DISCOVER FUKUI

Hakujukan is a luxurious retreat with a unique spiritual touch. It is located near Eiheiji Temple, an expansive mountainside complex of over 70 buildings, set amid towering cedars. Trained hotel staff lead guests in Zen experiences, with zazen (seated meditation) sessions available both at the temple and at Hakujukan, and sutra-copying experiences held at the inn. Savor shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine) at the on-site restaurant, paired with local Fukui sake, while enjoying the soothing sounds of a nearby river. Whether you are seeking spiritual renewal or simply a peaceful escape, Hakujukan provides an immersive stay focused on inner peace and reflection.

The coastal city of Obama in southern Fukui was once a bustling seaport. Obama Machiya Stay is a decentralized hotel of beautifully renovated townhouses that date as far back as the Edo period (1603–1867). These traditional buildings retain elements such as earthen walls, thick wooden beams, and lattice windows, but with added modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Choose to spend your time in former sweet shops, merchants’ storehouses, or even a former geisha house, each brimming with history and atmosphere. With a fully equipped kitchen and local dining options nearby, you have the flexibility to enjoy the area at your own pace. The accommodations are in the center of the old town, with convenient access to the historical preservation districts of Sancho-machi, once a geisha entertainment district, and Obama Nishigumi.

Step into the past when you stay in Kumagawa-juku, a centuries-old post town between Wakasa and Kyoto. Yao-Kumagawa has lodgings in renovated machiya townhouses where breakfast ingredients and recipes are provided for you to cook traditional meals, at your leisure. Alternatively, you can learn Edo-period (1603–1867) cooking techniques and prepare lunch over a kamado (wood-burning stove) in the main kitchen, guided by a local expert. Take a picnic hamper up the mountain trail to Shukaku Viewing Point for a scenic moment, or rent a bicycle and ride to the gently flowing Uriwari no Taki Falls. Simply strolling around Kumagawa-juku and taking in the nature, culture, and history is a delight in itself.

Experience the historical charm of Sakai’s coastal Mikuni district at a luxurious restored machiya townhouse. Tsumesyo Mikuni Machiya Stay operates two spacious, early twentieth-century machiya with contemporary furnishings. The accommodations include fully equipped kitchens for self-catering and the option of gourmet meals from local restaurants. Nearby attractions include the striking Tojinbo Cliffs, a 1-kilometer stretch of dramatic basalt formations, and the uninhabited Oshima Island, connected to the mainland by a vermillion pedestrian bridge. Echizen Matsushima Aquarium is another popular destination, with feeding pools and tanks of colorful marine life.

As Japan’s "Dinosaur Kingdom," Fukui fully embraces its paleontological heritage. Dinosaur motifs are everywhere, from the prefectural mascot (a green dinosaur named Juratic) to the life-sized dinosaur animatronics that welcome visitors at Fukui Station Dinosaur Plaza. Immerse yourself in local dinosaur lore by staying at one of the many dinosaur-themed rooms available in select accommodations. Dinosaur-inspired decor includes murals, fossils, and even jungle-adventure interiors with indoor tents. Consider staying at establishments in Katsuyama for easier access to the renowned Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, where you can learn about Fukui’s incredible fossil discoveries. Katsuyama New Hotel and Hotel Harvest Skijam Katsuyama are only about 10 minutes drive from the museum.