Japan Travel vol.04｜Fukui Complete Travel Guide｜Secrets at the Edge of Hokuriku
Fukui: Way More Diverse and Deep Than You Think
A Trip to Fukui That Will Surprise You at Every Turn
As a tourist destination, Fukui isn’t the first place that pops into most people’s heads. But once you go, you’ll realize how many hidden gems it has—and how big and bold they really are.
It’s Japan’s top “dinosaur fossil hotspot,” home to the jaw-dropping cliffs of Tojinbo, the Zen sanctuary of Eiheiji Temple, and even a mysterious giant Buddha. Nature, history, outdoor thrills, and local food—Fukui’s got the whole set.
With the Hokuriku Shinkansen now making access easier than ever, RAW JAPAN takes you on the ultimate deep-dive into this underrated prefecture.
| What’s in this guide | |
|---|---|
| 🦖Fukui’s Must-Visit Spots | 5 Breathtaking Views & Experiences You Didn’t Expect |
| 🍜Fukui Gourmet Picks | From Classic Sauce Katsu-Don to Hidden Local Gems |
| 🏨Fukui Stays | 4 Stays That Reveal Fukui’s Hidden Depths |
| 🕘Fukui Model Plan | The Perfect 3-Day Route for “Beyond Expectations” Fukui |
[Fukui’s Must-Visit Spots – 5 Picks]
5 Breathtaking Views & Experiences You Didn’t Expect in Fukui
1. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
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A Full-On “Jurassic World” in Fukui
Counted among the world’s top three dinosaur museums, this is Japan’s largest facility dedicated entirely to dinosaurs. Inside its silver dome, you’ll find full-scale skeletons, lifelike reconstructions, and a moving T. rex that gets kids and adults equally hyped. Outdoors, the Katsuyama Dino Park offers fossil-dig experiences so you can go full paleontologist for a day. English displays are solid, making it a true global “holy site” for dino fans. And thanks to the 2024 Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, access from Fukui Station to Katsuyama is easier than ever.
| Name | Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum |
| Hours | 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) |
| Closed | 2nd & 4th Wed (next day if holiday, open in summer), Dec 31 & Jan 1 |
| Admission | Adults ¥1,000 / High & Uni students ¥800 / Elementary & JHS ¥500 |
| Address | Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest, 51-11 Terao, Muraoka-cho, Katsuyama, Fukui Google Map |
| Website | Official Site |
2. Tojinbo Cliffs
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Sheer Cliffs × Sea of Japan—Nature’s Edge
Carved by centuries of pounding waves, these volcanic cliffs tower 20 meters high and stretch for a full kilometer. With almost no railings, it feels like standing at the edge of the Earth. Hop on a sightseeing boat to admire them from the sea, or time your visit for sunset when the rock glows deep red. Local legends add a layer of mystery, making this both a nature and history thrill.
| Name | Tojinbo Cliffs |
| Entry | Free (Boat: Adults ¥1,800 / Kids ¥900) |
| Parking | ¥500 per car (special mid-August rates) |
| Address | 64-1 Mikuni-cho Anshima, Sakai, Fukui Google Map |
| Website | >with Tojinbo >Tojinbo Boat Tours |
3. Eiheiji Temple
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800 Years of Living Zen
Founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen, Eiheiji is the head temple of the Soto Zen school. Surrounded by ancient cedar forests, the seven main halls still house monks in active training. Visitors can walk through certain areas, soaking in the quiet discipline of “Zen in the now.” Everything—architecture, statues, even the spotless floors—radiates an aesthetic of nothing wasted. Zazen meditation (booking required) lets you join in for real.
| Name | Eiheiji Temple |
| Hours | 8:30–16:30 (seasonal) |
| Admission | Adults ¥700 / Elementary & JHS ¥300 / Preschool free |
| Activities | Zazen meditation (from ¥500, booking required) Shakyo (sutra copying) currently suspended |
| Address | 5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Google Map |
| Website | Official Site |
4. Echizen Great Buddha (Seidaiji Temple)
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A Giant Buddha Nobody Knows
Bigger than Nara’s famous Daibutsu, yet oddly under the radar. Built in the late Showa era by a wealthy businessman, this 17-meter, 500-ton Buddha is flanked by over 1,200 smaller statues. The grounds include a five-story pagoda, gardens, and long corridors—everything here feels oversized and otherworldly. Quiet, spacious, and surreal, it’s perfect for photographers and seekers of “hidden Japan.”
| Name | Daishiyama Seidaiji – Echizen Great Buddha |
| Hours | 8:00–17:00 (winter changes apply) |
| Closed | Year-round (some winter closures) |
| Admission | Adults ¥500 / Students ¥300 |
| Address | 50-1-1 Katase, Katsuyama, Fukui Google Map |
| Website | Official Site |
5. Echizen Matsushima Aquarium (Sakai City)
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A Hands-On Aquarium by the Sea
Just minutes from Tojinbo, this family-friendly aquarium encourages interaction—pet sharks and rays at the touch pool, or walk the glass-floored “Coral Sea” deck over the ocean. Seasonal events and a private night-rental option keep it fresh. Dolphins, penguins, and up-close sea life make this a hit for couples, families, and ocean lovers.
| Name | Echizen Matsushima Aquarium |
| Hours | 9:00–17:30 (to 16:30 in winter) Until 20:00 on select summer/GW days |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Admission | Adults ¥2,200 / Elementary & JHS ¥1,200 / Ages 3+ ¥600 Night rental ¥150,000 |
| Address | 74-2-3 Saki, Mikuni-cho, Sakai, Fukui Google Map |
| Website | Official Site |
[Fukui Gourmet Picks – 4 Must-Try Foods]
From Classic Sauce Katsu-Don to Unexpected Local Gems
1. Europe-Ken Main Store (Fukui City)
The Origin of Fukui’s Signature “Sauce Katsu-Don”
Forget the egg—Fukui’s katsu-don skips it entirely. Here, a thin pork cutlet is dipped in a tangy, Worcestershire-based secret sauce and laid directly on hot rice. Europe-Ken, said to be the birthplace of this style, has been serving it since 1934 and still sells hundreds of bowls a day. The light batter and sweet-sour sauce make it surprisingly refined for fried food. Come here to taste the original that started it all.
| Name | Europe-Ken Main Store |
| Hours | 11:00–19:50 (L.O.), no reservations |
| Closed | Mondays (open if holiday), Tuesdays |
| Budget | ¥1,000–¥2,000 |
| Address | 1-7-4 Junka, Fukui City, Fukui Google Map |
| Payment | Cash only |
| Website | Official Site |
| Other Locations | List of Branches |
2. Kenzo Soba (Eiheiji Town)
Spicy Daikon Hits You—Fukui’s “Echizen Oroshi Soba”
In Fukui, soba is served cold more often than not. The standout is Echizen Oroshi Soba—buckwheat noodles topped with a generous heap of spicy grated daikon and chilled dipping sauce. Kenzo Soba is a local favorite, famous for its hand-ground, hand-cut noodles with serious aroma and chew. Mix it up with different condiments for new flavor layers, but the sharp bite of the daikon is the star. A soba experience for grown-up taste buds.
| Name | Kenzo Soba |
| Hours | Tue–Fri 11:00–14:00 Sat, Sun & holidays 11:00–15:00 Closes when sold out |
| Closed | Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday) |
| Budget | ¥1,000–¥2,000 |
| Address | 3-26 Matsuoka-Kasuga, Eiheiji Town, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Google Map |
| Payment | Credit cards (Amex, VISA, Master, JCB) & Rakuten Pay |
| Website | Official Site |
3. Kaisen Atom – Tsuruga Wakaba Branch (Tsuruga City)
Port-Town Freshness at a Conveyor-Belt Sushi Spot
If you want top-notch Fukui seafood without going upscale, Kaisen Atom is the move. This local conveyor-belt chain serves fish caught along the Hokuriku coast at prices that make you double-take. The Tsuruga branch, close to the fishing port, is especially fresh—think seared nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), sweet shrimp, and buttery medium-fatty tuna. Even the lunch seafood bowl costs just over ¥1,000. A casual way to taste Fukui’s coastal bounty.
| Name | Kaisen Atom – Tsuruga Wakaba Branch |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 11:00–22:00 Sat, Sun & holidays 10:00–22:00 (Last entry 21:30, L.O. 21:45) |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Budget | ¥1,000–¥3,000 |
| Address | 2-1702 Wakabacho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Google Map |
| Payment | Cards, e-money (Suica, Edy, nanaco, WAON, iD, QUICPay), QR payments |
| Website | Official Site |
4. Taniguchiya Main Store (Sakai City)
100 Years of “Echizen Age” Fried Tofu Mastery
Think fried tofu is just a side dish? Think again. Since 1925, Taniguchiya has been elevating it into the main event. Their signature “O-age” is a massive 14cm-square, 3cm-thick slab—crispy outside, cloud-soft inside—fried to order. The rich soy flavor means you can eat it with just salt. The on-site restaurant serves fried tofu in every form, from agedashi to burgers to desserts. There’s even a factory tour and English pamphlets, earning rave reviews from overseas visitors.
| Name | Taniguchiya Main Store |
| Hours | Restaurant: 11:00–15:00 (Dec–Mar) 10:30–15:00 (Apr–Nov) Shop: 9:00–17:00 |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Budget | ¥1,000–¥2,000 |
| Address | 37-26-1 Kamitakeda, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Google Map |
| Payment | Cards, PayPay (no e-money) |
| Website | Official Site |
[Fukui Stays – 4 Picks]
4 Stays That Reveal Fukui’s Hidden Depths
1. Awara Onsen – Grandia Housen (Awara City)
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Luxury “Onsen & Cuisine” in One of Hokuriku’s Best Hot Spring Towns
In the 130-year-old hot spring town of Awara, Grandia Housen stands out as a high-end modern Japanese ryokan. Open-air bath suites, seasonal kaiseki dinners with Echizen beef and Japan Sea seafood, and impeccable service (with English-speaking staff) make it popular with international guests. The central location makes strolling the onsen town easy—a perfect base for a hot-spring retreat.
| Name | Grandia Housen |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | 10:00 |
| Address | 43-26 Funatsu, Awara City, Fukui Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese / English |
| Website | Official Site |
2. Tsumesyo Mikuni (Sakai City – Mikuni Port Area)
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Stay in a Restored Townhouse in a Historic Port Town
Once the gateway to Tojinbo and Mikuni Port, this renovated 1930s pharmacy is now a two-unit townhouse stay. With a dirt-floor kitchen, tatami rooms, and a small garden, Tsumesyo Mikuni offers a lived-in local feel and the privacy of a whole house. Self check-in and English support make it foreigner-friendly, and nearby cafes and antique shops turn the stay itself into part of the sightseeing. Awarded a 9.6 in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2025.
| Name | Tsumesyo Mikuni |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | 11:00 |
| Address | 3-3-17 Minamihonmachi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese / English |
| Website | Official Site |
3. Hotel Riverge Akebono (Fukui City)
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City Hotel with a Rooftop Onsen Overlooking Fukui Castle Ruins
A 10-minute walk from Fukui Station, this riverside hotel has a top-floor natural hot spring with panoramic views of Mt. Asuwa and Fukui Castle ruins. There’s also a sauna with self löyly steam, plus a breakfast buffet loaded with local specialties. Perfect for both sightseeing and business trips.
| Name | Hotel Riverge Akebono |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | 11:00 |
| Address | 3-10-12 Chuo, Fukui City, Fukui Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese / English |
| Website | Official Site |
4. Morris Resort Tojinbo (Sakai City)
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Private Villas with Ocean Views, Sauna & BBQ
Just a short walk from Tojinbo, these three ocean-view villas each have a living room, kitchen, bedrooms, private pool, sauna, and BBQ grill. Some are pet-friendly. Spend your stay swimming, grilling, and watching the sun set over the Sea of Japan—all on your own schedule. Perfect for families or groups wanting total privacy, with nearby Oshima Island and Sunset Beach for extra adventures.
| Name | Morris Resort Tojinbo |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | 11:00 |
| Address | 58-31-8 Anshima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese / English |
| Website | Official Site |
[RAW JAPAN Model Plan]
The Perfect 3-Day Route for “Beyond Expectations” Fukui
Fukui’s got more depth and variety than you’d think—dinosaurs, cliffs, giant Buddhas, Zen temples, hot springs, and food that sticks in your memory.
This plan mixes public transport and rental car use to make the most of the newly extended Hokuriku Shinkansen.
⚠️ Some routes are much easier by rental car.
❄ Winter travelers: always check road conditions.
DAY 1｜Dinosaurs × Tofu Feast × Hot Springs
| 10:00 | Arrive at Fukui Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen → Head to Katsuyama (rental car recommended) |
| 11:00 | Explore the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum |
| 13:00 | Lunch at Taniguchiya Main Store for their giant o-age fried tofu |
| 14:30 | Visit the surreal Echizen Great Buddha |
| 16:00 | Check into Grandia Housen or another Awara Onsen ryokan |
| 18:00 | Kaiseki dinner with local seafood and Echizen beef |
DAY 2｜Cliffside Views × Soba Lunch × Port Town Stay
| 08:30 | After breakfast, head to Tojinbo Cliffs (about 15 min by car) |
| 09:30 | Walk the cliffs & ride the Tojinbo sightseeing boat |
| 12:00 | Lunch at Kenzo Soba for Echizen Oroshi Soba |
| 13:30 | Visit Eiheiji Temple for a Zen reset |
| 16:00 | Check into Tsumesyo Mikuni or Morris Resort Tojinbo |
| 18:00 | Enjoy BBQ or local seafood at your accommodation |
DAY 3｜City Sights × Port-Town Sushi
| 09:00 | Stroll Fukui City (Fukui Castle Ruins, Yokokan Garden) |
| 11:00 | Sushi lunch at Kaisen Atom – Tsuruga Wakaba |
| 13:00 | Souvenir shopping near the station |
| 14:00 | Depart via Hokuriku Shinkansen |
Travel Tips & Things to Watch For
⚠️ Rental Car = More Freedom
Tojinbo, Eiheiji, and Katsuyama are time-consuming by bus/train. A car (international license accepted) makes everything easier. Drive safely—Japan’s traffic rules differ from many countries.
⚠️ Winter = Heavy Snow
From December to March, snow can close roads and shorten facility hours. Check ahead for the Dinosaur Museum, Echizen Great Buddha, and mountain routes.
⚠️ English Signage Isn’t Everywhere
Major sites have English, but smaller spots may not. Google Maps reviews/photos can be a lifesaver.
⚠️ Book Onsen Stays Early
Shinkansen access has boosted demand—reserve 2+ weeks ahead for weekends/holidays.
RAW JAPAN’s Takeaway
“Thought Fukui was plain? Turns out it’s got everything.”
Start with dinosaurs, cling to a cliff, get humbled by a giant Buddha, find your Zen, and end floating in an onsen.
Fukui’s appeal is all about doing—every stop leaves an impression, even the journeys between.
Skip the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka circuit and come see “Japan with depth.”
This is where the country’s hidden character really shows.
This article was independently compiled by RAW JAPAN with no paid promotions.
All details are as of August 2025—check official sites for the latest info.
Images are from official sources or press materials and may differ from on-site conditions.
Overseas visitors may be charged an additional bathing or accommodation tax (¥150–¥500).
RAW JAPAN is a global media portal that delivers “real-time Japan” to the world. From the latest anime and game news to collab cafés, limited-edition snacks, exclusive merch, and hyper-local food finds — we track daily headlines from across Japan, translate them, and deliver what’s actually trending on the ground