Fukui

Fukui faces the Sea of Japan and offers both nature and culture. Visit the dramatic cliffs of Tojinbo, one of Japan’s most breathtaking coastal views, and explore the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, a favorite among families. Eiheiji Temple, a famous Zen monastery, provides a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.

From Tokyo: Shinkansen 3h 10m; 1h 10m

From Osaka: Local train 1h 50m

From Nagoya: Local train 2h

Suggested Itineraries

Discover the best routes with our visual guides.

Itinerary

Ishikawa
Fukui

From Kanazawa to Eiheiji in Fukui — A Zen Destination Admired by Steve Jobs

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Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Fukui

Awara City

Located at the northern tip of Fukui, Awara City is famous for its hot springs and year-round fruit production. From melon and watermelon in summer to pears and persimmons in autumn, it’s a paradise for fruit lovers. It’s an ideal base to experience Japan’s rich agriculture and relaxing spa culture.

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Eiheiji Town

A town of Zen spirituality centered around the historic Eiheiji Temple. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere, traditional "Eiheiji Soba," and the beautiful scenery along the Kuzuryu River. It is a perfect destination for those seeking mindfulness and a chance to reflect in a peaceful, natural setting.

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Mihama Town

A beautiful coastal town known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches like Suishohama. It is a gateway to the Five Lakes of Mikata and offers a rich culinary culture with fermented foods and fresh seafood. Ideal for experiencing authentic Japanese seaside life.

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Fukui City

The capital city of Fukui, blending history, nature, and modern convenience. Highlights include the Ichijodani Ruins, the stunning Yokokan Garden, and the cherry blossoms along the Asuwa River. With the new Shinkansen connection, it's a vibrant hub to enjoy local soul foods like Sauce Katsudon and Soba.

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Echizen City

Echizen City is a town of master artisans, home to 1,500-year-old traditions of Echizen Washi paper and Echizen forged knives. It is also where the legendary novelist Murasaki Shikibu spent time away from the capital, leaving a trace of elegant history. Today, visitors can experience papermaking or tour knife workshops used by world-class chefs. Known as the birthplace of Echizen Oroshi Soba, it’s a city where you can admire exquisite craftsmanship and savor authentic gourmet flavors.

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Ono City

Ono City, nicknamed "Little Kyoto of Hokuriku," retains the charm of a 400-year-old castle town. Echizen Ono Castle, its symbol, appears to float on a sea of clouds under certain conditions, earning it the title "Castle in the Sky." Blessed with pure spring water like "Oshozu," the city produces exceptional sake, soy sauce, and taro. With morning markets where you can enjoy warm interactions with locals, it's a heartwarming town where traditional life and the gift of water are cherished.

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Obama City

Once a gateway for continental trade, Obama is a cultural hub known as "Nara by the Sea" for its many national treasure temples and statues. Located in the Reinan area, it offers stunning views of Wakasa Bay and dynamic cruises to the Sotomo sea caves. It also gained international fame for sharing its name with former U.S. President Obama. Famous for Wakasa lacquered chopsticks, it's a place where rich seafood and centuries of quiet prayer culture meet to soothe the soul.

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Sakai City

Sakai City is globally famous for the thrilling cliffs of Tojinbo. It also preserves historical treasures like Maruoka Castle, one of the oldest surviving keeps in Japan. In the Mikuni Port area, charming streets from the Kitamaebune trading era remain, now housing chic cafes and galleries. From cherry blossoms enveloping the castle in spring to the world-class Echizen Crab in winter, Sakai embodies both the ruggedness and gentle beauty of Japan's seasonal landscapes.

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Katsuyama City

Located in the mountains of eastern Fukui, Katsuyama is Japan's world-renowned "Dinosaur City." Home to the nation's largest excavation site, dinosaur motifs greet you throughout the town. The main attraction, the Dinosaur Museum, is one of the top three in the world. Katsuyama also houses mystical religious sites like Heisenji Hakusan Shrine with its stunning moss and the gargantuan Great Buddha of Echizen. From West Japan's largest ski resort to historical wonders, it's a city of adventure and intellectual discovery.

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Tsuruga City

Tsuruga City, the gateway to the Reinan area, has long flourished as a vital port town. Known as the "Port of Humanity," it has a moving history of welcoming Polish orphans and Jewish refugees. The city features a nostalgic port area with Red Brick Warehouses and Kehi Jingu Shrine, the guardian of Hokuriku. At "Nihonkai Sakana-machi," one of the largest fish markets on the coast, visitors can savor incredibly fresh seafood. It is a captivating base city where history, culture, and gastronomy intersect.

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Fukui Prefecture

Located on the Sea of Japan coast, Fukui Prefecture is known for its pristine nature, deep history, and as a global "holy land" for dinosaurs. The prefecture is divided into two distinct cultural areas: "Reihoku" in the north and "Reinan" near Kyoto. It offers dynamic attractions like the world-class Dinosaur Museum, Eiheiji Temple—the heart of Zen—and the majestic cliffs of Tojinbo. A paradise for foodies with Echizen Crab and Soba, Fukui is now more accessible than ever via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it one of Japan's most exciting must-visit destinations.

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