How to Get from Osaka to Fukui: Train, Bus, or Car? | 2025 Travel Guide

• Table of Contents
• What kind of place is Fukui? Introducing its attractions and access
• [Comparison table] Main means of transportation from Osaka to Fukui
• The fastest route! Comfortable access via Thunderbird + Hokuriku Shinkansen
• Use a transit app
• Benefits of using Japan Rail Pass
• How to purchase JR tickets (for tourists visiting Japan)
• If cost-effectiveness is a priority, "express buses" are also an option!
• If you want to take a leisurely trip, we recommend driving! Drive from Kansai to Fukui
• Must-see tourist spots when you come to Fukui!
• Great access to tourist spots! Recommended hotels in Fukui
• Choose the access method that suits you best and enjoy your trip to Fukui

What kind of place is Fukui? Introducing its attractions and access

Facing the Nihon Sea, Fukui Prefecture has many tourist sites where nature and history come to life, such as the Dinosaur Museum, Tojinbo, and Eiheiji. In spring 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen will be extended to Tsuruga, making access from the Kansai region much easier.

There are three ways to get from Osaka to Fukui: by train, express bus, or car. Compare the travel time, cost, and features of each to find the best way to get there for you.

[Comparison table] Main means of transportation from Osaka to Fukui

Train (express + Shinkansen or conventional line)

◆Time required: Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes

◆Price: 5,640 yen to 7,090 yen

◆Characteristics: It is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel. There are many buses, so it is recommended. The fare and travel time vary depending on the number of transfers and the route.

Express bus

◆Time required: Approximately 4 hours

◆Price: 2900 yen to 6,000 yen

◆Features: It is cheap and direct, so we recommend it if you have the time.

Car (private car, rental car)

◆Time required: Approximately 2 hours 55 minutes to 4 hours

◆Fee: Expressway fee 5,560 yen + gasoline fee

◆Characteristics: You can move freely, so you can enjoy sightseeing without being tied down by time. It may be cheaper than the train when you are sightseeing with a large group such as a family. It is also easy to move luggage.

The fastest route! Comfortable access via Thunderbird + Hokuriku Shinkansen

The fastest way to get from Osaka Station to Fukui is to combine the Thunderbird Express and the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

[Route] JR Osaka Station → (Thunderbird Express) → Tsuruga Station → (Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Fukui Station [Time required] About 2 hours [Fee] About 7,090 yen (3,410 yen for the boarding ticket + 3,680 yen for the express ticket = 7,090 yen in total)
[Recommended point] Japan Rail Pass can be used on all JR lines. It is convenient because you can use the internet reservation service "e5489" and Japan Rail Pass.

Thunderbird Express + Hapiline (cheap)

[Route] JR Osaka Station → Tsuruga Station (Thunderbird) → Fukui Station (Hapi-line-Fukui)
[Time required] Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes [Fee] Approximately 5,640 yen [Note] The Hapi Line is not a JR line, so it is not covered by the JR Pass.

Use a transit app

◆Google Maps
[Features] Supports English, ideal for transfer information and timetables.

◆NAVITIME Japan Travel
[Features] Includes comprehensive tourist information for foreign visitors.

◆JR West Online Booking
[Features] Convenient for making reservations for express trains and Shinkansen trains.

Benefits of using Japan Rail Pass

You can get to Fukui at a great price by using the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on JR lines throughout Japan. This pass is compatible with all JR lines, including the Thunderbird Express and the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it ideal for traveling over a wide area. In particular, by using these express trains, you can arrive from Kyoto to Fukui in about 2 hours.

The Japan Rail Pass can be reserved online in advance, without the need to purchase at stations. This allows you to smoothly prepare for your trip from the planning stage, and make the most of your time at your destination.

For more information about the Japan Rail Pass, please visit the official Japan Rail Pass website (English). The website provides all the necessary information, such as pass types, terms of use, and reservation methods, so you can prepare for your trip with peace of mind.

Japan Rail Pass [Official Site]

How to purchase JR tickets (for tourists visiting Japan)

1. Purchase at the JR Ticket Office

This is a way to purchase tickets face-to-face with a station attendant. It is very convenient if you have any travel-related inquiries or questions. Many stations also have English-speaking staff, so foreign visitors travelers can use it with confidence. It is the best way to get direct advice on detailed itineraries and train selection.

2. Purchasing from a ticket machine

The touch-screen ticket vending machines are multilingual and easy to operate. They are ideal for people who want to choose tickets at their own pace or purchase tickets without worrying about time. You can easily purchase tickets by simply following the instructions on the screen, such as selecting your destination and specifying a time.

3. Online booking

This method involves making reservations online in advance using JR West's official reservation site "e5489" or "Smart EX." It is extremely convenient as you can easily make reservations at home or while on the move. By reserving in advance, you can be sure to secure a seat, especially during peak seasons or when using popular trains. Discounts and special offers may also be available when reserving online. If you want to avoid crowds at the station, we recommend reserving online .

If cost-effectiveness is a priority, "express buses" are also an option!

The Osaka- Fukui express bus takes longer, but is perfect for those looking to keep costs down.

Main Routes

[Route] Osaka Umeda or JR Osaka Station Expressway Bus Terminal → Fukui Station East Exit [Journey Time] 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes [Price] 2,900 yen to 6,000 yen [Note] Prices vary depending on whether it is a weekday or holiday, and whether it is daytime or late at night.

Keifuku Bus Osaka/ Kyoto → Fukui

Japan Bus Online

WILLER BUS

If you want to take a leisurely trip, we recommend driving! Drive from Kansai to Fukui

If you are traveling by car, we recommend using the expressways, which are smoother than the local roads.
Traveling by car offers great freedom and the advantage of being able to stop off at tourist spots along the way.

Trains and buses require you to keep track of specific times, but cars allow you to go at your own pace and are easy to carry around if you have a lot of luggage. If you don't want to be rushed or have a lot of luggage, we recommend traveling by car, even though it will take a little longer and cost more.
Also, if you are traveling with a large group such as a family, traveling by car may be cheaper.

The route is here

Expressway Route

[Route plan] Toyonaka IC → Hokuriku Expressway → Fukui Kita IC
[Time required] 2 hours 55 minutes [Cost] Expressway fee 5,560 yen + gasoline fee

General road route

[Route idea] Kitakami to Fukui using the Kosai
[Time required] Approximately 4 hours [Fee] Gasoline fee

Must-see tourist spots when you come to Fukui!

1. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

The Dinosaur Museum is one of Fukui 's most popular tourist spots, visited by more than 1.2 million people a year. It is said to be one of the three largest dinosaur museums in the world, and more than 50 complete fossil skeletons are on display in the vast column-free space. It will be reopened in the summer of 2023, and is a very popular tourist spot for families with children and dinosaur lovers.

access

Public transportation: Take the Echizen Railway " Katsuyama Eiheiji " from JR Fukui Station to the last stop " Katsuyama Station" for about 55 minutes, Katsuyama transfer to a direct bus to the Dinosaur Museum for 12 minutes.

Car: About 50 minutes from JR Fukui Station

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

911-8601 51-11 Terao, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is known nationwide as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world's leading dinosaur museums. The vast, immersive space is filled with exhibits of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, specimens, dioramas, reconstructed models, and more, allowing you to see impressive dinosaurs up close. The area surrounding the museum is also full of experiences such as fossil excavations and play equipment, making it an area that the whole family can enjoy. The Dinosaur Tower, which reopened in July 2023 and appeared in the new small egg hall, is a must-see. In the atrium of the new building, there is a 13m-tall monument called the Dinosaur Tower, which features five species of dinosaurs and one species of bird discovered in Fukui. In addition, the facility has been upgraded to be a facility that can be enjoyed in all seasons, including the impressive ``3-sided Dino Theater'' and the ``Fossil Research Experience'' .

2. Daishizan Seidaiji temple Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu)

The Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu) at Daishizan Seidaiji temple is the tallest indoor seated statue in Japan, surpassing the Great Buddha of Nara, at 17m tall. Inside the Great Buddha Hall, where the Buddha is located, there is a stone Buddha wall with 1281 stone Buddha statues lined up, and in recent years it has become a popular spot for foreign visitors tourists. Depending on the season, you can see a magnificent performance called "Special Viewing of the Sea of ​​Clouds" only in the early morning and evening.

access

Public transportation: Take the Echizen Railway " Katsuyama Eiheiji " from JR Fukui Station to the last stop " Katsuyama Station" (approx. 55 minutes), then take a taxi or bus from Echizen Railway Katsuyama Station (approx. 10 minutes).

Car: About 50 minutes from JR Fukui Station

Daishizan Seidaiji temple Echizen Great Buddha

911-0811 50-1-1 Katase , Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

The model for the Great Buddha is a seated statue in the Longmen Grottoes on the outskirts of Luoyang, Henan, China, the origin of Buddhism. It is 17 meters tall. It is larger than the Nara Great Buddha (16.2 meters in documents, 14.98 meters in actual measurement). In addition, the halo is 23 meters, and the 3-meter lotus pedestal is placed on a 2-meter stone base, making the total height 28 meters. While the Nara Great Buddha is stocky, the Echizen Great Buddha is characterized by its slender and gentle face and neck. It is made of copper, with a total weight of 200 tons. In addition, 1,281 stone and gold Buddhas are enshrined on the three walls on the left, right, and back of the Great Buddha, and two arhat statues (10.3 meters) and two bodhisattva statues (11.2 meters) are enshrined on each side of the Great Buddha as attendant Buddhas.

3. Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is a shrine with 1300 years of history. It flourished as a base for Hakusan faith, and is said to have been home to as many as 8000 warrior monks at its peak 600 years ago. Today, the shrine is famous for its beautiful green carpet of moss. We recommend visiting when there are few people, as you can leisurely enjoy a typically Japanese shrine.

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

56 Heisenji, Heisenjicho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0822

"Heisenji" is a base temple for worshiping Hakusan, located at the entrance to the Echizen side of the sacred Mt. Hakusan (altitude 2,702m). In the Middle Ages, it became one of the most influential in the Hokuriku region, and it is said that there were dozens of temples and shrines and thousands of temples in the precincts, which were much larger than the current Hakusan Shrine. However, in the 2nd year of Tensho (1574), the whole mountain was destroyed by fire during the battle against the Ikko Ikki, and most of the things that tell of the past have been lost. However, a full-scale excavation survey that began in 1989 revealed that the remains of the former precincts remain splendidly. The full picture of Heisenji in its glory in the Middle Ages is now being revealed little by little.

4. Tojinbo

Tojinbo, located in Sakai City, Sakai City, is designated as a natural monument of Japan.

The spectacular rock face stretches for about 1 km, and the columnar joints of pyroxene andesite are an extremely rare sight that can only be seen in three places in the world. It is a representative tourist spot in the Hokuriku region.

Tojinbo

913-0064 64-1 Yasujima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Tojinbo is a nationally designated scenic spot known for its view of the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan crashing against the cliffs. The magnificent cliffs spread out for about 1km. It is said that there are only three places in the world where the extensive columnar joints of dacite (volcanic stone) that form this kind of scenery are extremely valuable geologically. The dazzling blue sky and the Sea of ​​Japan in early summer, the evening view of the sun setting over the Sea of ​​Japan in autumn, and the rough waves and cold wind blowing against the rock surface when snow falls. All of them are wonderful seasonal scenery that shows Tojinbo and the great nature of the Sea of ​​Japan. Along with Ojima, which floats at the tip of Tojinbo, it has been designated as a natural monument of Japan. There are also many traditional souvenir shops and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Hotels near Tojinbo

Kyukamura Echizen-Mikuni

Fukui Prefecture > Sakai

4.1 /5

Very Good

9 reviews

$145～

Uchiyu No Yadootoku

Fukui Prefecture > Sakai

5.0 /5

Outstanding

1 reviews

$318～

Tojinbo sightseeing boat

913-0063 64-1 Yasujima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Looking up at the cliffs of Tojinbo from the sea The view of Tojinbo from the rocky area is majestic, but the view of Tojinbo from the sea is also very impressive. Please enjoy cruising where you can see various scenery while feeling the pleasant sea breeze. The information provided by the onboard guide is also popular as being interesting. ``Wave Rock'' is a series of rocks shaped like rough waves crashing from the coast. ``Honey Nest Rock'' looks like a large honeycomb when you look up from a boat. There are many attractions such as the spectacular columnar joint cliffs, the ``Big Pond'' that represents Tojinbo, and ``Lion Rock'', a secret spot that looks like a male lion sitting with its paws out, which can only be seen from a boat. .

Hotels near Tojinbo sightseeing boat

Kyukamura Echizen-Mikuni

Fukui Prefecture > Sakai

4.1 /5

Very Good

9 reviews

$145～

Uchiyu No Yadootoku

Fukui Prefecture > Sakai

5.0 /5

Outstanding

1 reviews

$318～

5. Mikatagoko Rainbow Line Summit Park

The Mikata Five Lakes is the collective name for the five lakes that straddle Mihama Town and Wakasa Town. At Rainbow Line Summit Park, you can get a 360-degree view of all five lakes and Wakasa Bay . The lakes have different depths and water quality, and because each lake has a different color, they are also called the "Five-Colored Lakes." It is a mystical, scenic spot.

Mikata Five Lakes/Rainbow Line

〒919-1301 18-2-2 Kiyama, Wakasa-cho, Mikatakaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefec...

The five lakes, Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Kugushi, and Lake Hyuga, which are interspersed among the valleys of the low mountains, are known for their mystical colors. You can enjoy the scenery by driving the 11.2km Rainbow Line that leads to the summit. If you go to the summit using a lift or cable car, you will find the Rainbow Line Summit Park. In the park, there are five terraces such as a footbath and a sofa terrace based on the concept of "a terrace in the sky floating on Mikata Five Lakes". The view of the Mikatagoko Lakes and the Sea of Japan, which can be seen while enjoying drinks and sweets, is highly acclaimed.

Hotels near Mikata Five Lakes/Rainbow Line

Isoya

Fukui Prefecture > Mihama

5.0 /5

Outstanding

$50～

6. Eiheiji Eiheiji of the Motoyama

Located in Eiheiji Town, Yoshida County, Motoyama Eiheiji is a strict Zen training center with a history of about 800 years. Even today, many monks train there. You can visit the temple for a fee, and you can also try Zen meditation and copying sutras. Please visit Eiheiji, which is full of Japanese atmosphere.

Eiheiji Temple

5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Prefecture 910-1228

In 1244 (Kangen 2), Zen training dojo was opened by Dogen Zenji. There are more than 70 temple buildings in the precincts of Miyama Yukoku, and among them, the seven halls called "Shichido Garan" (Dharma Hall, Butsuden, Sodo, Kokuin, Sanmon, Toshi, and Bathroom) are pure places where monks train. It is considered a particularly important building. At Eiheiji, many monks are still practicing hard every day, and visitors can see how they are doing.

Hotels near Eiheiji Temple

Hakujukan

Fukui Prefecture > Eiheiji

4.7 /5

Amazing

28 reviews

$335～

7. Kehi Shrine

Kehi Shrine in Tsuruga City was founded in 702 AD. You will be greeted by a large 11m-tall torii gate, one of the three largest torii gates in Japan and designated as an Important Cultural Property. It is also famous as a power spot, and there are many places within the shrine grounds that are overflowing with energy.

Kehi Shrine

11-68 Akebonocho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 914-0075

Founded in 702 AD, Kehi Jingu Shrine in Tsuruga City is one of the three major torii gates in Japan and welcomes you with its 11-meter-tall torii designated as an important cultural property. It is also famous as a power spot, and there are many places full of energy in the precincts of the shrine.

Hotels near Kehi Shrine

Hotel Granbinario Tsuruga

Fukui Prefecture > Tsuruga

4.6 /5

Great

49 reviews

$67～

Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruga Ekimae

Fukui Prefecture > Tsuruga

4.2 /5

Very Good

111 reviews

$62～

Tsuruga Manten Hotel Ekimae

Fukui Prefecture > Tsuruga

4.1 /5

Very Good

17 reviews

$61～

Great access to tourist spots! Recommended hotels in Fukui

Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama

911-0000 Fukui Prefecture , Katsuyama City, 170-70 Ski Jam Katsuyama

This hotel is attractive for its magnificent view of the Hakusan mountain range. Located at the front of the Ski Jam Katsuyama, you can enjoy the pure white snow world in winter, and mountain biking, Segway riding, barbecues, and other outdoor activities throughout the seasons from spring to autumn. The large Sasayuri hot spring bath is famous for its beauty-enhancing waters, and the sunset view from the open-air bath is a must-see. It is also conveniently located about 10 minutes by car from the Dinosaur Museum.

Hotels near Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama

Hotel Harvest Skijam Katsuyama

Fukui Prefecture > Katsuyama

4.1 /5

Very Good

12 reviews

$114～

Katsuyama New Hotel

911-0811 2-114 Katase-cho , Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture

A 10-minute walk from the hotel is the Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu) and five-story pagoda, said to be the most magnificent in Japan, and nearby is Hakusan Temple, a nationally designated historic site that was founded by the great monk Taicho 1,300 years ago and is now highly regarded as the remains of a "medieval religious city." It is also close to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which inspires the romanticism of a wide range of people, from adults to children. In the nearby mountains is Ski Jam Katsuyama, one of the largest ski resorts in western Japan, and in the winter season the area changes completely, creating the bustle unique to a snowy country.

Choose the access method that suits you best and enjoy your trip to Fukui

We have introduced how to get from Osaka to Fukui.
I hope this article will be helpful and help you find the transportation method that suits you best.
Please be careful when traveling to Fukui.