Private Echizen Knife Factory Tour

• • Hoyu NishiyamaSOE Tour Guide

    “I love Fukui's mountains, hot springs, people, and sake.
    Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1989.After working as a caregiver, she moved to Sabae City when she got married. She also belongs to the "RENEW" secretariat.

Recommended points

• 01
  First to Yamaken Woodworks, which specializes in manufacturing knife handles
  A look into the surprisingly deep world of knife handles
• 02
  A knife making factory that uncharacteristically smells of wood
  A lot of thought is put into the various patterns of the handles
• 03
  At the attached gallery, Etoe
  A wide variety of knives from production area are lined up
• 04
  At the workshop of Ryusen Hamono
  learn about the history and process of making cutlery
• 05
  To the workshop where craftsmen actually work
  Feel the passion they have towards cutlery
• 06
  Trial cutting with Ryusen knife
  An opportunity to think about what you use every day

About the Tour

• Highlights
• Tour Contents
• Detailed information

• Highlights

   

  
  Fukui's traditional craft "Echizen cutlery". One of the characteristics of Echizen cutlery, which is attracting attention not only in Japan but also from overseas, is the sharpness created by craftsmen.
  The tour will visit two workshops, Yamaken Woodworks, which makes the "handle" of Echizen knives, and Ryusen Hamono, which makes the "cutlery".

   

  
  The first is Yamaken Woodworks, which specializes in making handles for Japanese knives, which is rare even in Japan. During this visit we will visit the factory and the gallery next to it, "Etoe". Etoe is the only store in Japan that specializes in Japanese knife handles. Here, you can see a lineup of products that only a shop run by Yamaken Woodworks can offer.

   

  The other workshop is Ryusen Hamono, which is attracting attention overseas for its splendid design and outstanding craftsmanship. One of the features is the beautiful "Ryusen rings" that decorates the surface of the knife. This is achieved by forging multiple layers of alternating hard and soft materials, and is a unique technique handed down by Ryusen cutlery craftsmen. Be sure to pay attention to Ryusen rings on your tour.

• Tour Contents

  
  The first place we head to is the Japanese knife handle specialty store, “Etoe”. This shop is run by a husband and wife craftsman, Mr. Takuya Yamamoto, the fourth generation of Yamaken Woodworks, and Ms. Yuma Yamamoto, a lacquerware artist. The tour will be guided directly by one of them.

   

  
  Various patterns are lined up, such as warm patterns that make use of wood grain, cute yet elegant patterns, and dignified patterns all using lacquer. It is a precious experience to talk with the craftsmen while looking at the products that shine with such craftsmanship.

  

  After learning about the product, you will get to observe the manufacturing process at the actual workshop. We will carefully teach you the processes step by step and about each of the machines that are lined up within the workshop. When you think of knives, you often think of the blade, but this tour will open your eyes to handle as well.

   

  
  The next stop is Ryusen Hamono. It is a workshop for craftsmen who produce the blades known for their sharpness. Craftsmen make the knives one by one by hand. Please take a closer look at the handiwork of the craftsmen that you cannot see just by looking at the knives within the shop.

   

  

  Then we will visit their shop. While looking at the beautiful knives lined up in the showcase, we will hear about the history of Echizen cutlery and Ryusen Hamono and the manufacturing methods of cutlery.

   

  

  At the Ryusen Hamono shop, you can try cutting with one of their kitchen knife. Experience the invisible, sophisticated craftsmanship in the sensation when the blade cuts through smoothly.

  

  This is the end of the Echizen cutlery tour.
  Get to know the craftsmen, hear their thoughts, know the stories hidden behind them, and become a fan. This tour allows you to select products with more insight than usual. If you wish, you can also purchase knives from each workshop on the spot.

   

  Please come and have a special experience where you can learn about manufacturing directly from the craftsmen.

• Detailed information

  • Tour Details

    code:CIT1001
    Time required: about 2.5 hours
    Minimum number of participants: 2 people
    Maximum number of people: 4 people
    Tour conductor: none

  • Meeting place

    Meeting place	Echizen Cutlery Promotion Facility Echizen Chiyozuru Museum 〒915-0873 48-6-1 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
    Access	If you come by car 15 minutes from Hokuriku Expressway Takefu IC (parking available) By train 15 minutes by car from JR Takefu Station
    Parking	Available

    View on Google map

  • Scheduled date

    Weekdays (Monday to Friday) 

    ・Morning session 9:30~

     ・Afternoon 14:00~

    　This tour is on a request basis.
    　After confirming the purchase, we will ask you about 3 possible dates,We will be happy to make adjustments.

  • Course content

    1) Echizen Chiyozuru Museum
    2) Tour orientation
    3) Yamaken Woodworks - Walk to
    4) Workshop tour of Yamaken Woodworks
    5) Yamaken Woodworks shop visit
    6) Walk to Ryusen Hamono
    7) Tour of the Ryusen Hamono workshop
    8) Tour of the Ryusen Hamono shop

  • Included

    ・Factory tour fee
    ・Guide fee
    　*Transportation is not included.

  • Cancellation Policy

    ・Cancellation from 3 day ~ day prior of the tour date: 50% of the tour price refunded
    ・Cancellation on the day or non-participation without contact ・Cancellation after the start: No refund
    　* If it becomes difficult to participate on the day before or on the day of the experience, please contact the following experience directly.
    　　Contact: SOE TEL 0778-78-9967

  • Precautions

    ・We may guide you together with people from other groups.
    ・Children aged 10 and over can participate (junior high school students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian).
    ・Not available on Saturdays and Sundays because the Yamaken Woodworks workshop is closed.
    ・If you touch any machines without permission, you may be injured. Please act according to the staff's instructions.
    ・On the day of the event, please wear shoes that are easy to walk in and clothes that are easy to move in.

  • Inquiry

    General Incorporated Association SOE
    Tel: 0778-78-9967
    mail: info@soe.or.jp