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…

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-…

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…

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…

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…

We will guide you through recommended dinosaur spots reachable within a 5-minute walk from the station.

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

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…

A local writer has carefully selected spots in Fukui Prefecture—a region where the textile industry thrives—where visitors can enjoy factory tours and hands-on activities!

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…