Fukui Prefecture | A Hidden Gem on the Sea of Japan, Where Knowledge and Nature Harmonize
Fukui Prefecture | A Hidden Gem on the Sea of Japan, Where Knowledge and Nature Harmonize
Fukui Prefecture, located along the Sea of Japan in the Hokuriku region, is a place where nature, history, culture, and learning come together in quiet harmony.
Known as Japan’s “Dinosaur Kingdom,” Fukui is one of the country’s richest sources of dinosaur fossils. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum draws visitors from around the world, offering a fascinating learning experience for both children and adults.
Along the coast, dramatic landscapes such as the towering cliffs of Tojinbo showcase the region’s rugged natural beauty. Inland, historic landmarks like the Ichijodani Asakura Ruins and Eiheiji Temple allow visitors to connect with the past and the spiritual heritage of the area.
The calm waters of Wakasa Bay have long supported a rich food culture. Historically known as a “Miketsukuni”—a province that supplied food to the ancient capital of Kyoto—Fukui continues to offer fresh seafood and traditional flavors, along with peaceful hot spring towns that soothe the soul.
With its blend of nature, history, and intellectual exploration, Fukui is not a place of loud spectacle, but rather a quiet, enriching destination that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit.
- Fukui City
- Fukui city
- Echizen city
- Sakai city
- Approximately 0.75 million
- Tojinbo Cliffs
- Eiheiji Temple
- Dinosaur Museum
- Sauce katsudon [Katsuyama area] – pork cutlet with Worcestershire sauce on rice
- Echizen-soba – Echizen-style buckwheat noodles
- Echizen lacquerware
- Echizen pottery
Obama Nishigumi – A traditional preservation district with historic townhouses from the Edo period, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past.
Kabutoyama Kofun – A keyhole-shaped burial mound from the late Kofun period, located in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture. A valuable historic site preserving the region’s ancient heritage.
Tojinbo Cliffs – A scenic spot in Fukui Prefecture featuring rugged cliffs towering over the Sea of Japan.
Maruoka Castle, located in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, is said to have the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan.
Eiheiji Temple, located in Eiheiji Town, Fukui Prefecture, is the head temple of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism.