Fukui Prefecture is a part of the Hokuriku Region, which is located along the Sea of Japan and is surrounded by mountains. The area has a long history and can be traced back to the Stone Age. Fukui has been thriving due to the creation of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and the number of tourists is increasing every year. The transportation system is very convenient, so you can go anywhere you want.
Today, I’ll be introducing some attractive places in Fukui to visit.
The area around the JR Fukui Station
When you get off at the station, a lot of various dinosaurs appear right before your eyes. As you might know, Fukui is greatly renowned for the dinosaur fossils that have been discovered in the area. Three dinosaur monuments are situated in front of the west gate of the station. Also, the station building has dinosaur paintings on the wall, and you can find dinosaur items everywhere. They’ve become an icon for Fukui Prefecture.
Walking past the monuments for about five minutes will bring you to the ruins of Fukui Castle. This castle was first built by Yuki (結城) / Matsudaira (松平) Hideyasu (秀康) and has flourished under the Matsudaira family for about 270 years. The castle was kept within the family and has never been occupied by another clan from the Edo period all the way to the Meiji.
Nowadays, the Fukui prefectural office and prefectural police are located here. The ruins of the moat and the stone wall are the only traces left of the Edo period.
While you are here, you should also make a little side trip to Yokokan (養浩館) Garden. It was located in Fukui Castle and was used as a second house of the Matsudaira family. It is seen as one of the classical-style Japanese gardens, with a path surrounding a pond.
Move on to the next place. Fukui Prefectural Museum of Cultural History (福井県立歴史博物館) usually exhibits historical items throughout the year. They offer a glimpse into the lives of the people in Fukui over the years, and visitors can see items from a hundred to a thousand years old. In addition, there have been exhibitions that showcased items such as swords, spears, and suits of armor in the past.
The museum held a Yuki Hideyasu exhibition this summer. It was for a collaboration with a popular animation Touken Ranbu (刀剣乱舞). As a result, so many young girls were at the event.
When you return to the station, you might want to take your time in the entertainment area. Due to an ongoing redevelopment plan, the area around the station is changing gradually.
However, Shinei Shopping Street (新栄商店街) remains the atmosphere of the Showa period. You can see many unique shops along the street, such as cafes, galleries, and clothing shops. Stopping and looking while walking is really fun!
In a corner of the shopping street, you can find Shibata Shrine (柴田神社). The location was the ruins of Kitanosho Castle (北ノ庄城址), which belonged to the samurai known as Katsuie Shibata (柴田勝家). The shrine was built to honor the fall of the castle occupants and the people who lost their lives.
Furthermore, the shrine is dedicated to Katsuie’s wife, Oichi (お市の方), who fought her fate in the Warring State period. She is still respected as a graceful woman and adored for her legendary beauty.
Tojinbo Cliffs (東尋坊)
Tojinbo is a series of pillar-like cliffs along a 1 km coastline. The waves from the sea of Japan have eroded the stones and have created a series of deep valleys. This place is often selected as a shooting site for movies and TV dramas.
You can enjoy a panoramic view from 100 meters above the sea level on the edge. Alternatively, you can climb the lighthouse to get an even better view. While you are at it, why not take a sightseeing boat tour?
There are three ways to enjoy the view, and I recommend finding out the best one that suits you.
Awara hot springs (芦原温泉)
The Awara area is the northernmost of Fukui and is considered one of the most famous hot springs in Japan. In 1883, when a farmer was digging a well, the water of a hot spring appeared by chance. This area saw an increase in business, especially connected with hot springs, and eventually led to the creation of a resort area.
Surprisingly, there are 74 origins of a hot spring, and the medical benefits are different based on the origin. Why not try hot spring hopping during your stay?
Eiheiji Temple (永平寺)
Eiheiji temple was established by Dogen, who introduced the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism from China in 1244. It’s one of two main temples of the Soto sect in Japan. The entire temple consists of 14 buildings that include cultural properties. They give people a sense of strictness.
This temple is known as a Zen training place, and many trainee monks called “Unsui (雲水)” are still practicing the ascentics of Buddhism. You can experience Zen meditation and make a copy of a sutra if you make a reservation in advance.
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
The dinosaur museum was opened in 2000 and is located in Katsuyama City (勝山市). It became an outstanding theme park in Fukui, with many visitors regardless of gender or age.
The building has four floors, each containing a different dinosaur that was discovered in Fukui.
These are the Fukuiraptor, Fukuivenator, Fukuisaurus, Fukuititan, and Koshinsaurus.
You can learn in more detail about dinosaurs in the Dino Lab and you can also experience uncovering fossils in the training room.
On top of that, you can try a fossil excavation near the site where the dinosaur fossils have been found.
Echizen Great Buddha (越前大仏)
Would you like to see a great statue of Buddha?
Seidaiji temple (清大寺) is built near the Dinosaur Museum. The temple was founded in 1987 by the late Kiyoshi Tada, who was from Katsuyama City.
It consists of a five-tiered pagoda, Buddha Hall, and a garden. The Great Buddha is a seated statue 17 meters high that is modeled after Buddha in the city of Luoyang (洛陽) in China. It’s worth taking a look along with the other smaller Buddha statues placed along the wall.
Final Note
Thanks for joining the tour in Fukui. How did you like my article?
Here’s the thing: Fukui was ranked number one for happiness five times in a row. It would be a wonderful place to live! Why don’t you visit such a blessed location the next time you are planning your vacation?
I’m going to write about local products and food in Fukui. See you in my next blog!
Brand Ambassador of kyoto Denim company, Kimono dresser, Japanese flower arrangement instructor I was born and raised in Osaka, I know this area like my backyard. I’d like to introduce Japanese culture and good points to someone from overseas. That’why I study English every day. Please feel free to ask me if you need anything.
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