Local Guide
6 Recommended Tourist Spots to Visit in Fukui Prefecture

Facing the Sea of Japan and located at the foot of Mt. Hakusan, Fukui Prefecture is dotted with scenic spots woven with abundant nature and famous places that have inherited a long history and tradition. We will introduce popular tourist spots that can be reached in about an hour from Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, such as Tojinbo, with its impressive cliffs, and the Dinosaur Museum that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

A Zen village with 700 years of history and tradition

Founded in the Kamakura period, the magnificent sight of this temple blending in with nature is soothing. Photo courtesy of Eiheiji Temple
Founded in the Kamakura period, the magnificent sight of this temple blending in with nature is soothing. Photo courtesy of Eiheiji Temple

Located in Eiheiji-cho, which spreads out to the east of Fukui city, this is the head temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism, founded in 1244 (Kangen 2) by Zen master Dogen. Even now, about 150 monks from all over Japan gather here to undergo rigorous training. Surrounded by deep green mountains, the temple grounds cover an area of about 330,000 square meters and contain over 70 halls and towers. The main buildings where the monks train are called the Seven Halls of the Temple, and their layout, connected by corridors, is said to be modeled after the posture of zazen. The temple has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon, published in France, and has attracted attention from both within Japan and overseas.

There are many things to see, including the ceiling painting depicting the beauty of nature

The painted ceiling of "Sanshokaku" is a must-see. Photo courtesy of Eiheiji Temple
The painted ceiling of "Sanshokaku" is a must-see. Photo courtesy of Eiheiji Temple

As you walk along the approach to the shrine, surrounded by 700-year-old cedar trees, you'll feel as if you're standing tall in the dignified air. You can begin your visit at Kichijokaku, where you can also Experience Zen Experience and copying sutras. You'll be overwhelmed by the solemn beauty of the Sasshokaku, where 230 paintings are embedded in the ceiling. It is said that if you find two carp paintings, two Chinese lions, and one squirrel painting, your wish will come true.
There are many other things to see, such as the 4m long "Giant Pestle Stick" in the "Daikuin" kitchen for monks. Take your time and enjoy a peaceful stroll around the temple for about an hour.

Photo courtesy of Eiheiji Temple
Photo courtesy of Eiheiji Temple
Eiheiji Temple
  • URLhttps://daihonzan-eiheiji.com/
  • address5-15 Shibi, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Prefecture MAP
  • DirectionApproximately 12 minutes by car from Eiheijiguchi Station on the Echizen Railway
  • Bus DirectionTake the bus from Echizen Railway Eiheijiguchi Station, get off at "Eiheijimonzen" or "Eiheiji" and walk for about 5 minutes
  • Opening times8:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Closed DayOpen daily
  • Admission FeeAdmission fee: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students
  • TEL0776-63-3102
  • ParkingPaid
  • NoteA direct bus called "Eiheiji Odekakego" runs from hot spring Station and the areas around the public baths of hot spring Onsen, hot spring and Yamanaka hot spring.

The only surviving castle tower in the Hokuriku region

There is a Japanese garden park built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the castle's construction, and the cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snow scenery are spectacular.
There is a Japanese garden park built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the castle's construction, and the cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snow scenery are spectacular.

Maruoka Castle, which was built by Shibata Katsuie's nephew Katsutoyo at the behest of Oda Nobunaga as a precaution against the Ikko Ikki uprising, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. As its other name "Kasumigajo" (Mist Castle) suggests, in spring the castle tower appears to be floating amidst the cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a fantastical sight. It is made up of thick stone walls made of natural stones piled up in a rough-faced pattern, and a two-story, three-storey castle tower with no through pillars, making it one of the oldest architectural styles among the 12 castles still standing today. You can tour the castle by climbing the large stone steps built into the stone walls.

Climb the steep stairs and look out over the castle town from the watchtower

It is also characterized by its heavy stone roofing to withstand heavy snowfall. It is also lit up at night.
It is also characterized by its heavy stone roofing to withstand heavy snowfall. It is also lit up at night.

Because of the double roof, it appears to be two stories from the outside, but the inside is a three-story structure. You can see defenses against enemies everywhere, such as stone-dropping devices and slits for shooting guns and bows. An elaborate diorama of a restored castle is also on display on the first floor. The stairs are steep, making it difficult for enemies to attack, and visitors reach the upper floors by relying on ropes. The watchtower on the top floor is about 35m above the foot of the mountain, and from the windows on all four sides you can see the tranquil townscape of Maruoka and the rural landscape of Sakai Plain.

Maruoka Castle
  • URLhttp://www.maruoka-kanko.org/300_spot/spot.php
  • address1-59 Kasumicho, Maruokacho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture MAP
  • DirectionApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Maruoka Station
  • Bus DirectionTake the bus from JR Fukui Station and get off at Maruoka Castle
  • Opening times8:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Closed DayOpen daily
  • Admission FeeAdmission fee: 450 yen for adults, 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students
  • TEL0776-66-0303
  • Parkingfree

Japan's largest museum where you can experience the world of dinosaurs

The moving Tyrannosaurus robot is about three-quarters the size of the real thing
The moving Tyrannosaurus robot is about three-quarters the size of the real thing

Located in Katsuyama City, which boasts the largest amount of dinosaur fossils excavated in Japan, this spot is said to be one of the three largest dinosaur museums in the world, along with the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Canada and the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in China. The main exhibit is the "Dinosaur World Zone" where you can meet many dinosaurs. The most eye-catching of all is the Tyrannosaurus robot, whose movement while making roars is a spectacular sight. Around it are entire dinosaur skeletons on display, the largest of which is a Mamenchisaurus that is 23.2 meters long. The diorama "Dinosaurs of Sichuan Province, China," in which carnivorous dinosaurs attack herbivorous dinosaurs, is also realistic and impressive.

A dinosaur world that both adults and children can enjoy

The "Dinosaur World Zone" where you can see the entire skeletons of various dinosaurs up close
The "Dinosaur World Zone" where you can see the entire skeletons of various dinosaurs up close

Of the 44 complete dinosaur skeletons, 10 are valuable and made from real bones. If you walk up the slope leading to the second floor, you can see the dinosaur skeletons up close from various angles. There are many exciting things to see, such as a zone where you can learn about dinosaurs discovered in Fukui Prefecture and Asia, a "Dino Lab" where you can actually touch fossils and meteorites, a fossil cleaning room where excavated fossils are removed from rocks, and an exhibit showing the evolution from dinosaurs to birds. There is also an "Outdoor Dinosaur Museum" (from around Golden Week to early November) where you can Experience fossil excavation, so you can enjoy it all day long.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
  • URLhttps://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/
  • address51-11 Terao, Muraoka-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture "Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest" MAP
  • DirectionApproximately 10 minutes by car from Echizen Railway Katsuyama Station
  • Bus DirectionTake the bus from Echizen Railway Katsuyama Station and get off at the "Dinosaur Museum" stop.
  • Opening times9:00-17:00 (final entry at 16:30) *During summer vacation etc. 8:30-18:00 (final entry at 17:30, please check the website)
  • Closed Day2nd and 4th Wednesdays (open on public holidays, closed the following day), December 29th to January 2nd *Open every day during summer vacation
  • Admission FeeAdults: 730 yen, high school and university students: 420 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 260 yen
    Outdoor Dinosaur Museum (approximately 2 hours) Adults 1,220 yen, High school and university students 1,020 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 610 yen
  • TEL0779-88-0001
  • Parkingfree

Walk through the remains of a castle town from the Sengoku period that was nicknamed the Little Kyoto of the Hokuriku region

The site has been faithfully restored based on excavated remains, including the use of excavated stone walls and foundation stones.
The site has been faithfully restored based on excavated remains, including the use of excavated stone walls and foundation stones.

Located about 10km southeast of Fukui Station, Ichijodani is the remains of a castle town of the Asakura clan, a feudal lord during the Warring States period who ruled Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture) for 103 years over five generations. The ruins of this castle town, which flourished and was called the "Little Kyoto of the Hokuriku region," were excavated almost completely over a period of more than 50 years since 1967 (Showa 42). Samurai residences, temples, and craftsmen's residences have been beautifully restored. Along with Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, Ichijodani is one of only six precious spots in Japan that have received the triple national designation (Important Cultural Property, Special Historic Site, and Special Place of Scenic Beauty).

Stroll around the Karamon Gate and castle ruins gardens that recall the prosperity of the time

Take a break at the rest area near the south entrance of the "Restored Town Street." Matcha tea (with sweets) 400 yen
Take a break at the rest area near the south entrance of the "Restored Town Street." Matcha tea (with sweets) 400 yen

Walking through the "Restored Townscape" and looking into the townhouses and merchant houses, you can get a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of those times. After reminiscing about the Sengoku period, take a break in the rest area. You can enjoy matcha tea served in "Echizen ware" tea bowls and sweets branded with the Asakura family crest.
Across the road is Karamon, the symbol of the ruins. It is the main gate of Shoun-in Temple, which commemorates the soul of Yoshikage, the fifth lord of the Asakura clan, and is said to have been relocated and donated by the Toyotomi family. Beyond Karamon are the remains of Yoshikage's residence, and on the hill are four gardens, including the Yudonoato Garden, the oldest in Ichijodani. The rugged scenery, made with huge mountain stones, is spectacular.

Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
  • URLhttp://www3.fctv.ne.jp/~asakura/
  • address28-37 Kidonouchicho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture MAP
  • DirectionApproximately 25 minutes walk from JR Ichijodani Station
  • Bus DirectionTake the bus from JR Fukui Station and get off at "Fukugenmachinami"
  • Opening times9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Closed DayDecember 28th - January 4th
  • Admission FeeAdmission fee for the restored town: 220 yen for adults, free for those aged 70 and over and junior high school students and younger
  • TEL0776-41-2330（朝倉氏遺跡保存協会）
  • Parkingfree

Artistic cliffs created by nature

A place of extraordinary beauty designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument
A place of extraordinary beauty designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument

The roughly carved cliffs stretch for about 1km, and the spectacular scenery is like a work of art of nature that will take your breath away. These cliffs were formed when magma intruded during volcanic activity about 13 million years ago, and the cooled and hardened volcanic rock was eroded by waves and emerged on the surface. The many pentagonal and hexagonal columnar cracks that were created when the magma solidified are rare geologically, and it is said to be one of only three such places in the world, along with Mount Kongo on the west coast of Norway and Mount Kongo on the Korean Peninsula. The cliffs are over 25m high, and the view of the rough waves of the Sea of Japan crashing on them is spectacular.

You can also take a sightseeing boat to see the spectacular Tojinbo from the sea.

Oshima, the largest island on the Echizen Coast
Oshima, the largest island on the Echizen Coast

From the stone-paved plaza, you can get a 180-degree view of Tojinbo and the Sea of Japan. There is also a promenade, from which you can see strange rock formations such as the "Candle Rock," where the sun sets over the rocks and looks like a candle flame, as well as the "Oshima Island" floating offshore and the red bridge that connects to Oshima. You can also go down to Senjojiki, a flat rocky area.
We also recommend boarding a sightseeing boat and viewing Tojinbo from the sea. You can enjoy a 30-minute cruise that will give you a close-up look at the sheer cliffs of Oike Pond, Lion Rock, and Hachinosu Rock that rise up from the sea.

Tojinbo
  • URLhttp://www.mikuni.org/tojinbo/
  • addressFukui Prefecture Sakai City Mikuni Town Yasushima MAP
  • DirectionApproximately 6 minutes by car from Echizen Railway Mikuniminato Station
  • Bus DirectionTake the bus from Echizen Railway Mikuniminato Station, get off at "Tojinbo" and walk for about 6 minutes
  • Opening timesFree viewing Sightseeing boat 9:00-16:00, November to March 9:00-15:30
  • Closed DaySightseeing boat tour: December 29th to January 31st *May be suspended due to weather conditions
  • Admission FeeSightseeing boat: Adults 1,400 yen, elementary school students 700 yen
  • TEL0776-82-5515（坂井市三国観光協会）
  • ParkingPaid

A major base where Rennyo Shonin spread the teachings of Jodo Shinshu

A 5m tall bronze statue of Rennyo Shonin. The remains of the main hall can also be seen in the square.
A 5m tall bronze statue of Rennyo Shonin. The remains of the main hall can also be seen in the square.

In 1457 (Bunmei 3), Rennyo Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, established Yoshizaki, Echizen, on the border between Fukui and Ishikawa prefectures, as his base for missionary work in the Hokuriku region. In just a few years, he built the foundations for the largest religious organization in Japan, and it is said that the place was bustling with many worshippers at the time. It was also the birthplace of the Kaga Ikko Ikki uprising, which created a "country owned by the peasants" that lasted for nearly 100 years, something unprecedented in the world.
The former Yoshizaki Dojo site is located in a developed plaza on Yoshizaki Miyama, which is surrounded by a lagoon on three sides, and is dominated by a large statue of Saint Rennyo, created by the master of Japanese sculpting, Takamura Koun.

The setting of "The Legend of the Bride Threatening the Mother-in-Law" - a story of Buddhism and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship

See the real mask that appears in the Fukui Prefecture folktale "The Bride-Threatening Legend"
See the real mask that appears in the Fukui Prefecture folktale "The Bride-Threatening Legend"

Be sure to also visit Gankei-ji Temple, located at the foot of Yoshizaki Miyama. This is also the setting for the "Bride Threat Legend," a story of a feud between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law that is also known from puppet theater and kabuki. The "Bride Threat Nikutsukinomen" that appears in the story is kept here, and you can actually see the terrifying mask that is said to have become stuck on the face. The mask has been passed down from generation to generation for about 800 years, and there are visible traces that it was once decorated with gold leaf. It is also interesting to hear stories related to the legend and the history of Yoshizaki from the head priest.

Yoshizaki Gobo Gankeiji Temple
  • URLhttp://www.yosizakigobou.net/index.html
  • address1-302 Yoshizaki, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture MAP
  • DirectionApproximately 12 minutes by car from JR Daishoji Station
  • Bus DirectionTake the sightseeing bus from JR hot spring Station, get off at "Rennyo Shonin Memorial Hall, Echizen Kaga Prefecture Border House" and walk for about 3 minutes
  • Opening times7:00～19:00
  • Closed DayOpen daily
  • Admission FeeAdmission fee: 500 yen, elementary school students 300 yen
  • TEL0776-75-1956
  • ParkingFree (in front of Yoshizaki Tourist Center)
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