A Taste Of The Orient: Top 8 Things To Do In Fukui Prefecture

1. Awara Onsen Ashiyu

One of many reasons to visit the Fukui Prefecture is to escape the daily grind and relax. Fortunately, tired and weary travelers have an excellent onsen available to them. The Awara Onsen Ashiyu features footbaths with hot and moderately warm temperatures to deal with stiff or sore feet. Another nice feature of this onsen is the scent of the cypress trees nearby and the inviting grounds.

Awara Onsen Ashiyu

Address: 1-1 Onsen, Awara 910-4104, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Website: Awara Onsen Ashiyu (in Japanese)

2. Angel Land Fukui

This science museum is the ideal destination for travelers with kids. There’s a space theater, library, indoor and outdoor play areas, trampolines, and fountains to keep the kids occupied. It’s possible to spend a significant time here with so many attractions in one location. And if you or your kids become hungry, there’s also a nice bakery near the entrance that prepares freshly-baked bread and sandwiches.

Angel Land Fukui

Address: 3-1 Haruecho Higashi Taromaru, Sakai 919-0475, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Website: Angel Land Fukui (in Japanese)

3. Yokokan Garden

A trip to the Fukui Prefecture wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Yokokan Garden. The premises and gardens were once home to Matsudaira Shungaku, who was the lord of the region during the 19th-century. There’s a meandering pathway that runs through these traditional Japanese gardens, and there’s also a large pond that’s another focal point. The house interior features beautiful tatami and excellently crafted wooden shelves, doors, bookcases, and ceilings.

Yokokan Garden

Address: 3-12-1 Hoei, Fukui 910-0004, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Website: Yokokan Garden

4. Tsuruga Railway Museum

Tsuruga was originally a railway town that played a vital role in bridging Europe and Japan through Tsuruga Station. So, there’s no better way to learn about the town’s rich heritage than through a well-structured museum. The Tsuruga Railway Museum replicates the old station and features old railways, photos, and documents of locomotives. There’s also a wide variety of detailed dioramas of those old locomotives that give visitors an accurate picture of a bygone era.

Tsuruga Railway Museum

Address: 1-25 Minatomachi, Tsuruga 914-0079, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Website: Tsuruga Railway Museum (in Japanese)

5. Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple

For visitors seeking a spiritual experience, or simply wanting to take a guided tour of a remarkable Buddhist monastery, then Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple should be one of their first stops. The temple grounds consist of around seventy buildings and are home to a Buddhist community. Foreign tourists are expected to take a guided tour and respect the grounds and Buddhist monks.

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple is located within a picturesque cedar forest, making these grounds ideally suited for reflecting, praying, and meditating. There’s a reception room, various temple halls, and altars that are located in different parts of these grounds and some can only be accessed by walking up stairs.

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple

Address: 5-10 Shihi, Yoshida-gun, Eiheiji-cho 910-1294, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Website: Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple (in Japanese)

6. Sotomo Caves and Cliffs

There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by taking a trip to the Sotomo Caves. These geological formations are awe-inspiring, making one marvel at the natural beauty present in Fukui Prefecture. Travelers can take a cruise boat, which departs from the Fisherman’s Village in Obama. There’s a guide on the boat that informs travelers about these rock formations and the folklore of the region.

Sotomo Caves and Cliffs

Address: Obama 917-0001, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Website: Sotomo Caves and Cliffs

7. Ski Jam Katsuyama

Travelers to Fukui Prefecture who are planning to ski in the region’s impressive Alps are in luck! The Ski Jam Katsuyama resort is brimming with a variety of amenities, facilities, and activities to keep their patrons happy. And it’s not necessary to own any ski equipment before deciding to visit the resort, as they do rent any equipment visitors may need. The resort also features numerous ski courses, so even seasoned skiers won’t become bored anytime soon.

Ski Jam Katsuyama

Address: 170-70, Katsuyama 911-0000, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Website: Ski Jam Katsuyama (in Japanese)

8. The Myotusji Temple Pagoda

This temple is a mysterious, imposing, and very impressive structure. Once visitors pay an entrance fee at the main hall, they can enter and see the main shrine and triple tower. The top tower view is amazing as the surrounding landscape features plenty of leafy trees. It’s easy to figure out why this is considered one of Obama’s national treasures. Charms are also available at the temple, which would make for the perfect gifts for those special people back home.

The Myotusji Temple Pagoda

Address: 5-22 Monzen, Obama 917-0237, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Fukui Prefecture presents a world of mystery and natural delights

There’s no denying that Fukui Prefecture is a beautiful part of Japan featuring some amazing landscapes. But it’s also a region that has a rich heritage with plenty of excellent museums, tranquil temples, and gorgeous gardens that are worth visiting.