Excursion The temple of eternal peace & craftmanship of fukui tour at Kanazawa

Immerse in the heritage and culture of the Fukui Prefecture as you discover Eiheiji Temple, a headquarters of Zen Buddhism, and then continue to the birthplace of Echizen lacquerware and a village devoted to traditional metalworking.

Temple of Eternal Peace

Depart the pier for a scenic, approximately 90-minute drive to visit Eiheiji, which translates to ‘Temple of Eternal Peace’. This large temple complex nestled on a cedar-covered mountain slope just outside the city of Fukui was founded by Dogen Zenji, the Buddhist scholar who introduced Soto Zen to Japan in the early 13th century. Featuring a network of more than 70 buildings, each connected to the other by covered walkways, the temple continues to serve as a tranquil training center for Zen Buddhism.

Reception Hall, Buddha Hall, Founder’s Hall, Lecture Hall, Lunch

Upon arrival, enter the Reception Hall to begin your tour of such key rooms as the Buddha Hall, with its three statues of Buddhas past, present, and future; the Founder’s Hall, which contains the ashes of Dogen Zenji; and the Lecture Hall, where the monks learn the teachings of Buddha. As you explore this sacred site, take a moment to savour the intricate beauty of its traditional Japanese architecture, set amid the surrounding majesty of nature.

Next, re-board your coach for the short drive to a nearby restaurant for lunch.

Echizen Lacquerware Hall

After lunch, a journey of about 40 minutes takes you to the city of Sabae, the birthplace of Echizen lacquerware. Here visit Echizen Lacquerware Hall, a craftsman’s workshop where you can watch lacquerware artisans at work. Renowned for its unique luster and beauty, lacquerware’s history dates back centuries and is produced using techniques that have been handed down over generations. The shop offers a variety of lacquerware products that you’ll have time to browse for the perfect keepsake to take home.

Takefu Knife Village

Finally, a 30-minute drive takes you to Takefu Knife Village, a unique workshop, shop, and museum showcasing the craft of forging knives and cutting tools. Here you can witness the production processes carried out by traditional smiths as they create some of the world’s finest cutlery pieces. After gaining insights on this ancient metalworking craft, enjoy time to peruse the shop’s distinctive products.

At the conclusion of your enriching experience, re-board the motor coach for a drive of about 90 minutes back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Fukui Prefecture, Eiheiji Temple, Echizen Lacquerware, Takefu Knife Village

Note

Please note: This tour involves walking about 850 metres (2,800 feet), at times over uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and several at the sites visited, including about 200 steps at the Eiheiji Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests will need to remove their shoes inside the buildings of Eiheiji Temple. It is not possible to see craftsmen at work on Sundays at Takefu Knife Village. Only guided walking is included on Sundays. Japanese yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequence may vary.