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Reference material on Japan's regions, culture and sightseeing / Please check opening days, prices and other details with the latest information from each source.

Value Village

A trip to get close to how things are made.

Kilns, weavers, breweries, blacksmiths, small local workshops — we have gathered the makers of each region. Large mass-production factories, power plants and dams, public research institutes and museums are not shown here (you can find them in the full list of entries).

2,805 craft and industry entries. Industries other than traditional crafts are included. This is not a list of hands-on programs; whether visitors are accepted, fees and booking contacts have not been confirmed.

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Prefectures in ChubuNiigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi
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59 entries / Page 1 of 3

Fukui

Echizen Lacquerware

Lacquerware & nationally designated craft

Lacquerware from Kawada in Sabae. It is said to have begun 1,500 years ago, and it accounts for most of Japan's lacquerware for commercial use.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Fukui

Echizen Washi

Handmade washi paper & nationally designated craft

Washi from Echizen. It has a history of 1,500 years, and Okamoto Shrine, which enshrines the deity of paper, stands here. It is prized as paper for Nihonga painting.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Fukui

Echizen Forged Blades

Forged blades & nationally designated craft

Forged blades from Echizen. Sickles and kitchen knives are made by the nimai-hiroge technique, in which two layers of steel are stacked and forged together.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Fukui

Echizen Ware

Ceramics & the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan

Echizen ware. It is fired hard without glaze, and ash melts to become a natural glaze. One of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Fukui

Wakasa Lacquerware

Lacquerware & nationally designated craft

Wakasa lacquerware from Obama. Shell and eggshell are scattered in the lacquer and polished down to bring out the pattern. Known for its production of chopsticks.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Fukui

Wakasa Kobo

Wakasa lacquerware & craft experience

Wakasa Kobo in Obama. Visitors can try polishing Wakasa lacquer chopsticks.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Fukui

Echizen Chests

Joinery & nationally designated craft

Chests from Echizen. Zelkova and paulownia are assembled by joinery and fitted with iron hardware.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

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Fukui

Mikuni Chests

Woodwork & ship chests

Chests from Mikuni. The woodworking of a place that made ship chests carried on Kitamae ships.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references
Fukui

Sabae Eyewear Industry

Eyeglass frames & titanium processing

The eyewear industry of Sabae. Begun in 1905 by Masunaga Gozaemon as work for the farming off-season, it makes most of Japan's domestically produced frames.

Hands-on visits and tours: not confirmed

See background and references

Things to check when considering an experience

  • Check with the business whether it accepts general visits and hands-on experiences.
  • Check the eligible ages, time required, fees, language support and how to book.
  • Check whether you can take your work home or have it shipped, what to wear, and the cancellation terms.

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