DISCOVER FUKUI

In Echizen, the sacred home of Japanese papermaking, this special experience begins with a visit to a shrine to the goddess of paper.

After standing in the grounds steeped in history and contemplating the goddess, you’ll witness the techniques of large-format handmade papermaking up close in a traditional workshop. You’ ll then try your hand at making Japanese washi paper yourself, creating a one-of-a-kind piece. Following the experience, visit the shop to find works of such beauty and intricacy that you might not have even realized they were made from paper. Through this journey of seeing, learning, creating, and selecting, you’ll discover the profound depth of Echizen washi with all your senses.

Enter the world of Echizen forged blades, where the sounds of steel being hammered and honed fill the air. For centuries, the techniques passed down through generations have elevated everyday tools into works of craftsmanship. In workshops specially opened for this experience, you’ll observe master artisans up close, hear about their experiences, and witness part of the bladesmithing process firsthand. Each blade forged through the interplay of fire and steel carries the pride and passion of its maker, offering an intimate encounter with the essence of Echizen’s bladesmithing tradition.

With a 1,500-year history, Echizen lacquerware today supplies over 80% of J apan’s commercial lacquerware, including for hotels and

restaurants, and it continues to enrich Japanese everyday life and culinary culture. Its exceptional quality has earned acclaim from chefs and food connoisseurs worldwide. This program takes you to Shitsurindo, a centuries-old lacquer atelier serving Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, where you’ ll observe techniques passed down through generations and see how lacquerware culture continues to thrive today. At Kinkori Shikkiten, you’ ll try applying lacquer yourself, discovering its depth and subtlety with your own hands.

Okui Kaiseido is a 150-year-old kombu specialty shop in Tsuruga, Fukui. Its Kuragakoi kombu has been favored by world-renowned three-star restaurants, including Kikunoi in Kyoto and Joël Robuchon in Tokyo. This exclusive experience grants access to warehouses normally closed to the public, where you’ll enjoy dashi tastings and discover the profound umami that develops over a decade or more of aging. Through scientific explanations and insights into master craftsmanship, you’ll learn why kombu and dashi have been essential to fine cuisine and appreciate their remarkable depth.

This is the ultimate personalized experience, presented by the internationally recognized eyewear brand Boston Club in Sabae, a world-renowned center of eyewear production. After learning about the brand’s steadfast commitment to craftsmanship since its founding directly from company representatives and designers, guests will get to experience how the brand evolved through displays of its past works. Afterwards, guests work one-on-one with a designer to create their own original sunglasses. The finished sunglasses will be delivered to guests’ homes at a later date as a unique keepsake of their journey that they can wear every day.