A Travel Guide to Enjoying Fukui to the Fullest
Fukui Prefecture is known for its dramatic scenic views shaped by the rough Sea of Japan and its varied coastline, along with sightseeing spots where you can experience history and culture.
In 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened the Kanazawa-Tsuruga section, making access more convenient and prompting more travelers to consider a trip to Fukui.
This article introduces transportation information, the appeal of each area, and model courses you can enjoy even on a short trip for those planning to visit Fukui.
It covers everything you need to make the most of your Fukui trip, so be sure to use it as a reference.
Fukui Has More Than Spectacular Sea of Japan Views! A Destination with Diverse Appeal
Fukui is located in the central part of Japan's main island, facing the Sea of Japan.
The northwestern to southwestern parts of Fukui face the Sea of Japan, and the rest is surrounded by mountains on three sides.
The dramatic scenery created by its varied coastline is something uniquely Fukui.
Tojinbo, designated as both a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument, is especially famous, with columnar-jointed cliffs stretching for about 1 km.
Its massive scale has even earned it recognition as one of the world's three greatest columnar jointing scenic spots and one of the world's three great natural wonders.
Fukui also has many other scenic spots with beautiful coastal views.
Another popular attraction unique to Fukui, one of Japan's leading dinosaur fossil excavation sites, is the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.
It features a wide range of dinosaur fossil and reconstructed model exhibits, and you can also try fossil excavation activities.
There are also many places where you can experience traditional culture and history, such as Echizen Ono Castle and Eiheiji Temple, where you can get a feel for Japan's historical culture.
Centered around Wakasa Bay in the southwest, Fukui is blessed with rich fishing grounds, so you can also enjoy local cuisine centered on seafood such as Echizen crab and pufferfish.
Another of Fukui's charms is the chance to encounter a wide variety of traditional crafts.
Fukui's Average Temperatures and What to Wear
Summers are hot and humid, with long daylight hours. Winters are often cloudy, and it also snows.
The northern area in particular, blessed with many mountains, gets heavy snowfall and is one of Japan's snowiest regions.
The southern area is milder than the areas facing the Sea of Japan, but it still sees a lot of precipitation in winter.
Average Monthly Temperatures in Fukui
| - | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Temperature (°C) | 3.2 | 3.7 | 7.2 | 12.8 | 18.1 | 22.0 | 26.1 | 27.4 | 23.1 | 17.1 | 11.3 | 5.9 |
What to Wear in Fukui by Season
- Spring (March - May): Light jacket and thin sweater
- Summer (June - August): Light clothing, short sleeves
- Fall (September - November): Light jacket, coat
- Winter (December - February): Coat, wool suit, thick sweater or jacket
Access to Fukui
Fukui does have Fukui Airport, but it is currently only for private and charter aircraft, and no scheduled passenger flights operate there.
For that reason, if you are flying to Fukui, you need to travel via Komatsu Airport in Ishikawa.
From Tokyo, it takes Approx. 2 hours to reach Fukui by plane and bus. If you use the shinkansen, you can get there in Approx. 3 hours.
From Osaka, it takes Approx. 2 hours by shinkansen and limited express train.
Access from Komatsu Airport to Major Stations
From here, let's look at how to get from Komatsu Airport to Fukui Station.
Komatsu Airport, which has international flights, serves as the gateway for visitors coming to Fukui from overseas.
Fukui Station is the main terminal station in Fukui and a convenient base for sightseeing.
- Route
-
1. Take the Keifuku Bus Komatsu Airport shuttle bus from Komatsu Airport and get off at the Fukui Station East Exit stop
2. Walk for about 3 minutes from Fukui Station East Exit to arrive at Fukui Station - Travel time
- Approx. 1 hour
Main Ways to Get Around Fukui
The main ways to get around Fukui for sightseeing are by bus or train. Since there are a fair number of services and routes, it should not feel inconvenient.
It is also possible to visit Fukui's sightseeing spots using only public transportation.
If you want to sightsee without worrying about departure times, consider using a taxi or rental car as well.
The Appeal of Fukui's Four Areas You Should Know Before Your Trip
If you're planning a trip to Fukui, it's worth getting familiar with the highlights of the four areas introduced below.
Popular sightseeing spots are mainly concentrated in the Awara, Sakai, and Fukui City Area and the Eiheiji and Okuetsu Area, but the other areas also offer plenty to see.
Use the appeal and highlights of each area as a guide when planning your trip to Fukui.
The Awara, Sakai, and Fukui City Area, Home to Many Popular Sightseeing Spots
The Awara, Sakai, and Fukui City Area is located in northwestern Fukui.
Because it is home to Fukui Station, where the Tohoku Shinkansen stops, you will likely visit this area during your trip to Fukui.
This area is packed with popular sightseeing spots and offers a wide variety of attractions, from historic townscapes to stunning natural scenery.
The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins are one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Fukui City, the prefecture's central city, and are the remains of a castle town from the Sengoku period (1467-1573).
The townscape, including temples, houses, and roads, has been excavated in its original form, giving visitors a real sense of history.
It is also home to some of Fukui's most famous castles, including Fukui Castle Ruins and Maruoka Castle.
Tojinbo, one of Fukui's signature scenic spots, is also in the Awara, Sakai, and Fukui City Area.
At the Asuwagawa Cherry Tree Avenue, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, you can see a beautiful sight of Approx. 600 cherry trees in full bloom in spring.
If you get tired from sightseeing, staying at a hot spring inn in Awara Onsen, which has 74 hot spring sources, is also recommended.
The Eiheiji and Okuetsu Area, Where You Can Discover Famous Castles, Historic Temples, and Dinosaurs
The Eiheiji and Okuetsu Area, stretching across northeastern Fukui, is home to many cultural facilities as well as shrines, temples, and beautiful natural scenery.
In particular, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is such a popular attraction that it is almost always included in model courses for Fukui.
It is one of the world's three great dinosaur museums, where you can enjoy fascinating exhibits including fossils, specimens, and reconstructed models.
Eiheiji Temple, with its beautiful scenery in harmony with nature, is also a popular sightseeing spot.
It is a training monastery for monks, and its solemn buildings scattered throughout the grounds, such as the Dharma Hall and Buddha Hall, are major highlights.
Echizen Ono Castle, known as the Castle in the Sky, is another recommended attraction.
When several weather conditions come together, a sea of clouds can cover the town at the foot of the mountain below the castle.
The beautiful and mystical sight of the castle appearing to float in the sky is truly spectacular.
The Wakasa Road Area, Where Mountains, Sea, and Pine Forests Create Spectacular Scenery
The Wakasa Road Area is located in southwestern Fukui and features a beautiful coastline facing Wakasa Bay.
Tsuruga City in the Wakasa Road Area is a popular destination, with many sightseeing spots scattered throughout the city, including places with the atmosphere unique to a port town, retro streetscapes, and shrines and temples full of Japanese charm.
Kehi no Matsubara, one of Japan's three great pine groves, and the exotic-looking Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse are especially popular attractions.
Mizushima, floating off the tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula, is another place you should add to your itinerary.
Known as the Hawaii of Hokuriku for its highly transparent seawater and white sandy beach, it attracts many visitors during swimming season.
If you visit the Wakasa Road Area, don't miss Uriwari Falls in Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park.
Step into the rich forest around the waterfall and you'll find a fantastical and beautiful scene, with moss-covered rocks and light streaming through the trees.
Another charm of this area is the chance to enjoy seafood nurtured by Wakasa Bay.
The Tannan Area, Where You Can Discover Traditional Crafts That Carry on Japan's Techniques and Culture
The Tannan Area, spread across central Fukui, is known for its natural scenery shaped by mountains and sea, as well as its craftsmanship.
Fukui produces more than 90% of Japan's domestically made eyeglass frames, and their careful design and decoration, uniquely Japanese, are highly regarded overseas as well.
Eyeglass-making is especially thriving in Sabae City, and at the Megane Museum, you can enjoy a wide range of exhibits related to eyeglasses and also purchase them.
The Tannan Area is not only known for eyeglasses, but also for traditional crafts such as Echizen washi paper, Echizen ware, and Echizen lacquerware.
We hope you'll actually pick up and experience the techniques and culture that have been handed down in Japan for generations.
The Kazurabashi Bridge over the Asuwagawa Gorge is a popular sightseeing spot, so be sure to visit.
Enjoy the thrill and hidden-gem atmosphere created by the harmony between this rare bridge made from a plant called kazura and the surrounding nature.
How Many Days You Need to Fully Enjoy Fukui
Because the major sightseeing spots are fairly clustered together, you can fully enjoy Fukui even on a 2-day, 1-night trip.
That said, if there are places beyond the major attractions that interest you, try extending your trip a little and visiting sightseeing spots in each area as well.
A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Course Around Fukui's Popular Sightseeing Spots
From here, we'll introduce a recommended 2-day, 1-night model course around Fukui's popular sightseeing spots.
Centered on Fukui's signature scenic spots and cultural facilities, this course also takes you to temples, ruins, and other places where you can experience a sense of history.
If you're unsure how to plan your Fukui trip, use this model course as a reference.
Day 1: Visit Popular Sightseeing Spots in Fukui City
On the first day, the plan focuses on two of Fukui's signature attractions, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and Eiheiji Temple, then ends with local cuisine at a long-established inn and a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
8:00am Start from JR Fukui Station
The model course starts from JR Fukui Station.
First, take the Echizen Railway train to Katsuyama Station, then transfer to a bus and get off at the Dinosaur Museum bus stop.
Your first stop, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, is right nearby.
9:20am Experience the Fascination and Power of Dinosaurs at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
This is one of the largest museums in Japan dedicated to dinosaur-related materials.
The exhibition rooms inside the silver-shining dome are made up of three zones: The World of Dinosaurs, Earth Science, and The History of Life.
Enjoy the appeal of dinosaurs through more than 1,000 beautiful specimens, large reconstructed dioramas, videos, and more.
1:30pm Enjoy Shojin Ryori in Eiheiji Monzen-machi
After leaving the museum, take a bus back to Echizen Railway Katsuyama Station.
Transfer to the train, get off at Echizen Railway Eiheijiguchi Station, then take another bus and get off at Eiheiji to arrive at Eiheiji Monzen-machi.
Before heading to your next stop, Eiheiji Temple, stop by the souvenir shops and restaurants around Eiheiji Monzen-machi.
For lunch, try shojin ryori.
Shojin ryori is a style of cuisine originally prepared for monks in training, made with seasonal ingredients.
One of its defining features is that it does not use meat or fish, and it is also part of spiritual practice that nurtures respect for ingredients.
It makes a perfect lunch before visiting Eiheiji Temple, which was established as a Zen training monastery.
2:40pm Stroll Through the Grounds of Eiheiji Temple
Once you've finished lunch, head to Eiheiji Temple, just a short walk away.
It is the head temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It was founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen as a training monastery for zazen meditation.
On its vast grounds of about 330,000 square meters, more than 70 halls and pavilions of various sizes stand centered around the Seven Hall Complex, and over 100 monks train there every day.
If you have time, try zazen meditation as well as admiring the beautiful architecture.
6:30pm Relax with Hot Springs and Local Cuisine at Dento Ryokan no Nukumori Haiya
After experiencing the charm of Zen, take a bus to Echizen Railway Eiheijiguchi Station.
Transfer to the train and get off at Echizen Railway Awara-Yunomachi Station.
From there, head to your first night's accommodation, Dento Ryokan no Nukumori Haiya, on foot or by taxi.
This long-established ryokan was founded in 1884. Beyond its jinya-style entrance, which reflects the elegance of traditional Japanese architecture, you'll find a Japanese-modern lobby decorated with distinctive ceilings and round pillars, and beyond that, a Japanese garden that changes with the seasons.
There are 50 guest rooms in total, ranging from pure Japanese-style rooms that retain the atmosphere of the inn's founding to Japanese-Western rooms designed for modern needs and detached rooms with open-air baths and gardens.
Relaxing at the inn is wonderful, but changing into a yukata and strolling through the Awara Onsen hot spring town is also highly recommended.
Day 2: Enjoy Fukui's Spectacular Scenery and History
Day 2 takes you to one of Fukui's finest scenic spots, along with historic streets and castle towns, so you can experience both the beauty and history of Fukui.
You'll also stop by places perfect for enjoying street food, which makes it a great chance to try a variety of Fukui specialties.
8:50am Start from Echizen Railway Awara-Yunomachi Station
The second day starts from Awara-Yunomachi Station, the closest station to your inn.
Take a bus from the station and get off at the Tojinbo bus stop, where a retro streetscape spreads out before you.
After a short walk, you'll reach one of Fukui's most spectacular views.
9:30am Be Amazed by the Powerful Scenic Views at Tojinbo
Tojinbo is a rugged cliff formation dramatically carved by wave erosion and has long been celebrated as a scenic spot.
Its powerful, jagged cliffs stretch for about 1 km, and it is said that only three places in the world, including Tojinbo, have columnar joints of this scale, which is why it has been designated as both a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.
Don't just admire the cliffs from above, try a sightseeing boat ride as well and look up at them from the water.
11:10am Enjoy Street Food at Tojinbo Shopping Street
After taking in one of Fukui's most spectacular views, head to Tojinbo Shopping Street, just a short walk away.
Various shops line the Approx. 300 m street, where you can enjoy street food such as grilled squid and scallops while feeling the sea breeze.
If you're hungry, treat yourself to an early lunch of a seafood rice bowl topped generously with fresh seafood.
- Address
- 913-0064 Yasujima 913 0064, Mikuni-cho, Sakai, Fukui Prefecture
- Hours
-
8:30am–5:00pm
※ In winter, until around 4:00pm - Closed on
- Varies by store
12:40pm Stroll Through the Historic Streets of Mikuni Minato
After your meal, take a taxi to Mikuni Minato.
Mikuni Minato flourished as a center of trade and distribution from the Edo period (1603-1868) through the early Meiji period (1868-1912).
Many historical buildings remain there, and even a short walk lets you experience the charm of its old townscape.
Alongside accommodations and souvenir shops, you'll also find cafes and restaurants renovated from Edo-period storehouses and houses, making it a great place for both shopping and food.
3:30pm Experience Local History at the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
After exploring Mikuni Minato, walk Approx. 5 minutes to Mikuni Station.
Take the train from Mikuni Station to JR Fukui Station, transfer to a bus, and get off at the Fukugen Machinami bus stop to arrive at the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins.
The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins are the remains of the castle town of the Asakura clan, who ruled this area during the Sengoku period (1467-1615).
Around Ichijodani, you'll find many historical sites that tell the story of the time, including the Nishiyama Koshoji Temple Ruins with its many stone Buddhas and pagodas, and Ichijodaki Falls, known as a training place of Sasaki Kojiro, the rival of Miyamoto Musashi.
There is also a Japanese garden, so enjoy the many highlights as you explore the castle town and surrounding historic sites.
3 Local Foods You Shouldn't Miss on a Fukui Trip
From here, we'll introduce a carefully selected list of local foods you can enjoy in Fukui.
If you can enjoy great food along with the sightseeing spots, your Fukui trip will be even more satisfying.
1. Sauce Katsudon
Sauce katsudon is a dish made by frying thinly sliced pork coated in fine breadcrumbs, tossing it in sauce, and placing it over rice. It is a soul food loved at home as well.
Unlike tonkatsu, which is known for its thickness, the thinner cutlet is easy for children and older people to eat.
Because the cutlet is thin, it mixes well with the sauce, and the exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity brings out the sweetness of the pork.
It is a dish you should try at least once when visiting Fukui.
2. Echizen Oroshi Soba
Echizen oroshi soba is a dish of cold soba noodles topped with plenty of grated daikon radish, bonito flakes, and chopped green onions.
The standard way to eat it is bukkake style, with broth poured over the soba, but the way it is served differs by restaurant, such as dipping the soba into the broth instead.
The firm noodles are very satisfying, and the spicy grated daikon makes this dish irresistibly delicious.
For Echizen oroshi soba, it is common to use native buckwheat varieties that have not been selectively bred, which gives it the appealing natural aroma and deep flavor of soba.
We hope you'll enjoy how flavorful it is, strong enough not to be overpowered by toppings like grated daikon and bonito flakes.
Echizen is one of Japan's former regional divisions and corresponds to what is now northern Fukui.
The place name still remains today in the city name Echizen City.
3. Volga Rice
Volga rice is a dish that originated in Echizen City, made by topping omurice with tonkatsu and a special sauce.
One of its charms is the wide variety from restaurant to restaurant, including the type of rice inside the omurice, such as ketchup rice or pilaf, the kind of pork used for the tonkatsu, and the sauce, such as tomato sauce or demi-glace sauce.
It looks very filling, but thanks to the well-balanced combination of flavors you can enjoy on one plate, it doesn't feel too heavy as you eat.
Rather than each part tasting separate, everything comes together as one complete dish called volga rice.
Cherry Blossom Spots You Should Visit on a Spring Trip to Fukui
If you're traveling to Fukui in spring, be sure to add cherry blossom spots to your itinerary.
The Asuwagawa Cherry Tree Avenue, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, is especially recommended.
The beauty of Approx. 600 cherry trees blooming along a stretch of about 2 km is truly spectacular.
Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the tunnel of pale pink blossoms.
The illuminated cherry trees after sunset are also fantastical and beautiful.
Kakyo Park, where you can see Approx. 1,000 cherry trees, is another spot worth adding to your spring travel plan.
The Usuzumizakura tree, designated a Natural Monument and estimated to be 500-600 years old, is a must-see.
Takeda no Sato, where Approx. 100 weeping cherry trees bloom in various locations, is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
Go see the beautifully lit, enchanting weeping cherry trees.
For the usual blooming date, full bloom date, and best viewing period for cherry blossoms in Fukui, please refer to the table below.
Please note that the blooming date, full bloom date, and best viewing period may vary depending on the year's climate, temperatures, and the specific spot.
- Blooming date
- April 1
- Full bloom date
- April 7
- Best viewing period for cherry blossoms
- April 7-April 13
Reference: Japan Meteorological Agency, Cherry Blossom Blooming Status
Reference: Japan Meteorological Agency, Cherry Blossom Full Bloom Status
Add Fukui's Diverse Autumn Foliage Spots to Your Travel Plan
Autumn leaf viewing is one of the pleasures of fall travel, and of course you can enjoy stunning fall colors in Fukui as well.
Fukui offers many different ways to enjoy autumn foliage, so add the spots that suit your interests to your travel plan.
Eiheiji Temple, which also appears in the model course, is well known as a fall foliage spot.
Because the temple grounds are home to subdued buildings with beautiful shadows and contrasts, the autumn leaves stand out even more vividly.
Kuzuryuko Lake, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Autumn Leaves Spots, offers a powerful view of the mountains around the vast lake turning brilliant colors.
If you want to see scenery full of Japanese charm, Yokokan Garden, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty, is recommended.
The sight of autumn leaves coloring this Japanese garden lets you feel a beauty unique to Japan.
Many of Fukui's autumn foliage spots are at their best from early November to late November, so try planning your trip around that season.
However, please note that the best viewing period may vary depending on the year's climate, temperatures, and the specific spot.
The Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass You Should Use When Traveling in the Hokuriku Area
If you want to keep transportation costs down on your Fukui trip, the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is worth knowing about.
The Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is a great-value ticket that gives you unlimited rides on JR local and limited express trains, the shinkansen, and buses around popular sightseeing areas including Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Gifu, as well as Kanazawa and Toyama, from Osaka and Nagoya.
It is useful not only for extending your trip from Osaka or Nagoya to Fukui, but also for traveling around the surrounding areas.
The price is 19,800 yen for adults and 9,900 yen for children, and it is valid for five consecutive days.
Traveling in Hokuriku Is Easier Than Ever with the Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension
On March 16, 2024, the Kanazawa-Tsuruga section of the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened, connecting the three Hokuriku prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui by shinkansen.
Because it became possible to travel quickly from Tsuruga City in Fukui Prefecture to Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, traveling around the three Hokuriku prefectures has become easier.
You may also want to consider a trip to Ishikawa or Toyama using the article below as a reference, which also introduces model courses using the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
FAQ about Fukui Travel
Q
What is the best season to travel to Fukui?
A
If you want to enjoy natural scenery, spring or fall, when you can see cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, is recommended.
Q
What sightseeing spot in Fukui is recommended for a family trip?
A
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is recommended, where you can enjoy a variety of dinosaur-related exhibits.
Summary
In this article, we introduced the appeal of Fukui's different areas, transportation information, and a model course around popular sightseeing spots.
Using this article as a reference, you'll be able to fully enjoy Fukui's spectacular scenery, historic buildings, and old townscapes.
If you'd like to learn more about sightseeing spots in Fukui, be sure to check out the article below as well.