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…

Fukui is known for outstanding foods from both land and sea, and many of the prefecture’s most popular dishes are built around at least one local ingredient. Some of these foods are only available in certain communities, while others are ever…

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…

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: …

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…

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.

Since 2014, Fukui has consistently placed no. 1 in a research institute’s biannual rankings of the happiest prefectures. Some say this is related to the natural beauty all around, and the long cultural history of Zen Buddhism—Fukui is a…

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…

From snow-capped mountains and scenic coastlines to historical port towns and fossil-filled valleys, Fukui’s varied landscapes offer a wide range of captivating experiences. When planning your visit, make your accommodations as memorable as y…

A towering 20-meter structure illuminates the summer sky, spinning in a blaze of fire and embers. Crowds shout encouragement as teams push the burning mass into motion; the participants are doused with buckets of water to protect from the searing h…