All Fukui Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Begin your tour at the Kehi Jingu Shrine, one of Japan’s three great torii gates. Walk under the massive wooden structure and explore a serene forested shrine complex. Continue to the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, a beautifully preserved site that now hosts cafés, local art shops, and maritime exhibits. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront with sea breezes and a view of passing ships. Next, learn about Tsuruga's unique role as a humanitarian gateway at the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum. Hear the inspiring story of Jewish refugees who arrived here during WWII thanks to Chiune Sugihara’s transit visas. Finish with a visit to the Tsuruga Fish Market or a local seafood restaurant to enjoy specialties like grilled mackerel (saba) or seasonal crab, caught fresh from the Sea of Japan.

Discover the essence of Washoku on an exclusive culinary journey in the historic port town of Tsuruga on the Sea of Japan. Visit Okui Kaiseido, a renowned kombu specialist with over 140 years of tradition. Guided by expert staff and an interpreter, explore the rarely opened Kuragakoi kombu aging warehouse through a special deep-dive route unavailable on standard tours. Learn how kombu transported from Hokkaido by historic Kitamae-bune ships matures in Tsuruga’s cool climate, developing deep umami through time and craftsmanship. Enjoy a live demonstration of “Oboro Kombu Suki” by a master craftsman, followed by a tasting that compares kombu of different aging vintages. The experience concludes with a luxurious sushi lunch made with the freshest local seafood. Travel in comfort with private executive transfers in a premium Grand Ace vehicle—an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and cuisine for discerning travelers.

A rare opportunity to see authentic knife making factories in the heart of the scenic Echizen area. Guests will also get to speak with real knife making craftsmen who dedicate their lives to making the world renown Echizen knives. For Japanese knife lovers, this is the perfect tour. For the tour, guests will get to check out amazing knife handles made at Yamaken Woodworks and then see how the blades are made at Ryuzen Hamono. Within the tour guests will also get to experience a part of the knife making process.

Tour Attractions: Echizen Washi boasts 1,500 years of history and unparalleled quality. This experience combines traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity, offering a comprehensive programme of activities that will allow you to delve into the history, techniques, and culture of Echizen Washi in just a few hours. You will have the opportunity to make washi paper by hand and craft your own washi uchiwa (Japanese paper fans). The finished paper and fans will be yours to take home as unique and memorable keepsakes. This three-hour experience encapsulates all the charm and tradition of Echizen Washi Paper. Outline of the Echizen Washi Experience Tour: This immersive three-hour tour lets you explore the rich history and exceptional craftsmanship of washi paper. Set in Echizen, a region with 1,500 years of washi-making heritage, you’ll experience the living traditions of this remarkable craft by creating handmade washi in one of Japan’s most renowned production areas.

【OUTLINE】 We will guide you to a secluded, closed-off quarry deep in the mountains while walking on forest roads and taking a forest bath! A tour to experience the world of Ghibli. The quarrying of stone began around 1887 (Meiji 20), approximately 140 years ago, but after the war, as cement became widely used as a building material, the demand for stone drastically decreased, and the mine was abandoned. We will guide you to another world on a mystical tour. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 A guide will take you through a secluded area that is usually off-limits. You can immerse yourself in an other-worldly experience unlike your daily life. Enjoy a forest bath in a space of tranquility.

OUTLINE This is a special program designed to help you learn about the culture of Mikuni-cho, Fukui Prefecture, through a multi-sensory shamisen experience. After gathering at Mikuni Station, we will stroll through the streets of this town that once flourished as a port. Following the walk, you will learn the basic playing techniques of the shamisen from a local instructor and experience the depth and charm of traditional Japanese music by actually playing the instrument. During the experience, there will be commentary on the region's history and the background of shamisen culture, and you can also enjoy interacting with local people. HIGHLIGHTS Shamisen Cultural Experience With commentary by a local guide Enjoy the unique streetscapes of Japan

Echizen ware, which was born in the Heian period, is one of the six ancient kilns in Japan that still continues to produce pottery. Soil that contains a lot of iron has a distinctive red-black color on its surface. This time we will take you to a workshop where Echizen ware is made. You can also view artworks by Taro Okamoto and others at the Echizen Ceramics Village, and learn about the history of Echizen ware at the Echizen Ancient Kiln Museum. Echizen Old Kiln Museum Echizen Ancient Kiln Museum is a museum that opened in 2017. In addition to the Echizen ware museum, there is also the ``Old Mizuno Family Residence,'' an old folk house from Fukui that was relocated, and a full-fledged tea room. Echizen Pottery Village A hands-on museum of Echizen ware. There are many works of art in the facility. Sometimes it's simple pottery for everyday use, sometimes it's a surprising work of art. Why not enjoy Echizen ware, which has many different faces, with all five senses?

Experience the differences in water, the fundamental ingredient of Japanese sake. An interactive plan with the sake brewery staff. A special explanation of the sake brewing process will be provided.

[10:30] Meet at Mikuni Station & Mikuni Town Walk [11:00] Bonsai Experience at Mikunien [12:00] Tour Ends Guided walking tour through the historic district of Mikuni, a town that once flourished through the Kitamaebune trade. Experience local culture amidst retro streetscapes filled with traditional architecture and the legacy of the Mikuni Festival. Enjoy a hands-on ""apprentice-style"" bonsai workshop, assisting with basic pruning and shaping at a local studio. Watch a live demonstration by a master artisan to discover the aesthetics and cultural depth of Japanese bonsai. A light, inbound-friendly craft experience featuring great photo opportunities and direct interaction with the artisan.

Guests will get to learn about the lens making process at Inui Lens which produces high quality lenses. You will get to see the rarely seen behind the scenes of a lens making factory. You will then make your own sunglasses by fitting your favorite lenses into your own eyeglass frame (you'll need your own frame or you can purchase one at the store for an additional fee). There are more than 300 kinds of colors. You can make a one-of-a-kind sunglass that is suited to you. After the experience, take a break with a soft serve ice cream or a special coffee at the cafe in Lens Park!

Kinkori Shikkiten is a lacquerware shop run by brothers in Kawada, the town of Echizen lacquerware. In this experience, you will receive direct instruction from Mr. Masataka Kinkori, a craftsman at Kinkori Shikkiten, and experience painting lacquer on a wooden tray. The tray, which can be used for serving meals or as a tray for snacks, will make your ordinary foods for appealing. Guests will get to use the craftsman's tools for an authentic crafting experience. They will also get to learn about lacquerware from Mr. Kinkori who has years of lacquerware making experience.

This private car tour from Tsuruga Port is designed especially for cruise travelers who want to experience the very best of Fukui in one seamless journey.The itinerary combines three of Fukui’s most celebrated highlights: the world-class Dinosaur Museum, where the mysteries of ancient life come alive; the serene Eiheiji Temple, a living center of Zen practice for nearly 800 years; and Echizen Washi Village, where traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive after more than a millennium. Each site reveals a different facet of Fukui—its scientific significance, its spiritual depth, and its artisanal creativity.This tour is perfect for travelers who value both comfort and authenticity, offering an in-depth look at the culture, history, and beauty of Fukui Prefecture. It is more than sightseeing—it is an immersive experience that connects you with Japan’s heritage in a truly memorable way.

Experience traditional calligraphy in this beautiful building. Enjoy a delicious local meal for lunch. If you wish, we can frame your calligraphy work for an additional fee. In the afternoon, you can visit the traditional Otaki Shrine and pray for improvement in your handwriting.

Visit the authentic washi making factory of RYOZO Yanase Paper Mill and get a deeper look into the world of washi making. The owners, Mr. and Ms. Yanase have years of experience and will give you knowledgeable instructions. Guests will get to tour the washi factory where they make paper fit for commercials products such as packaging for Japanese sweets. It is a rare opportunity to see such a factory. Afterwards with the instructions of Ms. Yanase, a traditional craftsman, guests will make a washi piece that is perfect as a tapestry. It is made using traditional techniques so it is a chance to experience authentic washi making.

The scenic rural Echizen area is famous for its rich history of traditional Japanese crafts. One of these crafts is washi, or traditional Japanese paper. Come get a rare hands on experience of visiting authentic washi factories and speaking with craftsmen. Guests also get to try their hand at making their very own washi paper. Also as part of the tour, guests get to visit beautiful Otaki Shrine which is dedicated to the god of paper. *Washi factory may change due to availability.

Experience the profound spirituality and craftsmanship of Echizen Washi on a guided tour through its historic village. First, enjoy a hands-on paper-making experience under the guidance of skilled artisans. Next, visit a workshop specializing in large-format washi, highly sought after by artists. Finally, explore Otaki Shrine, renowned for its intricately crafted roof, considered one of the finest in Japan. Stroll along the riverside in this peaceful village and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Echizen Washi, which has been passed down for over 1,500 years.

・Sustainable Craft: Give new life to beautiful remnant fabrics by upcycling them into a unique musette. ・Behind-the-Scenes Access: Enjoy a special tour of a working textile factory. ・Your Original Design: Choose your own fabrics and decorations to create a personalized musette. ・Guidance Included: No experience is necessary! A multilingual guide and expert staff will support you every step of the way.

・Interaction with sake producers ・Experience local culture ・Receive omotenashi hospitality from the Ryokan from the Ryokan Okami

Travel from Tsuruga Port to Eiheiji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Zen monasteries, where you can enjoy a peaceful cedar-forest setting and traditional monastic architecture. After exploring the temple, visit NOUSAKU Eiheiji Store for free time to have lunch (at your own expense) and join a hands-on tin amulet-making workshop. Following the experience, return to Tsuruga Port in time to reboard your ship. This premium shore excursion combines spiritual discovery with traditional craftsmanship. Guests experience the tranquil atmosphere of Eiheiji and create a unique souvenir inspired by Japanese culture. Designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving at Tsuruga Port, the tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a small-group setting of up to five guests, ensuring a comfortable and personalized cultural experience.

Guests will get to learn about the glasses and the accessory making process at KISSO which produces high quality accessories using glasses materials. You will get to see the rarely seen behind the scenes of a accessory making factory. You will then make your own ring by fitting your favorite glasses materials into machinery at the factory. There are many options for colors. You can make a one-of-a-kind ring that is suited to you.

Kubota Liquor Store is a long-established liquor store that was founded in 1914 (Taisho 3), and is the first place you should visit if you want to buy Fukui's local sake in Sabae. Here guests will get to taste locally made sakes in special lacquered glasses. Guests can try junmai sake, daiginjo sake, or both depending on the plan. Glasses for junmai sake have a wide opening so that you can enjoy the full flavor of junmai sake, whereas glasses for daiginjo sake have a slightly narrower opening to trap the aroma and has depth to its shape which is its characteristic. This experience is perfect for those who love sake as they will get in try local sake in a unique way.

Sustainable Fashion: Create your own custom-fit trousers by upcycling high-quality remnant fabrics. Expert Guidance: Learn advanced sewing and pattern-making techniques from experienced professionals. Behind-the-Scenes Access: Enjoy a special tour of a working textile factory. A Truly Personal Creation: You will leave with a wearable, one-of-a-kind garment designed by you. Multilingual Support: A multilingual guide will be available to assist throughout the workshop.

Discover the story of Japanese food culture and the spirit of Zen hidden in a bowl of miso soup. Join a guided tour of Komego Miso, a traditional miso brewery that has been producing Japan’s essential fermented seasoning for about 200 years, and deepen your understanding of Japanese cuisine and fermentation culture. At the end of the experience, enjoy a delicious bowl of miso soup made by your own hands. - The experience is guided in English by expert staff from Komego Miso, who share their deep knowledge of miso and Japanese food culture. - You will explore the inside of an active miso brewery where miso is still produced using traditional methods. - You will prepare miso soup and grilled miso rice balls together. The menu is vegan-friendly, so both vegan and non-vegan guests can enjoy the experience together.