Our Picks For The 7 Best Tours In Fukui Prefecture

Fukui Prefecture is a hidden treasure for travelers craving authentic Japanese experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail. Unlike more popular destinations, Fukui offers a fascinating mix of traditional craftsmanship, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a foodie eager to learn about local fishing methods, or a crafts enthusiast interested in washi paper and lacquerware, the tours here deliver something memorable. One of our favorites is the Private Echizen Knife Making Factory and walking Tour, which combines industrial artistry with scenic rural walks—perfect for those who appreciate craftsmanship with a side of nature.

What makes Fukui stand out is its emphasis on hands-on experiences that reveal local traditions. You can meet the artisans behind the iconic Echizen knives, or try your hand at making washi paper—truly rare opportunities that deepen your understanding of regional culture. Plus, the landscape itself, with rice paddies and historic towns, offers a charming backdrop for exploring Japan’s craftsmanship roots.

Quick Overview

This list highlights some of the best tours in Fukui Prefecture, including private artisan experiences, culinary journeys, and customizable day trips. Whether you want to craft, taste, or explore, each option offers authentic, well-curated activities that showcase Fukui’s unique heritage. Dive in to discover which tour fits your style: from Echizen lacquerware to wildlife and dinosaur museums, these experiences are designed to give you a true sense of Fukui’s character.

1. Private Echizen Knife Making Factory and walking Tour

At number 1, this Private Echizen Knife Making Factory and walking Tour is a perfect fit for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and wants a tactile experience. For just over $163, you spend about 2.5 hours exploring the heart of the Echizen knife industry, renowned for blades that are sharp, durable, and beautifully made. The tour starts at Yamaken Woodworks, where you’ll see how the intricate handles are crafted from aromatic wood, and you can chat directly with the artisans who have dedicated their lives to this craft. Next, the tour moves to Ryuzen Hamono, a working knife factory, where you’ll witness the blade forging process firsthand and even try your hand at some of the steps involved.

What elevates this tour is the personal interaction with craftsmen, making it much more than just a factory visit. Reviewers love the scenic walk from Oshio train station, which adds a peaceful, rural touch to the experience. The tour offers excellent value for its price, especially for knife lovers or those curious about Japanese craftsmanship. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and intimate behind-the-scenes looks.

Bottom line: This tour is best suited for those interested in traditional Japanese blades, craftsmanship, or looking for a meaningful, small-group experience. The price reflects its quality, and the authenticity shines through.

2. Private Echizen Washi Paper Making Experience and Walking Tour

Number 2 on our list is the Private Echizen Washi Paper Making Experience. For around $163, you get about 3 hours immersed in Japan’s famous handmade paper tradition. The tour includes visits to RYOZO paper mill and OSADA WASHI Co., Ltd., where you can speak directly with craftsmakers and learn about their centuries-old technique. The highlight is trying your hand at making your own washi—a surprisingly tactile and rewarding activity—plus exploring Otaki Shrine, dedicated to the god of paper, adding a spiritual layer to your visit.

This experience is highly rated and offers a rare chance to see the craftsmanship behind Japan’s delicate and durable paper. The combination of factory visits, paper-making, and shrine visits makes it a well-rounded cultural day. Reviewers praise the tour for the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to create something tangible to take home.

Bottom line: If you love crafts, history, or hands-on activities, this tour offers a deep dive into Japan’s paper-making tradition, perfect for those wanting a quiet, artistic experience.

3. Culinary Journey with Traditional Fishing Method Tour

Next on the list is the Culinary Journey with Traditional Fishing Method Tour. Priced at around $146, it lasts about 2 hours and immerses you in Lake Mikata’s scenic environment, a site protected under the Ramsar Convention. The tour focuses on witnessing traditional fishing methods that have been practiced for over 400 years, providing insight into both the environment and local culture.

Unlike the craft-focused tours, this one emphasizes the sustainable lifestyle of the local community and the importance of preserving traditional techniques. The guides help you appreciate the lake’s natural beauty while explaining how these methods support ecological balance. It’s ideal for nature lovers and those curious about sustainable practices in Japanese fishing communities. Because this tour doesn’t have reviews, it’s wise to consider your interest in cultural and natural immersion.

Bottom line: This tour suits travelers eager for a peaceful, educational experience centered on environmental sustainability and traditional fishing.

4. From Tsuruga Port Private Car Tour

The From Tsuruga Port Private Car Tour is tailored for cruise travelers and those wanting a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning logistics. At $707.50 per person, it’s a pricier but highly convenient option for about 7 hours of sightseeing. The tour covers Fukui’s top highlights: the Dinosaur Museum, Eiheiji Temple, and Echizen Washi Village.

What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. You can customize the itinerary, which means you won’t get a cookie-cutter experience. The Dinosaur Museum is a particular highlight for families or dinosaur enthusiasts, while Eiheiji Temple offers a peaceful Zen environment. Echizen Washi Village provides a chance to see traditional paper craftsmanship firsthand. The private vehicle ensures comfort and ease, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with a group.

Bottom line: This all-in-one private tour is best for travelers who want a tailored, efficient day—ideal for cruise visitors or those with a specific interest in multiple sites.

5. Echizen Pottery and Echizen Chest Tour with Japanese Sake Tasting

Number 5 offers a full-day exploration of Fukui’s pottery, lacquerware, and sake through the Echizen Pottery and Echizen Chest Tour. For about $425, you’ll spend around 8 hours sampling regional crafts, including making your own sake cup under expert guidance, followed by tasting regional dishes at a soba restaurant and visiting a sake brewery. The workshop at Echizen is a highlight for craft lovers wanting a hands-on experience.

This tour shines because it combines culinary delights with craft-making. You’ll also visit a chest-making workshop, seeing how traditional Japanese storage chests are crafted. It’s ideal for travelers interested in Japanese aesthetics, food, and drink. The full-day format offers plenty of time for relaxation and exploration.

Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience, especially if they enjoy crafting and tasting local sake.

6. Tsuruga Private Customizable Full Day Tour

At number 6, the Tsuruga Private Customizable Full Day Tour allows you to tailor your day based on your interests. For about $644, you’ll enjoy up to 8 hours of personalized sightseeing, from local shrines to maritime museums, depending on your preferences. You start by sharing your wishes through a Tour Form, and a guide crafts a route suited exactly to your tastes.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, private experience. You can focus on Tsuruga’s harbor history, spiritual sites, or modern culture, all customized to your interests. It’s particularly suitable for those with a specific list of sites or families with children seeking a more relaxed pace. Because of its bespoke nature, reviews are limited, but the flexibility is a major plus.

Bottom line: This tour is best for travelers who know what they want to see and prefer a private, tailored experience.

7. Echizen Lacquerware and Washi Paper Craft Tour

Our final pick is the Echizen Lacquerware and Washi Paper Craft Tour, a full-day 8-hour experience for around $460. It features visits to two lacquerware workshops in Kawada, including the historic Shikiyama Shrine and a bowl-painting workshop at Nishikikori Lacquerware Shop. The tour culminates with a traditional Japanese meal, providing a comprehensive look at both lacquerware and washi paper craft.

What sets this experience apart is its focus on decorative arts, with opportunities to see artisans at work and even try painting yourself. The shrine visits add historical context to the crafts. It’s ideal for travelers interested in Japanese arts, history, and hands-on activities. Given its full-day length, it’s best suited for those with a full schedule and a passion for design.

Bottom line: If you want a deep dive into traditional Japanese crafts with plenty of interactive elements, this tour offers a rich and memorable day.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting your Fukui experience, consider your priorities. If craftsmanship and hands-on activities are your focus, the Knife Making or Washi Paper tours will satisfy. For a mix of culture and scenery, the Tsuruga Port Private Car offers flexibility, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with family. Food lovers should explore the Sake Tasting and Pottery tour, which combines culinary delights with craft.

Budget-wise, expect to spend around $146-$165 for most specialty experiences, while private and full-day tours like from Tsuruga Port are more expensive but offer convenience and customization. Timing your visit is key—spring and fall usually provide the best weather for outdoor activities, but many workshops operate year-round.

Fukui’s tours are a perfect way to connect with authentic Japanese culture, whether through crafting, cuisine, or scenic exploration. For a memorable trip, plan ahead and book early—these experiences fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you’re into arts, history, or nature, Fukui offers something that will leave you with a true sense of Japan’s craftsmanship and quiet beauty.