Watari Glass Studio

Right on the Echizen Coast, Watari Glass Studio sits with the sea and sky opening up in front of you. Here, artisans mainly create handmade glass pieces using the “free-blown glass” technique—blowing into heated glass with a blowpipe and shaping it without molds.

In the shop attached to the workshop, you can watch the making process as you browse pieces on display for purchase. The lineup is wide-ranging—tableware such as plates and sake cups, vases, lights, wind chimes, and more—and each work has a distinctive warmth and character you won’t find in mass-produced items. You’ll also find many Echizen-style pieces inspired by sea life, such as moon jellyfish and turban shells.

The workshop offers hands-on classes, including glassblowing as well as making glass stamps, photo frames, and mini plates. Some activities are available for young children, which makes it a solid choice for families. While some experiences may be available on a walk-in basis, reservations are generally prioritized. Note that the glassblowing and mini plate experiences are finished the next day or later. *Shipping is available for an additional fee.