There are tons of gorgeous chopsticks on display inside, from traditional styles to modern designs. You’ll seriously want to take them all home 🤣.
There’s also a souvenir shop next door for small gifts—perfect for a quick stop and some photo ops.
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Hashi no Furusato-kan WAKASA
Experience the charm of a traditional craft once presented to a former U.S. president.
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In the Wakasa region of Fukui Prefecture, lacquered chopsticks have long been part of everyday life—and the craftsmanship runs deep. Decorated with materials such as eggshells and seashells, they’re then coated with multiple layers of lacquer and meticulously polished to create intricate patterns. This technique has been passed down since the Edo period, and today accounts for 80% of Japan’s lacquered chopstick production.
To experience the full appeal of these 400-plus-year-old Wakasa lacquered chopsticks, visit Hashi no Furusato-kan WAKASA. Inside, you’ll find 3,000 types of chopsticks on display and for sale, from classic traditional masterpieces to non-slip styles and cute pastel-colored designs—an impressively varied lineup. Every year on August 4, known as “Chopsticks Day,” the Chopsticks Festival is held and everything is 50% off, making it a great time to shop.
If you’d like to make one-of-a-kind custom chopsticks, reserve a spot at the paid “Togidashi Experience” corner. As you learn from craftspeople and create your chopsticks by applying lacquer and polishing them to a finish, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of traditional culture and the difficulty of the techniques involved. Give it a try!
Highlights
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See Wakasa lacquered chopsticks up close—these account for 80% of Japan’s lacquered chopstick production.
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A display-and-sales selection featuring 3,000 types.
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Make your own and take home original Wakasa lacquered chopsticks.
Photos
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Wakasa lacquered chopsticks, a traditional craft dating back to the Edo period. They have even been presented to former U.S. President Barack Obama.
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Inside, 3,000 types of chopsticks are displayed and sold.
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Try your hand as a Wakasa lacquered chopsticks craftsperson at the reservation-only “Togidashi Experience” corner.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
English is available.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Are tax refunds available?
A
Tax refund service not available.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
Yes, outside the building.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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Such a fun place with a strong Japanese vibe. They display all kinds of beautiful, delicate chopsticks, and you can even make your own custom pair!
Great as a keepsake or as a gift. The whole place is clean and super photogenic.
If you’re into Japanese culture or hands-on crafts, you’ll definitely love it here.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 箸のふるさと館 WAKASA
- Postal Code
- 917-0001
- Address
- 8-1-3 Fukutani, Obama City, Fukui
- Phone
- 0770-52-1733
- Closed
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Year-end and New Year holidays and Thursdays
Open when Thursday is a public holiday, as well as on August 4 and August 13-16. However, if Thursday is a public holiday, the museum is closed the following Friday. - Hours
- Weekdays 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Sundays and public holidays 9:00 am-5:00 pm
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- Approx. 10 minutes by car from “Obama” Station (JR Obama Line)
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website
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