A plunge into history and tradition
It all starts with the historic ruins of Ichi-Jodani Asakura in Fukui Prefecture. This historic tourist site is of unparalleled heritage value. This ancient fortified town, which was ruled by the Asakura family more than 500 years ago, is one of only four sites in Japan to be simultaneously designated as a Special Historic Site, a Recognized Picturesque Place and an Important Cultural Property. Thanks to the meticulous work of archaeologists, these ruins have come to life to the delight of history lovers and the curious, eager to discover the Japanese way of life in ancient times. A faithful and life-size restoration of a street allows visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of the inhabitants. Not far away is the town of Echizen, known for its crafts and traditional techniques. A visit to this charming town allows you to discover paper factories, still in operation, museums on washi paper as well as paper mills, real Ali Baba's caves for Do it Yourself aficionados, who will find a wide selection around paper. This is where most of the country's washi paper is made. It is even possible to create your own washi, a nice souvenir of your trip.
But the traditional town is also famous for lacquerware (Echizen Shikki), the manufacture of wooden chests, blade forging (Echizen Uchihamono) and Echizen soba, a local dish made of buckwheat noodles, grated radish, bonito and green onions. Enjoying a favourable geographical position and good availability of raw materials, Echizen has always attracted many craftsmen and merchants during the feudal era. As surprising as it may seem, it was in the nearby town of Sabae that the titanium frames for spectacles were created. It must be said that Sabae is one of the world's three centres for the manufacture of spectacles. Neighbouring Shiga prefecture is not to be outdone either, with a strong culture of traditional craftsmanship. Note the making of Buddhist altars, fans, Omi Jofu, a Japanese textile tradition, as well as Shigaraki ceramics, shigaraki yaki in Japanese. This type of pottery is made around the town that bears the same name. To discover the ninja culture, which is very present in the region, the traveller must go to one of the two cities that had a ninjutsu (the art of stealth) school: the ancient city of Ueno, now Iga, in Mie, and Koka in nearby Shiga Prefecture. The term ninja refers to a category of spies, until the Edo period, whose function was to spy, sabotage, infiltrate and kill. Strategy and discretion were the daily life of ninjas. The Iga Ninja Museum and the Koka Ninja House, both located in an old mansion that once belonged to ninjas, are worth a visit if one wants to better understand this culture, which is often clichéd in its representation outside of Japan's borders. The historical journey in this region of Kansai ends with the exploration of the various architectural vestiges of the country's history, starting with the charming castle of Hikone, magnificently preserved, which offers us the possibility to imagine what the fortresses of medieval Japan looked like, but also that of Nagahama, a town north of Lake Biwa, considered as a castle on the plain. Staying in Nagahama, one discovers the Kurokabe district symbolized by its black-coated walls. Today's buildings house museums, art galleries, cafes and restaurants.
Discovery through the senses
This itinerary contains different pleasures and activities that make a trip unforgettable. Even if we talk first about the Kobe beef, the Omi beef(omi-gyu), the exquisite beef of Shiga has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to its neighbor. It's an unmissable culinary experience for those who want to taste a high-quality Kansai wagyū without emptying their wallets. Head to Morishima Restaurant to access the grail, with its meat delicately grilled on a heated stone carved into the volcanic rock of Mount Fuji. Also don't miss Nagahama's local specialty, Yaki Saba somen, grilled mackerel eaten with somen noodles, fine white noodles made from wheat flour. After the gastronomy, it's time to make an effort, but at your own pace. Lake Biwa is a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts and it is very easy to rent two-wheelers (some are electric) to ride along the shores of Japan's largest lake or the shores of Lake Yogo, nicknamed the "mirror lake" because of its extremely photogenic effect. As far as small natural treasures are concerned, the uninhabited island of Takei or the island of Chikubu, a very spiritual island that allows visitors to hike through the wooded hills to the Buddhist temple of Hogonji, established in 724, are also unmissable. And to make any journey in Japanese lands complete, also enjoy the Hikiyama festival in Nagahama, one of the three largest chariot festivals in the archipelago, and the many hot springs that can be enjoyed, especially at Kaga Onsen or Awara Onsen.
For more information, visit: kansaiguide.jp/exciting/
