770-53-1034 Reception 

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Until 16:00 from December to February)

Closed: Wednesdays, December 28th – January 1st

*Please check the official website for group tours or experience applications.

Official Website: http://wakasa-koubou.com/menu

Official Instagram: @wakasa_koubou

Ikeda Town is surrounded by forests that occupy 90% of its area. In Ikeda Town, where wood is always a part of daily life, the high level of woodworking skill is also an attraction. "WOOD LABO IKEDA" offers woodworking experiences from a variety of programs. This time, we introduce "Cutting Board Making (2,800 yen)." First, select your piece of wood, then cut it into your desired shape with an Ito-noko (A scroll saw) under the kind support of the staff. Polish it while feeling the scent and texture of the wood, and finally, engrave your name to complete your "one-of-a-kind cutting board." Just cutting bread or cheese on this, or placing food on it, allows you to enjoy a café-like atmosphere!

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[ WOOD LABO IKEDA ]

Address: 9-6-1 Ikeda, Ikeda Town, Fukui Prefecture

TEL: 0778-44-6270

Hours: 9:00–17:00

Closed: Wednesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays

*Workshops are available during Spring break, Golden Week (Late April to early May holiday period), Obon (Summer holiday period in mid-August), and Winter break. Advance reservations are required.

Official Website: https://ikeda-kibou100.jp/project/woodlabo/[JP]

Official Instagram: @woodlaboikeda

Since ancient times, the Echizen (the former name of northern Fukui) region has been a flourishing center for silk production. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), with the introduction of the latest weaving technologies, the industry for Habutae (a smooth, lustrous, flat-woven silk) developed primarily for export. "Hataya (Traditional weaving factory) Memorial Hall Yume-ole Katsuyama," located in the center of Katsuyama City, is a cultural facility where visitors can enjoy the world of textiles. It is designated as a National Modern Industrial Heritage site. The popular "Hand-woven Coaster Making Experience (600 yen)" allows you to pick your favorite yarn and learn how a hand-loom works while passing the yarn through the machine, creating your own original coaster in about 30 minutes. The spacious experience area is perfect for group tours and families.

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[ Hataya Memorial Hall Yume-ole Katsuyama ]

Address: 1-7-40 Showacho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

TEL: 0770-87-1200

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Cafe: 10:00–17:00) *Workshop reception: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Wednesdays (If a holiday, the next day), Year-end/New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 2)

*Please check the official website for group tours or workshop applications.

Official Website: https://www.city.katsuyama.fukui.jp/hataya/index.html[JP]

Official Instagram: @yumeole

Fukui is alive with skills and history passed down for hundreds of years. Why not feel that depth for yourself through the experience of "making things with your own hands"? For your next journey, come to Fukui for experiences that will stay in your heart. Your hands will make your travel memories even more special.

*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

▶︎ Click here for "[Traditional Crafts of Fukui] Exploration of Craftsmanship (Part 1)"

Introducing the charms of hands-on experiences at workshops for Echizen Washi (Traditional Japanese handmade paper), Echizen Tansu (Traditional chests/cabinets), Echizen Uchihamono (Hand-forged cutlery), and Echizen Shikki (Lacquerware), plus Eyeglasses.