DISCOVER FUKUI

Blessed with a rich climate, pure spring water, and exceptional ingredients, Fukui has long supported the food culture of Japan’s ancient capital. Often called a true “culinary treasure trove,” Fukui offers the freshest seafood, m…

Japan is famous for its four distinct seasons, and Fukui ーlocated in the middle of the country's Honshu main islandー is a great place to experience them all. Since ancient times, people in Fukui have led their lives according to the seas…

Fukui is a special place for dinosaurs: roughly 80% of all dinosaur fossils discovered nationwide have come from Fukui. These many discoveries include fossils that are unusually complete, and rare firsts for Japan: many species were discovered here…

For hundreds of years, Japan’s most famous blades were the ones used by samurai warriors. The blade-making industry of the Echizen region of Fukui, though, was started nearly 700 years ago by a swordsmith who made sickles for farming. He hope…

For centuries, Fukui has been renowned for its craftsmanship, bolstered by its abundant natural resources and relative proximity to the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The prefecture encompasses areas such as the city of Echizen, home to iconic…

Bring back a piece of your trip off the beaten path to Japan. Popular souvenirs in Fukui include beautiful Japanese traditional crafts that will make your everyday life all the more enjoyable, as well as delicious foods and snacks you could share w…

Rediscover Japan—and rediscover yourself—in Fukui. The human touch of Zen Buddhism and traditional crafts. The natural beauty of rugged coastlines and mountain forests. Explore at your own pace, for relaxation, spiritual enrichment, and…

The Mackerel Road (Saba Kaido) is a network of routes developed around the eighth century to transport mackerel and other goods from the ancient province of Wakasa to Kyoto. The province encompassed the land around Wakasa Bay, covering the present-…

Razor-sharp teeth bared, and impressive claws poised for attack, a striped Fukuiraptor squares off against a Fukuisaurus. The herbivorous ornithopod, known as the “cattle of the Cretaceous” opens its beaked mouth and bellows in defiance…

The founder of the temple of Eiheiji, Zen Master Dogen (1200–1253), laid the foundations here in Fukui for shojin ryori Buddhist cuisine in Japan. This style of sustainable cooking is built on Buddhist teachings about compassion for all livin…

For well over a thousand years, the Wakasa region of southern Fukui has been famous for its exceptional foods. The natural bounties of this coastal region long served to supply the old capital cities of Kyoto and Nara with fish and sea salt. Today,…

Fukui Prefecture is a leading sake-producing region, with over 40 breweries that benefit from its fertile soil, clean water, and centuries of expertise. While sake brewing in Fukui dates from the Edo period (1603–1867), young toji (master bre…

Festivals are held in many parts of Fukui throughout the year. While the Japanese word matsuri is usually translated as “festival,” its meaning also includes religious ceremonies. These events mark changes in the seasons, serve as praye…

Artisans from the Echizen region of central Fukui have a policy to never refuse a job, no matter how difficult it might sound at first. New challenges often involve working across industries, and this region is the perfect place for collaboration: …

Hamamachi is a historic entertainment district in the city of Fukui, located south of the lively Katamachi nightlife area. Once home to geisha teahouses, Hamamachi has evolved into a destination for fine dining and cultural experiences, often in pr…

Fukui is full of sights that blend human artistry and sensibilities with the surrounding natural environment. With rare natural phenomena, as well as art and unique events, there are plenty of magical moments to experience throughout the year&mdash…

Heshiko is a flavorful, traditional preserved food made by pickling fish, usually mackerel, in salt and rice bran. Dating from the Edo period (1603–1867), it was a crucial protein source for coastal communities along the Sea of Japan in the w…

A dinner of a local favorite dish, paired with local sake, can be a nice way to finish the day—or just the start to an evening. Many find the most rewarding and memorable parts of travel to be meals and time spent with new people. Fukui offer…

Water defines the natural environment of Fukui. Much of the prefecture lies along the Sea of Japan, and in addition to sights along the coast, there are freshwater lakes and rivers with lots of variety to explore. Whether for fun, for relaxation, o…

For centuries, Fukui served as an imperial food province, because the seafood here was considered good enough to serve to the emperor. The many sushi restaurants all around the prefecture are simply a part of the local culture, as are the seafood s…

Discover your adventurous side in Fukui. With snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, pristine beaches, and starry skies, it’s an ideal destination for enjoying the outdoors.