Echizen Lacquerware and Washi Paper Craft Tour

Kawada is a town of Echizen lacquerware with a history of 1500 years. It is said that Echizen lacquerware began when lacquer painting was encouraged after Keitai Tenno successfully repaired his broken crown with lacquer coating. On this tour, we will visit two lacquer workshops in the Kawada area. Kinkori Lacquerware Shop is a lacquer workshop with a history of over 100 years. Kinkori Lacquerware Store is a lacquerware workshop run by brothers in Kawada, the town of Echizen lacquerware. In this experience, you will receive direct instruction from your brother, Masataka Kinkori, a craftsman at Kinkori Lacquerware Store, and you will be able to try your hand at lacquering a bowl. Next, we will visit Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill, a Japanese paper-making workshop in the Imadate area. Lastly, there was a calligraphy experience with calligrapher Kason Nishiyama at an old folk house next to the workshop.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   30 min

   First, go to the main shrine of Shikiyama Shrine. At the top of the 200 steps, you can see the entire city of Kawada.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   30 min

   One of only two lacquerware shrines in Japan. It enshrines the god of lacquerware, and inside there are paintings on the ceiling painted by craftsmen.

3. 3

   Shitsurindo

   30 min

   Visit the lacquer workshop You might be able to see the actual painting process.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 hour

   Bowl painting experience at Nishikikori Lacquerware Shop Feel like a craftsman with a craftsman's brush

5. 5

   Stop 5

   1 hour

   Traditional Japanese Cuisine at Urushi no Sato Kaikan

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30 min

   A visit to Otaki Shrine and Okamoto Shrine, where the god of paper is enshrined An important place related to the history of Echizen Washi

7. 7

   Stop 7

   1.3 hours

   Visit Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill, where large paper is made Paper made is often used for Japanese paintings. Experience the impressive paper making process and tour the workshop. Calligraphy experience using paper made at Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Total duration includes the travel time from one location to another.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.