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…

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…

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…

Eiheiji Temple (Eiheiji, meaning "Temple of Eternal Peace") is known as the head temple of Soto Zen — one of the three main schools of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Amid an overwhelming sense of solemnity shaped by over 770 years of histor…

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…

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…

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Fukui Prefecture.You can find useful information about transportation, sightseeing spots, accommodations, and seasonal highlights.If you can’t find the answer you&rsq…

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…

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…

Discover the history and hands-on experiences of Japan’s leading eyewear (megane) capital.

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…

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…

Browse this video collection to explore Fukui Prefecture by theme or area.

Hands-on Tourism at Workshops for Echizen Washi (Handmade paper), Echizen Tansu (Chests), Echizen Uchihamono (Forged cutlery), Echizen Shikki (Lacquerware), and Eyeglasses

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…

There are many historic buildings and ruins throughout Fukui that tell us about centuries of local history. Stories of everyday life long ago, times of war and peace, and even episodes of international friendship and humanitarian acts.

With its many forests, famous ski slopes, and exciting water parks, Fukui offers plenty of ways for the whole family to have fun in the great outdoors. For a more relaxed pace, there are farms where visitors can pick their own fruit, and places tha…

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…

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…

Fukui’s rich natural environment makes it a paradise for farmers—and for food lovers. Restaurants throughout the prefecture serve a wide variety of local ingredients, but cooks in Fukui often think of delicious local fruits and vegetabl…