Exploring Fukui Province: A Hidden Gem in Japan

Japan’s Fukui province has qualities that would appeal to any visitor. For one thing, its scenery is dramatic, especially the cliffs of its Sea of Japan coastline. The region features immaculately preserved archaeological sites, hearty regional cuisine, and some of the country’s finest craftsman traditions. The most important of these traditions, both based in the village of Echizen, are washi papermaking and the manufacture of edge tools and weapons, including knives and scythes.

However, in recent years, Fukui’s geographical position between the feudal capitals of Kyoto and Kanazawa means it has been frequently overlooked by both Japanese and foreign visitors. The cultural and economic powerhouses of these cities have drawn visitors away from the more subtle, quiet pleasures of rural Fukui’s forests, rolling fields, and mountain villages.

Forging the Finest Blades

Ironically, in centuries past, Fukui’s proximity to these cities was a catalyst for its growth. According to legend, in 1337, the famous Kyoto swordsmith Chiyozuru Kuniyasu was dissatisfied with the poor-quality water in the city. Swords of the highest quality, which hung from the belts of every samurai in the city, naturally required the finest water, and sadly, the water in Kyoto did not meet these high standards.

He searched the countryside for a pure spring and found exactly what he needed in Echizen. Establishing a forge there to produce swords and educate apprentice craftsmen, Echizen soon developed a reputation for producing some of Japan’s highest quality swords, a reputation it maintains to this day.

The gentlemen samurai of Kyoto and Kanazawa needed swords, while the farmers of feudal Fukui province required edged agricultural tools like scythes and hoes. Consequently, the forges of Echizen adapted as demand diversified, ultimately becoming the largest producer of farming sickles in all of Japan.

Hands-On Tools and Experiences

Much like the farmers, today’s visitors to Echizen may find greater utility in exceptional kitchen knives rather than a sword. Fortunately, the forges of Echizen have evolved to meet customer demand. Today, Ryusen Factory Store and Takefu Knife Village, both in Echizen, produce some of the world’s finest kitchen knives, employing traditional techniques first established by Chiyozuru in feudal times.

Visitors to Takefu Knife Village, nestled amid lush rice paddies, can observe craftsmen at work from a special viewing area in the forge. The blacksmiths here take pride in their craftsmanship, overseeing every step—from shaping and hammering the raw steel to the final sharpness of their knives.

Moreover, for those seeking a hands-on experience, Takefu Knife Village offers knife-making workshops starting at ¥7,000 (approximately $70 USD). Under the careful guidance of master knifemakers, visitors can create a small iron knife, a process that takes about three hours.

The Divine Art of Papermaking

One of Echizen city’s specialties is the paper knife, sharp enough to cut through paper as if it were butter. This brings us to the next traditional craft Fukui is famous for: washi paper. Similarly to knifemaking, this craft relies heavily on Echizen’s famously pure spring water.

The art of papermaking reached Echizen over 1500 years ago, according to local lore, brought by a goddess who appeared at the headstream of the Okamoto River and praised the quality of the water. Given that pure, fresh water is essential for creating excellent paper, she concluded that the people of this region could become masters of the craft.

Her foresight was accurate. Today, among Japan’s many papermaking regions, Echizen boasts the longest history, allowing its artisans to develop superior quality paper. The village is home to numerous paper mills, producing hundreds of different types of paper—some simple, featuring a single color, while others are intricate, incorporating autumn leaves or flowers.

In gratitude, the people of Echizen built a shrine dedicated to the goddess at the very river where she first appeared. The Okamoto Otaki Shrine is the only shrine in Japan honoring the goddess of paper and features an ornate, undulating roof, recognized as a national important cultural property.

Inside the Papermaking Workshop

As artisans honed their skills, Echizen paper developed a reputation as the finest in Japan. During the feudal era, thick, plain paper made from the mulberry or kozo tree was utilized by nobility and government for important documents, as well as in Buddhist temples and shrines for recording sutras. Later, during the Meiji era, Japan’s first banknotes were printed on Echizen paper.

At Echizen Washi no Sato, visitors can glimpse the age-old process as artisans transform mulberry tree bark into delicate paper tailored to customers’ needs. The process begins with separating and cleaning the bark, which is then laboriously beaten into pulp. This pulp is immersed in spring water to separate individual fibers before being scooped into a rectangular wooden sieve, a time-honored technique.

For those eager to participate, workshops allow visitors to practice creating sheets of washi using traditional wooden sieves. The workshop lasts a few hours and costs ¥5,000 per person.

While urban sophistication in Japan’s cultural capitals is captivating, the gentler rhythms of rural Japan form the foundation of the country’s identity, allowing for a richer understanding of its craftsmanship and traditions.

Don’t Miss This Riveting Cultural Side Trip

While in Fukui province, don’t overlook the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum. This museum chronicles the harrowing stories of refugees and orphans from war-torn Europe who found shelter here between the 1920s and 1940s.

Regular shipping service between the port of Tsuruga and Vladivostok, Russia, coupled with connections to Europe via the Trans-Siberian Railway, provided an escape route for persecuted Jews, among others. Japan issued ‘transit visas’ to as many as 6,000 Jewish refugees, potentially saving numerous lives.

If You’re Going

Adjacent to the fascinating Fukui Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture boasts attractions such as Japan’s largest lake and its own traditional industries. The areas are easily explored together, enhancing the travel experience.

Sponsored by Shiga & Fukui Prefectures, Japan

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This story was crafted collaboratively between Shiga & Fukui Prefectures, Japan and iBestTravel. Both entities contributed research and curated content to produce this article, and we disclose when information isn’t originally ours.

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