Attractions/Experience

Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins

Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruin is the ruins of a castle town of the Asakura clan, who ruled Echizen for five generations (1471-1574). At that time, the castle town was in no way inferior to Kyoto. The town has been restored, and now the mansions, temples and roads are just like they used to be. The ruins are still being excavated, and artifacts, such as tea sets, stationery and other objects of value to research have been discovered. This is a rich archaeological site that has been designated as a site of special historic significance and scenic beauty as well as an important cultural property. There are only a few such archaeological sites in Japan.

Awara Onsen

Awara Onsen is a hot spring resort town that is familiarly known as “Kansai’ Antechamber.” The town was given this nickname because of its elegant atmosphere. They have welcomed many customers since 1887, the opening of the hot spring.

Asuwayama Park

Asuwayama Park contains historical artifacts and burial mounds related to Emperor Keitai, who is said to be from Fukui. There is a natural history museum on the grounds as well as a literary memorial museum dedicated to the poet Tachibana Akemi, who was active at the end of the Edo Period.
It is an ideal place for citizens to relax while discussing the history of Fukui City.
In spring, about 3,500 cherry trees can be seen in full bloom, including the 350-year-old weeping cherry tree at Asuwa Shrine.

Takefu Knife Village

The Takefu Knife Village is an internationally-recognized production area of forged knives. Its knives have been selected to form a permanent collection in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The 700-year-old traditional technique originated in 1337, when a master of Kyoto during the period of Northern and Southern Dynasties, came to the Echizen region and made not only fighting swords but also sickles for farmers.

Shindaij Temple, Echizen Daibutsu

With a height of 17 meters, surpassing even that of the Great Buddha of Nara, the Echizen Daibutsu is the largest indoor statue of the Great Buddha in Japan. There is also a beautiful Japanese garden where you can enjoy white plum blossoms, red plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, autumn leaves and maple trees. You can enjoy all four seasons at this garden.

Yokokan Garden

The Yokokan Garden was formerly the villa of the Matsudaira clan, one of the lords of the Fukui Domain. It was used as a guesthouse during the Meiji era, but was destroyed during a war. However, as part of the Gosensui Plan, the garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty during the Edo Period and has since been restored. It is a tasteful garden with ponds, trees, rock arrangements, and out-buildings in the Sukiya architectural style. You can enjoy all four seasons here.
This garden has been recognized both domestically and internationally and was ranked third among Japanese gardens in an American garden magazine for three consecutive years until 2010.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Katsuyama City accounts for 80% of dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan, and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world's leading dinosaur museums.
There are fossils, dioramas, very realistic reconstructions of dinosaurs and forty full dinosaur skeletons on exhibition in this spacious museum.

Echizen Washi Village

The Imadate District, where Echizen Washi Village is located, has a 1500-year history of producing Echizen washi, or Japanese paper. The area boasts of its high quality paper and advanced techniques.
At the Echizen Washi Village, you can observe the craftsmanship of Echizen paper-makers, experience making your own washi, and visit other facilities related to the making of Echizen washi. The paper-making shops are lined up along a 230-meter long street that intertwines natural beauty with a traditional Japanese village.

Fukui Castle

The famous Fukui Castle has been around for seventeen generations of the Echizen Matsudaira family. Hideyasu Yuki, the second son of Ieyasu Tokugawa, was the first feudal lord of Fukui and started building the castle in 1601 and finished it six years later. The vast castle, suitable for the powerful 680,000 koku clan that took over the Kaga Maeda clan, was encircled by four moats, protecting a five-storied castle keep that towered 37 meters, equivalent to a modern 12-story building. Today, only the castle stone walls and a portion of the moats are left.

In addition, an old well called the "Fortune Well" was found beneath the castle tower. This well is said to be the origin of the name “Fukui City.”

Megane Museum

The Megane Museum is a symbol of Sabae, the city of eyeglasses. You can learn the history of the production of glasses, experience making glasses in the museum workshop, or visit a shop that sells original products from approximately 45 companies around Japan. You can even have your glasses custom-made.