Sabae, Japan: A City of Eyewear and Tradition in Fukui Prefecture
Sabae, a small city in Fukui prefecture, is known as Japan's "eyeglasses capital," producing over 90% of the country’s eyewear frames. The city's dedication to this craft dates back to 1905, when local artisans were invited to teach the art of spectacles-making. Today, Sabae’s master artisans work with modern materials, like carbon and acetate, while preserving traditional handcrafting methods. At Sabae’s Megane Museum, visitors can see exhibits and participate in workshops to create personalized frames.
Sabae's Megane Museum is located on Megane Street. Futa Nagao/CNN
Sabae’s prefecture, Fukui, also offers rich cultural experiences, including Maruoka Castle and Eihei-ji, one of Soto Zen Buddhism’s main temples. The scenic Tojinbo cliffs and Mikata Goko lakes provide stunning natural landscapes, while food lovers can enjoy the region’s famed Echizen gani crabs, a winter delicacy. Accessible via the newly extended Hokuriku shinkansen line, Fukui is ideal for those seeking an authentic slice of Japan beyond the usual tourist spots.
