Have you ever heard of Fukui?
For many international travelers, Fukui may still be an unfamiliar name. Yet it is located in the heart of the Hokuriku region, within easy reach of Kanazawa and Kyoto.
Fukui is a place where Zen temples, samurai history, dinosaur fossils, traditional crafts, coastal scenery, local food, and warm regional culture come together. It may not be as crowded or well known as Japan’s major tourist destinations, but that is exactly what makes it worth discovering.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga in 2024, making access to Fukui easier than ever from Tokyo, Kanazawa, and other major destinations.
For visitors traveling between Kanazawa and Kyoto, Fukui is not just a stop along the way. It is a rewarding destination in its own right.
For easier understanding, Fukui Prefecture can be roughly divided into four main areas. Each area has its own distinct character, from Zen temples and castle towns to traditional crafts, dinosaur sites, coastal scenery, and historic ports.
Red Area: Fukui, Sakai, Awara and Eiheiji
City Area and Zen Spirit
Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple / Eiheiji Town
One of Japan’s most important Zen temples, set in a quiet cedar forest
Tojinbo / Sakai City
Dramatic basalt cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan.
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins / Fukui City
The remains of a prosperous 16th-century castle town.
Yokokan Garden / Fukui City
A peaceful traditional garden once enjoyed by the ruling family of Fukui
Awara Hot Spring / Awara City
A relaxed hot spring area with traditional inns and local charm
Maruoka Castle / Sakai City
One of Japan’s oldest surviving castle keeps
Green Area : Tannan
Traditional Crafts and Artisan Villages
Echizen Washi Village / Echizen City
Traditional Japanese papermaking with a history of over 1,500 years
Takefu Knife Village and other Echizen Uchihamono / Echizen City
A center of skilled blade-making and traditional craftsmanship.
Echizen Lacquerware & Urushi-no-Sato Hall / Sabae City
Traditional lacquerware crafted by artisans, alive in everyday Life
Nishiyama Park / Sabae City
A popular spring destination known for its beautiful azalea blooms.
Echizen Coast
Rocky shores, open sea views, and one of Fukui’s best coastal drives.
Blue Area: Okuetsu
Dinosaur Kingdom and Mountain Heritage
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum / Katsuyama City
One of Japan’s leading dinosaur museums, enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine / Katsuyama City
A sacred site known for its moss-covered grounds and quiet, mystical atmosphere.
Echizen Ono / Ono City
A castle town known for clear spring water and traditional streets.
Pink: Reinan Area
Lakes, Ancient Temples, Port History and the Sea
Tsuruga Museum /Tsuruga City
A museum telling the moving story of Jewish refugees and Tsuruga’s international port history.
Kehi Shrine / Tsuruga City
A historic shrine famous for its large wooden torii gate.
Myotsuji Temple, Jinguji Temple and national treasures / Obama City
Historic temples and cultural treasures in a quiet coastal city.
Mikatagoko Rainbow Line / Mihama Town and Wakasa Town
Panoramic views of the Five Lakes of Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, and the surrounding coastline.
Food & Local Cuisine
Fukui is blessed with both mountains and the Sea of Japan, offering a rich variety of local cuisine from both land and sea.
Echizen crab : A celebrated winter delicacy
Sauce katsudon : A local favorite with a sweet and savory touch
Echizen Oroshi soba : Cold buckwheat noodles with grated daikon and a refreshing taste
Heshiko : A traditional preserved mackerel dish rooted in local food culture
Fukui plums : Known for quality and used in umeboshi and plum wine
Official food culture information
Discover Fukui
Sake Culture
Fukui is known for its clean water from the mountains, making it an excellent region for sake brewing. Local breweries throughout the prefecture produce a wide range of sake styles that pair beautifully with Fukui’s seafood, soba, and regional dishes.
Around Fukui Station, visitors can find shops and restaurants where they can enjoy local sake or purchase bottles as souvenirs. It is an easy and enjoyable introduction to Fukui’s sake culture.
Official food culture information
Discover Fukui
Local Sweets & Souvenirs
Accommodation Areas
Fukui Station Area
The most convenient base for sightseeing, with easy access to transportation, restaurants, and shopping.
Awara Onsen
One of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts, offering a wide range of ryokan and hotels.
Mikuni & Tojinbo Area
Beautiful coastal scenery, fresh seafood, and spectacular sunsets.
Tsuruga Area
The western gateway to Fukui and the western terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Enjoy direct train access to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka without changing trains.
Official accommodation information
Discover Fukui
Local Industries & Craftsmanship
Sabae eyeglass frames : Widely known for quality and precision
Echizen lacquerware : A traditional craft valued for durability and daily use
Official industry and craft information
Discover Fukui
We have not fully introduced all the attractions yet, so we will be adding more content as we go!
“We are more than just interpreters.”
We are local licensed guides who love Fukui and want to share its stories with visitors from around the world. We believe that the best travel memories often come from personal conversations, local encounters, and hidden stories that are not always found in guidebooks.
Whether you would like a full-day guided tour or simply need advice on how to explore the region, we are here to help you make your visit to Fukui meaningful and memorable.
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.