[Fukui Prefecture] Discover a side of Japan you never knew existed.

• Table of Contents
• What is Fukui Prefecture? — Japan's "hidden gem"
• 1. Fukui Dinosaur Kingdom — One of the world's three largest dinosaur museums
• 2. Eiheiji Temple, a Zen Mecca — Discover inner tranquility
• 3. Tojinbo — A miraculous view born from the Sea of ​​Japan
• 4. The blessings of the Sea of ​​Japan — Fukui's food is "a taste you can only get here"
• 5. Craftsmanship - Fukui's Manufacturing Culture
• 6. Awara Onsen — Experience the changing seasons
• 7. Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins — A journey back in time to the Sengoku period
• 8. Access — Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen
• Plan your trip to Fukui now!

What is Fukui Prefecture? — Japan's "hidden gem"

Only about three hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which opened in March 2024, has made access to Fukui Prefecture more convenient than ever. Facing the Sea of ​​Japan, Fukui is a treasured Japanese destination yet unknown to many foreign tourists, packed with magnificent natural scenery, over 1,500 years of Zen culture, a world-class dinosaur research facility, and some of Japan's best seafood.

The greatest charm of Fukui is that you can experience the "real Japan" in a calm atmosphere, far from the crowds of Kyoto and Osaka.

1. Fukui Dinosaur Kingdom — One of the world's three largest dinosaur museums

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, is one of the world's three largest dinosaur museums, alongside the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Canada and the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in China. Reopened in 2023, the museum offers captivating experiences for both adults and children, including over 50 complete dinosaur skeletons, life-size dioramas, and a cutting-edge CG video theater.

At Katsuyama Dino Park, located near the museum, you can enjoy an outdoor adventure with life-size dinosaur models scattered throughout the forest. This is a popular spot for dinosaur lovers and families alike.

Recommended points

- Fossil excavation experience

- Giant Tyrannosaurus robot exhibit

- Dinosaur goods at the museum shop — perfect for yourself or as souvenirs

2. Eiheiji Temple, a Zen Mecca — Discover inner tranquility

Founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244, Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto sect, is a "living Zen temple" where approximately 150 monks still live a rigorous life of training. The majestic grounds are surrounded by giant cedar trees and are lined with over 70 buildings, and just walking through the beautiful corridors will make you feel your mind become calm.

Visitors can also participate in Zen meditation and sutra copying experiences. This time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and into self-reflection is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

What you can experience

• Zen meditation experience — Experience authentic Zen meditation under the guidance of a resident monk.
• Sutra copying experience — A meditative moment copying sutras with ink and a brush.
• Shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) — Enjoy traditional Zen temple meals that do not include meat or fish.

3. Tojinbo — A miraculous view born from the Sea of ​​Japan

Tojinbo, a huge cliff of columnar joints stretching for about 1 km, is Fukui Prefecture's most scenic spot and has been designated a national natural monument. There are only three such formations in the world, including Tojinbo (Jeju Island, South Korea, and the west coast of Norway), making it an extremely valuable geological site.

The highlight is the experience of looking up at the cliffs from the sea on a sightseeing boat. At dusk, the sunset over the Sea of ​​Japan and the silhouette of the cliffs create a breathtakingly beautiful sight. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Echizen Coast from the adjacent Tojinbo Tower.

4. The blessings of the Sea of ​​Japan — Fukui's food is "a taste you can only get here"

Echizen crab (King of winter)

Echizen crab, which is in season from November to March every year, is the highest quality brand of snow crab caught in the Sea of ​​Japan. The sweetness of the meat and the rich crab miso are a taste you will never forget once you have tried it. The yellow tag is proof of its authenticity.

Echizen grated radish soba

Cold soba noodles served with grated daikon radish and dashi broth are Fukui's soul food. The simplicity of the dish brings out the natural aroma of the soba noodles and the sharpness of the spicy daikon radish, making it a dish for connoisseurs. You can easily enjoy it at any soba restaurant in Fukui City.

Sauce Katsudon

Sauce katsudon, which originated in Fukui, is completely different from the typical katsudon (egg-covered katsudon). It is a simple yet hearty dish in which crisply fried pork cutlet in a thin batter is dipped in special a special Worcestershire-style sauce and placed on piping hot rice. The famous restaurant in the city, Yoroppaken (Europaken), serves this classic dish, beloved by both locals and tourists.

Wakasa Guji (tilefish)

Tilefish caught in Wakasa Bay is known as "Wakasa Guji," a luxury fish that is indispensable in Kyoto cuisine. Whether grilled with salt, dried overnight, or served as sashimi, its refined sweetness and delicate texture are the essence of Japanese cuisine.

5. Craftsmanship - Fukui's Manufacturing Culture

Sabae Eyewear — Approximately 20% of the global market share

Sabae City in Fukui Prefecture is known as the "the eyewear capital of Japan," as it is responsible for approximately 96% of Japan's eyeglass frame production and boasts a global market share of approximately 20%. Sabae Eyewear are handmade by skilled craftsmen through over 200 processes, and their quality is highly regarded by brands around the world. At the Glasses Museum, you can even experience making your own original frames.

Echizen Washi — A 1,500-Year Tradition

Echizen City (formerly Imadate Town) is a village of washi paper with a history of 1,500 years. Echizen washi paper is known for its high quality, so much so that it is even used for banknotes, and at Echizen Washi Village you can actually experience papermaking. It is a traditional craft that Japan is proud of, attracting attention from artists and designers around the world.

Echizen lacquerware and Echizen cutlery

Echizen lacquerware, which has a history of approximately 1,500 years, produces approximately 80% of Japan's commercial lacquerware. Echizen forged cutlery also boasts a history of 700 years, and is loved by chefs and outdoor enthusiasts for its sharp cutting edge and beautiful form. There are also plenty of workshop tours and hands-on programs available.

6. Awara Onsen — Experience the changing seasons

Awara Onsen — Kansai's hidden parlor

Awara Onsen, which has a history of over 140 years since its opening in 1883, is one of the leading hot spring resorts in the Hokuriku region. It is lined with inns with different atmospheres, each offering different hot spring sources. During Echizen crab season, you can enjoy a luxurious experience of enjoying both hot springs and crab cuisine at the same time. It is now easily accessible from Awara Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Mikata Five Lakes and the Rainbow Line

The five lakes known as the Mikata Five Lakes, located within Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park, each have different depths and salinities, creating a mystical landscape where the lake surface appears five different colors. The 360-degree panoramic view from Rainbow Line Summit Park is one of the most photogenic spots in Fukui.

Mizushima — Hawaii in the Hokuriku region

Mizushima, an uninhabited island off the coast of Tsuruga Peninsula, is a beach resort with crystal clear emerald green waters. A ferry operates only in the summer, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful tropical beach. The stunning scenery overturns your image of the Sea of ​​Japan.

7. Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins — A journey back in time to the Sengoku period

Located in the southeastern part of Fukui City, the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins are the remains of a castle town that was ruled by the Asakura clan, a feudal lord during the Sengoku period, for about 100 years across five generations. Traces of samurai residences, temples, town houses, and craftsmen's residences remain on the vast site of about 278 hectares, and it is one of only four sites in Japan to have received the triple designation of a special historic site, special place of scenic beauty, and important cultural property.

The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Museum, which opened in 2022, uses the latest digital technology to allow visitors to experience life in the castle town of that time. Walking through the restored townscape will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Sengoku period.

8. Access — Approximately 3 hours from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen

The Hokuriku Shinkansen was be extended between Kanazawa and Tsuruga in March 2024. It will be possible to travel from Tokyo Station to Fukui Station in as little as three hours, and from Osaka and Kyoto it will take about two and a half to three hours on the Thunderbird Express (transferring at Tsuruga), making it possible to make day trips from the Kansai region.

Main Access

• Tokyo → Fukui: Approximately 3 hours by Hokuriku Shinkansen "Kagayaki" or "Hakutaka"
• Osaka/Kyoto → Tsuruga: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by limited express "Thunderbird" + Hokuriku Shinkansen
• Nagoya → Fukui: Approximately 2 hours by limited express "Shirasagi"
• Narita/Haneda Airport → Approximately 1 hour by bus via Komatsu Airport (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Plan your trip to Fukui now!

Click on the links below to find out more about Fukui Prefecture's sightseeing spots, activities, and tours, as well as reservations and details. Find the plan that's right for you.

Trip.com - Fukui