Your tour begins with a scenic, one-hour motorcoach ride to the Urushi-no-sato lacquerware shop. Japanese craftsmen began producing lacquerware more than 1,500 years ago in Sabae City. The traditions of this three-step process continue today, producing exquisite pieces of art, which you can purchase at the shop. A short drive, you will arrive at Echizen Washi no Sato Japanese paper shop, where you'll try your hand at producing beautiful washi (Japanese paper). An instructor will lead the group in creating an original, flower-strewn postcard that you proudly can say you made it yourself. Next to the Takefu Knife Village Knife shop showcasing blade crafts and sword making, which dates back to early 14th century. Conclude this fascinating day with a local specialty, a soba noodle lunch. Relax on the ride back to port.