Fukui doesn’t get the love it deserves, though that’s starting to change. The 2024 extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, in particular, has been a big part of it.
Of course, even for people who now feel empowered to explore a prefecture frequently voted (among Japanese) as being Japan’s worst, there’s a dearth of information on Fukui-ken, especially in English. Do you simply ride the train to Fukui Station, get off and find your way?
My Fukui travel guide aims not only to inform you about all there is to do here, but to inspire you to go beyond the obvious, to push beyond the easy. I hope you’ll give me a few more minutes of your time to see what I mean.
Where to Stay in Fukui
As you might imagine, many Fukui hotels are located in big cities like Tsuruga and in Fukui city. As you also might imagine, big business hotel brands predomination. I’m thinking Dormy Inn Premium Natural Hot Spring, which is just a short walk from Fukui Station and Hotel Granbinario Tsuruga, which is a similar distance from Tsuruga Station. Accommodations like this are the most convenient for travelers on the new Shinkansen.
On the other hand, there are more unique accommodations elsewhere in Fukui, even if they are better suited for travelers who’ve chosen to rent a car. I’m thinking, in particular, about Obama Machiya Stay in Obama, and Umitoma Oceanview Resort, a scenic property along the Echizen Coast. On the other hand, as I’m about to explain, many visitors to Fukui will be coming on a day trip, and won’t need a place to stay here at all.
What to Do in Fukui Prefecture
Drive the Echizen Coast
From the Tojinbo Cliffs in the north to Tsuruga City in the south, the Echizen Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of shore in Japan. Do keep in mind, however, that it’s also frequently rainy or snowy. The good news is that even if you have to contend with less than ideal weather, you can duck into any of dozens of restaurants serving famous Echizen crab.
Say a prayer at Eihei-ji
Another must-visit spot on your Fukui itinerary is Eihei-ji, a tranquil temple ensconced in the forest. Some travelers will come here as an à la carte destination (it’s more or less accessible via public transport from Fukui Station), while others will combine it with other spots, be those the Echizen Daibutsu in Katsuyama, or the Ichijodani Asakura Ruins.
Go back in time (and out to sea) in Obama
Although its name (which means “Little Beach” in Japanese) has nothing to do with the former US president, the town of Obama deserves to be world-famous. Japanese people sometimes refer to its as “Nara by the Sea,” due to temples like Myotsu-ji and Mantoku-ji, the latter of which has a beautiful garden. I also highly recommend riding a boat from Obama Port to Sotomo Arch.
Marvel at Maruoka Castle
Searching for things to do in Fukui that are easily accessible on a day trip from Kanazawa? I highly recommend visiting Maruoka Castle in Sakai city then. One of just 12 remaining “original” castles in Japan, Maruoka-jo is also delightfully small, meaning that you can fully explore it inside and out in just half a day, not counting how long it takes to get there and back.
Don’t forget Fukui City
I’ll admit that I haven’t explore Fukui City as intently as I should’ve—I’m waiting until this autumn, for example, to finally visit Yokokan Garden. However, even if you simply go out one of the station exits to see the dinosaur statues (Fukui, it can easy to forget, is home to one of Japan’s largest fossil deposits), there’s value to exploring any secondary or tertiary city in Japan.
How Many Days Do You Need in Fukui?
The question of how many days in Fukui you need is complex. On one hand, the prefecture is huge. If you plan to see all the top sights, or even some of them, you’ll need at least 2-3 nights—maybe more if you don’t plan to have a car, of if you’re staying in a location that isn’t central. Conversely, if you do have a car and head out first thing in the morning, you can cover quite a bit of ground on a day trip from Kyoto or Kanazawa.
There’s also the question of when to visit Fukui. While it’s definitely a 365-day per year destination, some times of year are more or less hospitable. In theory, for example, winter is a great time to drive the Echizen Coast, particularly in January when the daffodils bloom. Unfortunately, winter is also extremely rainy (and, sometimes, snowy). Likewise, autumn is more beautiful than summer, even if summer is a fine time to visit as well.
Other FAQ About Visiting Fukui Prefecture
Is Fukui, Japan worth visiting?
Fukui is one of the most underrated places in Japan—and, in good news for those who go, it’s also extremely uncrowded. Whether you enjoy the beautify of the Echizen Coast, or appreciate inland treasures like Eihei-ji temple or Maruoka Castle, Fukui will far exceed any expectations you have of it.
What is Fukui famous for?
Fukui is infamous more than it is famous—among Japanese people, it’s known as one of the “worst” prefectures of Japan. It was also one of the most cumbersome to reach, prior to the 2024 extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The good news is that Fukui is what you make of it; I hope this page inspires you to explore it deeply.
How do I get to Tojinbo?
Although some public transportation goes to the Tojinbo Cliffs, the reality is that a rental car is a much better bet for reaching them. Namely, if you rent a car in Fukui City, you can reach them in 60-90 minutes, depending upon traffic and whether or not you stop en route.
The Bottom Line
I hope my Fukui travel guide has informed and inspired you, and makes you feel empowered to explore this underrated part of Japan. Some of you will take baby steps, be that a day trip from Maruoka Castle from Kanazawa, or an excursion from Kyoto to Obama. Others will dig deep into Fukui, whether you drive the Echizen Coast (and reward yourself with a crab feast) or go deep into the forests of Eihei-ji temple. No matter what you think you’ll enjoy most in Fukui-ken, I’ve got you covered. Another way to cover your bases before you visit Japan? Hire me to plan your trip!
