5. Minami-Echizen (Fukui Pref.)

January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Hands-On Japan 2.0: Reviving Hokuriku Through Culture and Cuisine

Day

1:00 PM: 〇; Meet at Tsuruga Station
After arrival, board a chartered bus and visit Heshiko Kura for a guided tour and tasting of Heshiko cuisine (fermented fish pickled in rice bran).

5:00: Check in at Ryokan Kawabataya or Imajo no Yado Kaneori
Dinner
Overnight at hotel

Heshiko is a traditional fermented fish product from the Hokuriku region of Japan, particularly in Fukui and Ishikawa Prefectures. It is made by preserving mackerel (or sometimes other fish) with salt and rice bran, then allowing it to ferment for several months. This process enhances its umami flavor and gives it a distinctive rich and salty taste. Heshiko is typically eaten grilled, sliced thinly as sashimi after soaking to reduce saltiness, or used as a seasoning in various dishes.

Day

Full Day: 〇; *Myotsu-ji Temple (National Treasure Sightseeing)
*Lunch at Obama Ano Beach Guesthouse – Featuring Wakasa pufferfish cuisine
*Miketsukuni Wakasa Obama Food Culture Museum – Traditional Wakasa lacquered chopsticks painting experience
Rainbow Line – Explore the Ramsar-designated Mikata Five Lakes Wetland

5:00 PM: Terminate at Ryokan Kawabataya or Imajo no Yado Kaneori
Dinner
Overnight at hotel

Day

Full Day: 〇; *Echizen Washi Village – Paper making experience & stroll through the washi town
*Lunch in Ikeda Town – Local restaurant featuring mochi-based dishes and shopping
*Takefu Knife Village – Echizen knife-making experience

7:30: Terminate at Ryokan Kawabataya or Imajo no Yado Kaneori
Overnight at hotel

Day

Half Day: 〇; *Visit to Strawberry Farm – Strawberry picking experience with a guide
*Lunch at Sankairi in Minami-Echizen – Enjoy local cuisine and shopping
Transfer to Echizen Takefu Station

Tour price: ¥362,000 (approx. $2,500 USD) per person (based on 2 people sharing 1 Japanese-style room)
¥291,000 (approx. $2,000 USD) per person (based on 4 people sharing 2 Japanese-style rooms)
Request/Announcement: The above schedule is a sample. It can be adjusted according to your request, so please feel free to consult with us.
What's included: ・Private vehicle
・Admission fees (museums, temples, etc.)
・Transportation (JR, ferry, etc.)
・English interpretation guide *Please let us know if you would like another language.
・Luggage delivery fee ( Takku-bin: ①Aman Kyoto - Azumi, ②Bella Vista - Aman Kyoto)
・Experience fees (tea ceremony & kimono, cruise, rickshaw, private water cab, geisha dinner)
・Dinner at Kyoto Kitcho (please pay for drinks on site directly)
・Accommodation fee
Items to check before Reservation: ・Names of all participants
・Dietary restrictions and allergy information
Cancellation Policy: 21 days ago: 20% of total accommodation / travel product charges
14 days ago: 30% of total accommodation / travel product charges
7 days ago-: 50% of the total accommodation / travel product price
From the day before to the day: 100% of the total accommodation and travel product charges