DISCOVER FUKUI

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…

Contents, pricing, capacity, reservation details, etc. in English, Simplified Chinese (简体中文), Traditional Chinese (繁體中文), Korean (한국어), French (Français), Thai (ไทย) and German (Deutsch) *Some documents are only available in select langu…

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.

Fukui Prefecture is abundant with a rich variety of seasonal foods. Here are some foods that are in season during the fall (September through November).

The Five Lakes of Mikata (Mikatagoko), located across Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in southern Fukui Prefecture, are also known as the “Five-Colored Lakes” because the surface of each of the five lakes is of a different shade of blue. Th…

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…

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…

Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines can be found all throughout Fukui, each with their own story. These include the head temple of a major sect of Zen Buddhism, as well as various temples and shrines with unique histories—even a dedication to…

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-…

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…

For centuries, Fukui has been home to the temple of Eiheiji, one of the head temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. This center of religion has had an influence on Fukui’s culture, and aspects of Zen have been handed down from generation…

Hands-on Tourism at Workshops for Echizen Yaki (Pottery), Wakasa Nuri (Lacquerware), Wakasa Menou Saiku (Agate craftsmanship), plus Woodworking and Textiles

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

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…

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…

Fukui Prefecture is abundant with a rich variety of seasonal foods. Here are some foods that are in season during spring (March through May).

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…

Using a "once-in-a-lifetime" knife carefully crafted as Echizen Blades will undoubtedly make your daily cooking delicious and fun! We introduce Takefu Knife Village, where you can see and buy works from various Echizen Blades workshops!

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…

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.