DISCOVER FUKUI

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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

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: …

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…

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…

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

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.

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…

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…

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…