Experience the World of Echizen Lacquerware by a lacquered Bicycle

Cycle your way to shrines, shops, and a hands-on workshop for making lacquerware

Cycling is the perfect way to get around the charming town of Kawada, known for the production of exquisite Echizen lacquerware for over 15 centuries. On this tour, you will get around on a unique “urushi” bike (“urushi” is the Japanese term for lacquer). Highlights include a ride through the atmospheric streets of the town and a visit to a shrine overlooking the town that is dedicated to the god of lacquerware.

From there, you’ll cycle to a lacquerware shop to watch the delicate craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. You’ll learn about the history, the tools, and the process at a workshop normally closed to visitors. After that, you’ll hop back on the bike and head for the Kinkori Lacquerware store. Here, after a brief demonstration, you'll be able to apply lacquer on your own bowl using traditional tools. Because lacquerware needs time to dry, the finished bowl will be sent to you at a later date—a fitting reminder of a memorable trip.
 

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Fukui Station (ｔhree hours), followed by the Hapi Line Fukui train to Sabae Station (15 minutes). From Sabae Station, take a bus to Urushi no Sato Kaikan (30 minutes).
From Kyoto Station, take the Thunderbird Line to Tsuruga Station (one hour), followed by the Hapi Line Fukui to Sabae Station (30 minutes).

Private Echizen Lacquerware Experience and Cycling Tour(General Incorporated Association SOE)