Japan’s Art Of Spectacle-Making And Beyond

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Nestled on Japan’s main island of Honshu near Fukui, the city of Sabae has been synonymous with exceptional eyewear craftsmanship for over a century. The journey began in 1905, when a local official invited skilled artisans to Sabae to teach the art of eyeglass making—a move to help local farmers gain new skills and livelihoods. Fast forward to today, and Sabae boasts over 100 companies collaborating to create high-quality, meticulously crafted spectacles.

Despite modern machinery producing metal and acetate frames, the true magic lies in the hands of Sabae’s master artisans, who still oversee most steps in the process. Each pair of glasses may require more than 200 precise steps, as Takeshi Yamae, a designer with the Japanese brand Boston Club, describes. “From the initial sketch to the final product, it takes over a year,” he explains. Yamae finds inspiration in timeless elements of Japanese culture, like traditional houses and tableware, creating frames designed to endure beyond passing trends.

A visit to Sabae offers a unique glimpse into this tradition of craft. Many artisans devote their careers to mastering a single skill—whether it’s machine-cutting, polishing, or nose pad fitting. "Everyone here wants to create high-quality products that are instantly recognizable as Sabae glasses,” says Yamae proudly.

Sabae’s Megane Museum (“Glasses Museum”), located on Megane Street, celebrates the art of eyewear with exhibits and events dedicated to this intricate process. The museum’s shop offers thousands of frames from around 50 local makers, and visitors can even join workshops to create custom frames—the ultimate memento for any eyeglass lover.

Exploring Beyond Sabae

Fukui prefecture, where Sabae is located, is now more accessible than ever, thanks to a newly extended Shinkansen line connecting the Hokuriku region with Tokyo. Visitors can easily reach Sabae from Fukui’s stations, making it an ideal escape from the bustling crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto. Beyond eyewear, Fukui offers rich historical sites, including Maruoka Castle Park and Eihei-ji, a head temple of Soto Zen Buddhism.

For nature lovers, the breathtaking cliffs of Tojinbo and the picturesque Five Lakes of Mikata await. The nearby Rainbow Line offers panoramic views of these lakes, making it an unmissable drive in the Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park. And for fans of sushi, Fukui’s coastline is famed for its Echizen gani crabs, a seasonal delicacy.

Whether it’s experiencing Sabae’s craftsmanship firsthand or exploring Fukui’s stunning natural beauty and rich culture, a visit to Japan’s eyeglass capital offers a captivating blend of art, history, and scenic wonder.

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