Katsuyama City: Weaving Tradition and Innovation in Fukui Prefecture

There’s a silent revolution going on in Fukui Prefecture! Although Fukui remains a hidden gem for many people, most visiting tourists know Katsuyama City for the dinosaurs that once roamed its valley. But local residents know this is because of something much more sensitive: the textile industry that is deeply rooted in the region. Nestled between forested mountains and clear rivers, the city has taken more than a century to perfect used silk weaving, a craft so meticulously perfected that it has earned Fukui the nickname “Japan’s Textile Kingdom” (along with the “Dinosaur Kingdom”, of course!).

That legacy continues today in places like Lacorme, a modern textile factory that carries the Katsuyama tradition to the present day by producing high-quality clothing for domestic and international brands. And now, for the first time, artisans and guides are opening the doors of their factories to share this world with visitors. The new guided tour invites tourists to go inside a still-operating factory, meet the artisans behind this world-class fabric, and experience Katsuyama’s culture, natural beauty (and yes, dinosaurs).

We were lucky enough to be able to take this interesting and fun tour, and it completely changed the way we see this quiet corner of Fukui. Read on to find out all about what you can expect when you go.

Lacorme Textile Factory Tour

Although this tour includes several stops around Katsuyama, the highlight and centerpiece of the experience is a visit to Lacorme. This modern textile factory beautifully bridges Fukui’s centuries-old silk heritage with contemporary craftsmanship.

Founded more than 80 years ago by the current president’s grandfather, the company started by producing men’s work trousers to be shipped to the United States after the war. Since then, Lacorme has become one of Katsuyama’s most respected fashion manufacturers, working with leading fashion brands from Japan and abroad creating clothing for leading Japanese and international brands. Their company motto, “Enjoy the dream”, feels fitting because entering the factory is like watching a dream come true in thread and fabric.

During our visit, the Lacorme team warmly welcomed us and guided us through every stage of their process. They explain that each garment is made through three main steps: cutting, sewing, and finishing. We watched as large, precise machines sliced ​​fabric into perfect patterns, which were then moved to the sewing area where skilled hands assembled the pieces with incredible speed and accuracy. The finishing area feels almost like an artist’s studio, with embroidery machines whirring slowly and silk screens stretched out on long tables.

Then came the most impressive part: making our own original bags.

Each participant starts by selecting the fabric of their choice, then learns to screen design onto it, guided patiently by the Lacorme staff. From there, we moved onto the sewing machine to assemble the bag, which was a step that made me a little nervous (I usually have disasters with sewing machines!). But the staff was so kind, encouraging, and patient that I quickly got used to it and ended up doing much better than expected. Finally, we add the finishing touches: laces and buttons to embellish our handmade creations.

While modeling my new bag, I couldn’t help but think about how much care and skill goes into every stitch of the clothes we wear. Lacorme is a true example of how traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive, connecting local hands with global fashion in the most genuine way. And by the time you leave, you’ll not only understand Katsuyama’s textile heritage, you’ll have become a part of it.

Exploring the Spiritual Side and Landscape of Katsuyama

Outside his workshop and factory, Katsuyama reveals a softer side; shaped by forest air, temple bells and slow, scenic roads best explored on two wheels. Our group used e-bikes to travel between stops, gliding past rice fields and tranquil rivers as the surrounding mountains weaved in and out of view. It’s a peaceful and refreshing way to explore the city and the kind of trip that lets you truly experience the Fukui countryside.

Heisenji Hakusan Temple

In the morning, we visited Heisenji Hakusan Temple, a tranquil complex perched high in a cedar forest. The path to the temple is lined with moss-covered rocks and soft rays of sunlight filter through the trees, giving the entire landscape a dreamlike glow. It is said that in 717, the monk Taichō Daishi stopped at a pond here and was visited by the goddess Mount Hakusan (Izanami-no-Mikoto, Shinto goddess of creation, also known as Myōri Daigongen), who urged him to climb the sacred mountain. It remains a legend that still seems to stick around here. This walk was refreshing and beautiful – better than any morning coffee.

Daishiyama Seisuiji Temple & Echizen Daibutsu

We also visited Echizen Daibutsu at Daishiyama Seidaiji Temple, home to a stunning 5-story pagoda and one of the largest seated Buddha statues in Japan. Inside the spacious temple hall, golden statues glinted softly under the light, surrounded by rows of smaller Buddhas. The scale is a stunning reminder that Katsuyama’s spirit of craftsmanship also extended to his devotions and places of worship.

Higashino Tokichi Orimono

To complete the cultural side of Katsuyama’s story, we also visited Higashino Tokichi Orimono, a family-owned silk workshop that has been operating for more than a century. Founded in 1907, this workshop still uses its original looms and motors to make exquisite habutae silk fabrics. Craftsmen here continue to uphold the traditional Nureyoko Habutae weaving method, a technique made possible by Fukui’s naturally humid and seasonally changing climate. This process gives silk its characteristic smoothness and sheen, qualities prized for generations in the lining of luxury kimonos sold in major department stores throughout Japan.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Of course, no visit to Katsuyama would be complete without meeting its most famous inhabitants: dinosaurs. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is not only one of Japan’s most impressive museums, but also one of the world’s leading dinosaur research centers. More than 900,000 visitors come every year to stand beneath towering skeletons and full-scale reconstructions of species found here on Fukui, including Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus.

Inside, the exhibits are so immersive that it’s easy to imagine Japan’s prehistoric forests shaking beneath the steps of these ancient giants. It’s no surprise that the museum attracts visitors from all over the world and gave Fukui its most recognizable nickname: Japan’s Dinosaur Kingdom.

Stay, Taste and Experience Local Life

With two days spent exploring temples, workshops and prehistoric wonders, there’s no better way to explore Katsuyama than to just relax and stay a while. We stayed at the Katsuyama New Hotel, a comfortable place to stay with friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and relaxing onsen-style baths, which was the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling and sightseeing.

The food at Katsuyama reflects the same relaxed rhythm as the surrounding area. Fresh soba noodles made from local buckwheat, mountain vegetables and grilled river fish are a regional staple, best enjoyed slowly with local Fukui sake. We also couldn’t leave without trying Katsuyama katsudon, the city’s classic pork or chicken cutlet rice bowl. Instead of the usual egg topping, thin slices of bacon are fried, dipped in sweet or savory sauce, and served over rice for a delicious, comforting, and balanced meal after a day outdoors.

As night fell, Katsuyama became quiet. The streets are quiet, the air is cool, and the mountains disappear into the darkness. There’s not much, or no, nightlife here, but that’s part of its charm. After a day of exploring, it’s good to relax, enjoy a warm meal, or take one last soak in the tub before showering.

How to Get to and Around Katsuyama City

Katsuyama City is located in the north of Fukui Prefecture and is easy to reach by train or car. From JR Fukui Station, take the Echizen Train Katsuyama Eiheiji Line to Katsuyama Station. The trip only takes about an hour and passes through some of Fukui’s prettiest villages.

With the recent expansion of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Fukui is now directly connected to Tokyo in just three hours, and access from Kyoto, Osaka and Kanazawa is equally convenient. For those who drive, the Chubu-Jukan Expressway provides a scenic and direct route into the city.

Once you arrive, getting around is a breeze. E-bikes are available for rent near the station making it easy to explore the temples, museums and factories in the area.

Why This Tour Is Important

Katsuyama may be famous for its dinosaurs, but it’s the city’s creativity, craftsmanship and serene pace that will stay with you long after you leave. From the shimmer of soft silk in Lacorme to the mossy streets of Heisenji Hakusan Temple, every part of this humble town feels connected to care and tradition.

If you’re planning a trip to Fukui (and you should!), leave a little extra time for this tour. This new guided textile and cultural tour brings these stories together in an easy, straightforward and highly rewarding way. It’s the perfect opportunity to dig deeper into Japan and see how Katsuyama’s history, nature and crafts still shape everyday life. Whether you’re sewing high-end clothing at Lacorme, cycling through quiet backroads, or standing beneath the gaze of Echizen Daibutsu, this experience offers something rare: a genuine glimpse into the art and heart of rural Japan.