Only 2 Hours From Osaka Station! 4 Must-See Spots in Fukui
13 Mar 2020
Fukui Prefecture is located just about in the direct center of Japan and faces the Sea of Japan. There you can find all sorts of austere natural features, temples filled with history, and artistic sights. Why not visit this photogenic prefecture today?
About Fukui Prefecture
Fukui is at the central area of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is on the west coast, facing the Sea of Japan. From Osaka, the gateway to the Kansai region, it’s quite easily accessible, taking about two hours by a rapid-express train. This makes it a perfect spot for day-tripping. From the picturesque Tojinbo cliffs, to the Eihei-ji temple, among the most distinctive temples of Zen Buddhism, there are numerous places to see.
Another strong selling point is that because of its position close to the sea, you can always find excellent seafood! If you visit during the winter, make sure not to miss out on the regional specialty, Echizen crab. Stop by Japan’s largest fish market, the Nihonkai Sakana-machi (Sea of Japan Fish Market), to grab a bite to eat and buy souvenirs to take home. Because of the large numbers of dinosaur fossils excavated in the area, Fukui is also known as the Dinosaur Kingdom.
1. The Tojinbo Cliffs
The Tojinbo cliffs are the most famous sight in Fukui. The cliffs, over 20 meters high, extend for about a kilometre and will make you gasp with amazement. To enjoy the sight fully, climb the nearby Tojinbo tower: from the tower, 55 meters high, you can enjoy not only the cliffs, but also Oshima (O Island) floating above the waves, the Echizen coast, and the Hakusan Mountains in the background. Pay a visit to the tower’s restaurant and enjoy a crab meal too!
【Facility name】 Tojinbo
【Opening hours】9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Winter hours (November - March): 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
【Days Closed】 None
【Price】 Adults 1,400 JPY, Children 700 JPY
【URL】 Sakai City Mikuni Tourist Association Official Homepage
【Street address】 Sakai City Mikuni Tourist Association Official Homepage GoogleMap
2. Echizen Pottery Village
The Echizen Pottery Village was founded about 50 years ago to be the center of activity for young potters. The Echizen Pottery Park is an art spot located at the center of this village, where some 15 artistic creations, from Japan’s most well-known artists like Taro Okamoto and Isamu Noguchi, are displayed outdoors. Experience these artistic pieces from up close, and take some commemorative photos with them! The nearby Fukui Prefectural Pottery Museum offers ceramics classes, so challenge yourself to some pottery-making!
【Facility name】 Echizen Pottery Village
【Opening hours】9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last entry 4:30 pm)
【Days Closed】 Monday (except if a National Holiday), Days following national holidays (except if a Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday), End and beginning of the year
【Price】 Adults: 300 JPY (Free for those below high-school age and those above 70)
【URL】 Official website (Japanese only)
【Street address】 120-61 Ozowara, Nyu-gun Echizen-cho, Fukui GoogleMap
3. Kehi no Matsubara (Pine Tree Park)
The image of a white, sandy beach with crashing waves and dotted with pine trees is so ingrained in the Japanese consciousness that the phrase “white sand, green pines” is synonymous with ethereal natural beauty. And the pine trees of Kehi are known as one of Japan’s three best pine forests, along with the Miho Pine Grove of Shizuoka and Niji Pine Grove of Saga. Some 17,000 trees line the water's edge, and the entire area has been designated as Matsubara Park (Pine Tree Park), which features a helpful set of walking trails where you can take a leisurely walk, feel the salty breeze against your skin, and appreciate the natural beauty of Fukui.
【Facility name】 Kehi no Matsubara
【Opening hours】 All day
【Days Closed】 None
【Price】 Free
【URL】 Tsuruga Tourism Association Official Homepage (Japanese only)
【Street address】 Matsushima-cho, Tsuruga-shi, Fukui GoogleMap
4. Eihei-ji
The Daihonzan Eihei-ji temple was established by Dogen Zenji over 700 years ago and is one of the country's most recognizable Buddhist temples. Itis the central temple of the Soto School of Zen Buddhism. Even today, numerous monks live strict lives of discipline. Over the vast premises, covering 33 hectares (82 acres), 70 buildings allow you to feel the beating heart of history amidst the vast cedar trees. Just being there, you'll be enveloped in the austere atmosphere. On-site, get a taste of the zen life by practicing zen meditation (500 JPY) or copying a sutra (1000 JPY), no reservation necessary!
【Facility name】 Daihonzan Eihei-ji
【Opening hours】 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (changes by the season)
【Days Closed】 None
【Price】 Adults: 500 JPY, Elementary and middle school students: 200 JPY
【URL】 Official Homepage
【Street address】 5-15 Shihi, Yoshida-gun Eiheiji-cho, Fukui GoogleMap
Fukui features the unvarnished beauty of Japanese nature, and there are ore places to see than the items here! Visit the prefecture in person to find the best locations for you!
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