Sightseeing in Fukui

Fukui Prefecture belongs to the Chubu region of Japan and is also a part of the Hokuriku region.

The prefectural capital is Fukui City, which is also a core city, with a population of approximately 770,000 as of 2020. Fukui is not a very large prefecture, ranking 43rd among the 47 prefectures in Japan.

The climate of Fukui is characterized as easily recognizable seasonal changes throughout the year. It is hot in summer and cold in winter with snowfalls.
Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga in 2024. So the access from Tokyo has been easier.

For the sake of clarity, Fukui Prefecture is roughly divided into four regions.

Red circle: The most populated area including Fukui City.

Green circle: Tannan area, which includes Echizen City and Sabae City.

Blue circle: Okuetsu area, which is mountainous and has a lot of snowfall in winter.

Pink circle: Reinan area, which faces the sea and has a different culture from the previous three areas.

This section introduces Fukui Prefecture with a spotlight on each of these areas.

Red: Fukui, Sakai, Awara and Eiheiji Area

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple (Eiheiji Town) / Known around the world as a center for rigorous Zen training and it was founded in the 13th century by Zen master Dogen.
Tojinbo (Sakai City) / a precipitous cliff broken by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan and it is a symbolic view of the Sea of Japan in winter.
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins (Fukui City) / The ruins of a mountain castle and castle town where the Asakura Clan, warlords of the Warring States Period, lived.
Yokokan Garden (Fukui City) / A tranquil haven of traditional Japanese garden beauty
Awara Hot Spring (Awara City) / Fukui’s best hot spring resort
Maruoka Castle (Sakai City) / A preserved, beautiful keep that tells the story of Japan’s history and tradition.

Green: Tannan Area

Echizen Washi Village (Echizen City) / Japan’s foremost producer of washi paper and visitors can try their hand at making washi.
Takefu Knife Village and other Echizen Uchihamono (Echizen City) / With a history of more than 700 years
Nishiyama Park (Sabae City) / A famous park with more than 50,000 azalea plants in bloom.
Echizen Coast/ You will have a lot of fun if you drive along the coast.

Blue: Okuetsu Area

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama City) / The museum boasts the largest exhibition of dinosaur skeletons in Japan.
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine (Katsuyama City) / Captivated by the enchanting beauty of moss.
Echizen Ono  (Ono City) / Echizen-Ono is known as “Little Kyoto” in Hokuriku.

Pink: Reinan Area

Tsuruga Museum (Tsuruga City) / a collection of materials on Jewish refugees who escaped from the hands of Nazi Germany and landed at the port of Tsuruga
Kehi Shrine (Tsuruga City) / Where history meets the grandeur of Japan’s sacred traditions.
Myotsuji Temple, Jinguji Temple and national treasures (Obama City) / Obama City has some national treasures.
Mikatagoko Rainbow Line (Mihama Town, Wakasa Town)/ a road around the Mikatagoko area, including Lake Suigetsu, which is world famous for its annual stripes.

Detailed explanations are provided in the links.

 

 

Food & Local Cuisine

Fukui Prefecture is blessed with both mountain and coastal environments, offering a rich variety of local cuisine from the sea and the land.

Echizen crab is Fukui’s most famous winter delicacy, enjoyed from November to March and known for its strict quality standards.
Sauce katsudon is a local dish featuring a pork cutlet dipped in a sweet and savory sauce, commonly enjoyed as a home-style meal.
Echizen Oroshi soba is served cold with grated daikon radish and dried bonito flakes, offering a refreshing taste.
Heshiko is a traditional fermented food made by preserving mackerel in salt and rice bran, deeply rooted in local history.
Wakasa plums are widely known for their quality and are used in umeboshi and plum wine.

Official food culture information
Discover Fukui

 

Fukui is known for its clean water from the Hakusan mountain range, making it an ideal region for sake brewing. Many breweries are spread throughout the prefecture, producing a wide range of sake styles that pair well with local cuisine.

Around Fukui Station, visitors can purchase local sake as souvenirs or enjoy tasting experiences, offering an easy introduction to Fukui’s sake culture.

Official food culture information
Discover Fukui

The Fukui Station area is convenient for transportation and sightseeing.
Awara Onsen is the largest hot spring resort in Fukui, offering a variety of ryokan and hotels.
The Mikuni and Tojinbo area is close to the Sea of Japan and is known for scenic coastal views and sunsets.

Official accommodation information
Discover Fukui

 

Local Industries & Craftsmanship

Sabae eyeglass frames account for the majority of domestic production and are highly regarded worldwide.
Echizen lacquerware is a traditional craft known for its durability and everyday usability.

Official industry and craft information
Discover Fukui
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We have not fully introduced all the attractions yet, so we will be adding more content as we go!

This page includes external links to official tourism websites for informational purposes. All content and images on linked pages remain the property of their respective owners.