Many visitors to Japan tend to congregate in Tokyo to take in the majesty of that neon lit city. However, there’s more to Japan than its impressive high tech megalopolises. The countryside is as equally majestic with its rich green plains, mountains, and historic towns. One area that offers the best of country life is the Fukui Prefecture, which is located in the western part of Japan and faces the Sea of Japan.
Visitors to Fukui Prefecture will have much to do and see, such as caves and stunning rock formations, informative museums, a breathtaking ski resort, and towering pagodas. Fukui Prefecture is also a great place to slow down and relax as life moves at a slower pace here than in the big city. But this should only make one’s trip more enjoyable, as it’s best to take the time to take in all that beautiful scenery and ancient shrines.
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
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.