Craft Washi and Uchiwa Fan Making Echizen Washi Village Tour

Nestled in the picturesque Fukui Prefecture, the Echizen Washi Village offers a unique opportunity to take in the traditional arts of washi papermaking and uchiwa fan crafting. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, visitors can learn the intricate techniques that have been passed down for generations, creating personalized souvenirs to take home. This enriching experience not only showcases the cultural significance of these crafts but also promises an unforgettable journey through Japan’s artistic heritage. Delve deeper to uncover the captivating stories that unfold within the village.

This experience made our article of 6 Amazing Tours in Fukui Prefecture.

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Key Points

An immersive cultural experience to craft traditional Echizen Washi paper and Uchiwa fans in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.
Participants learn centuries-old techniques of Washi papermaking and Uchiwa fan crafting from skilled artisans.
The tour includes a Washi papermaking experience with personalized creations and an optional Uchiwa fan-making workshop.
An English-speaking guide accompanies participants throughout the experience, which concludes at the starting point.
The tour is a private experience, and certain physical fitness is required, with accessibility limited for wheelchair users and infants.

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors the opportunity to craft both traditional Echizen Washi paper and Uchiwa fans in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.

Participants will experience the centuries-old techniques of Washi papermaking and Uchiwa fan crafting.

The tour includes an Echizen Washi handmade experience, where visitors can take home their creations, as well as a Uchiwa-making workshop.

An English-speaking guide is provided to assist throughout the experience.

The tour takes place at the RYOZO paper mill, with a car park located on the left and the mill in front.

Public transportation is available nearby, and the tour is a private experience for the booking group.

Looking for more options in Fukui Prefecture? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Meeting and End Point

The meeting point for the tour is the RYOZO paper mill, located at 10-1 Ōtakichō, Echizen, Fukui 915-0234, Japan.

The car park is on the left, with the Ryozo Yanase paper mill in front. The tour activity concludes at this same meeting point.

Directions to the meeting point are provided to participants. Public transport is available nearby, making the location accessible.

The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating. The meeting and end point are conveniently located and straightforward to reach.

Participation Information

Once a booking is confirmed, participants can expect a straightforward and private tour experience.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, but the activity requires a certain level of physical fitness.

The group will be private, with only your group taking part. Directions to the meeting point are provided, and public transportation is available nearby.

Cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience is free, and a "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option is available.

The tour’s price starts at $202.61 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

Transportation and Accessibility

Public transportation is available near the meeting point, making it easily accessible for participants.

The tour’s meeting point is the RYOZO paper mill in Echizen, Fukui. Directions to the meeting point will be provided, ensuring participants can find the location with ease.

The paper mill has a car park located on the left, allowing those driving to park nearby.

The tour activity concludes at the same meeting point, providing a convenient start and end to the experience.

Washi Papermaking Experience

During the Washi Papermaking Experience, participants have the opportunity to craft traditional Echizen Washi by hand.

They’ll learn the intricate process of making this exquisite Japanese paper, from harvesting the raw materials to forming the sheets. The experience fee includes products to take home, allowing visitors to continue their creative journey.

The tour also features:

Hands-on instruction from skilled artisans
Opportunity to customize the paper with personal designs
Insights into the history and cultural significance of Echizen Washi
Personalized souvenirs to commemorate the experience

There's plenty more to explore in Fukui Prefecture

Uchiwa Fan Making Workshop

The Uchiwa Fan Making Workshop allows participants to craft their own traditional Japanese uchiwa fans.

Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, guests will learn the intricate process of creating these iconic folding fans. Using natural materials like bamboo and washi paper, you will hand-cut, assemble, and decorate their unique uchiwa souvenirs.

The workshop fee includes all necessary materials and the finished fan that can be taken home. This hands-on experience provides an opportunity to appreciate the time-honored craftsmanship behind these beautiful Japanese fan designs.

Highlights of the Echizen Washi Village

Nestled in the heart of Fukui Prefecture, the Echizen Washi Village offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of traditional Japanese papermaking.

Visitors can:

Witness skilled artisans meticulously crafting intricate Echizen Washi, a type of handmade paper renowned for its strength and quality.
Learn the centuries-old techniques of Washi production, from harvesting the raw materials to the delicate papermaking process.
Participate in a hands-on Uchiwa fan-making workshop, creating their own unique and personalized fan to take home.
Explore the charming streets of the village, lined with quaint shops and galleries showcasing the best of Echizen’s artisanal traditions.

Booking Details

Those interested in this Washi and Uchiwa Fan Making Tour can conveniently book their experience online.

The tour is priced from $202.61 per person, with a lowest price guarantee. Participants can reserve now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

The tour operates on a private basis, ensuring only your group participates. Public transportation is available near the meeting point, and directions are provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size?

The private tour allows only your group to participate. There is no minimum or maximum group size specified, as the tour can accommodate groups of any size that reserve the experience.

Are Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is $202.61 per person, regardless of age. Private tours are available, where only your group participates.

Can We Extend the Tour With Additional Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour with additional activities. Visitors can inquire about adding experiences like traditional pottery making, tea ceremony demonstrations, or guided walks through the historic Echizen Washi Village during the booking process.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Clothing Required?

There’s no specific dress code, but comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for the hands-on workshops. Casual attire suitable for the weather conditions is appropriate for this tour.

Can We Take Photos and Videos During the Activities?

Yes, participants are encouraged to take photos and videos during the activities. The tour operator allows and welcomes guests to capture their craft-making experiences at the Echizen Washi Village.

The Sum Up

This immersive Echizen Washi Village tour offers a rare opportunity to learn the time-honored crafts of Washi papermaking and Uchiwa fan creation. Participants can expect to gain valuable insights into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, as they create personalized souvenirs under the guidance of skilled artisans. A truly enriching experience, this tour provides a memorable way to connect with the artistic traditions of Fukui Prefecture.