Fukui Prefecture: The hidden gem of the "New Golden Route"

Winter in the Japanese Countryside

Home to the largest Zen training site in Japan (Eiheiji), and one of the world’s leading dinosaur museums, Fukui Prefecture ―a total hidden gem located right between Kyoto and Kanazawa on the coast of the Japan Sea― is sure to please nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike!

And from March 2024, the idyllic seaside community, also known for its fine dining, traditional crafts, and countless samurai-era historic sites, is going to become easier than ever to discover and explore:

That is, the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line from Tokyo is scheduled to extend into Fukui on March 16, 2024, making the journey from the Japanese capital a mere 2 hours 51 minutes with no transfer.

In the meantime, as part of Japan’s snow heavy “Yuki-Guni” region, Fukui also happens to be a great place to visit in the colder months, so we thought we would share with you today a few things to do around this magical winter wonderland!  

An Authentic Japanese “Power Spot” Overflowing with ～Mystical Energy～

First established as a Buddhist temple in the year 717, Heisenji Hakusan Shrine grew into the largest spiritual community in the country through the Warring States era of the 15th and 16th centuries. The temple grounds ―which served as a base for pilgrimages to the holy mountain of Hakusan, one of the three sacred mountains of Japan alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama― were home to thousands of monks until the site was burned to the ground during an uprising in the late 16th century.

The temple was later turned into a Shinto shrine when, in 1870, the formal separation of Shintoism and Buddhism was enforced. The otherworldly site has since been taken over by a velvety carpet of shimmering green moss and colossal Japanese cedars.

A Real-Life Castle in the Sky

Originally built around 1580, the fairytale-like Echizen Ono Castle appears to be floating on a sea of clouds when the right weather conditions align, from October to late April. Throughout the warmer months, however, visitors will also find there a vast museum introducing the region’s fascinating history.

At the foot of the castle lies the medieval town of Ono, established some 400 years ago. Samurai estates and as many as 16 temples of nine different schools of Buddhism ―a rare sight even in Japan― line the streets of this “Little Kyoto”. The best way to take it all in might just be to hitch a ride on an old-timey rickshaw!

The King of Winter Delights

The launch of crab season every year on November 6 is a huge deal around here. To the point that winter in Fukui could be said to be synonymous with snow crabs, as people from all corners of Japan (and beyond!) come over to get a taste of the seasonal delicacy.

Echizen Gani crabs ―a title only bestowed upon first-class male specimens caught off the shores of Fukui― are even deemed fine enough for the imperial family and sent their way every year as an offering. A well-kept secret among locals, however, is the female Seiko Gani: Smaller in size but highly praised for its delicious roe, the Seiko Gani also comes with a more affordable price tag.

To spend the colder months like a true local and get your fill of this “Star of the Japan Sea”, why not stay the night at one of the many ‘ryokan’ traditional inns lining up the coast?

Free Footbaths & the Finest Street Food in Town

Speaking of lavish traditional inns… a trip to the onsen is *always* a good idea, even more so in the heart of winter! Fukui’s own hot spring resort ―Awara Onsen― welcomed its first guests in 1883 and has since enjoyed great popularity with writers and artists for its timeless elegance.

You’ll find here as many as 74 hot springs, operated by some 20 ‘ryokan’ inns, each one boasting its own unique set of health benefits. In addition to opulent dinners and enchanting gardens, many establishments also offer private baths for folks who might not feel too comfortable with the big public ones.

A short walk from the inns will take you to ‘ashiyu’ footbaths, all of which are completely free to use. In the evening, the red glow of paper lanterns nearby will guide you to a warren of old-school food stalls. With room for only a few patrons to sit, the intimate eateries are perfect for mingling with locals as you chow down on some delicious Japanese street food classics.

A Ski Resort Off the Beaten Path

Boasting a total of 14 pistes spread over three mountain parks, Ski Jam Katsuyama ―one of the largest resorts in western Japan― has it all: Ski and snowboarding lessons (available in English!) and full rental of skis, snowboards, and anything else you might need for an awesome time on the trails.

Here, the après-ski is also second to none! The resort’s hotel and open-air hot spring baths will surely be welcome after a long day of fun in the snow.

15,000,000 Daffodils by the Sea

You may already be familiar with a few of Japan’s most famous flowers (who hasn’t heard of the gorgeous sakura?) but did you know that some of them bloom in the icy cold of winter?

Daffodils, Fukui’s official flower, come into bloom from December through March every year. During peak season, you can admire over six hectares of daffodil fields unfolding before your eyes along the Echizen Coast, the perfect destination for a scenic drive.

Fifteen million or so delicate flowers swaying in the wind against the rough waves of the Japan Sea in the background is definitely a sight to see!

Find out more about Fukui at https://enjoy.pref.fukui.lg.jp/en/ (in English)

And follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube at #ExperienceFukui for travel ideas, local tips and everything else there is to know about this hidden gem of central Japan!

https://www.facebook.com/experiencefukui

https://www.instagram.com/experience_fukui

https://youtube.com/channel/UCUJzhQ4vbkoBNhqsNQB62bQ

―How to get to Fukui

Take a limited express train to Fukui Station (45 minutes from Kanazawa) or Tsuruga Station (50 minutes from Kyoto/Osaka)

―GOOD NEWS! 

The Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train is scheduled to make its way to Fukui from March 16th, 2024, shortening the trip from Tokyo to a mere 2 hours 51 minutes with no transfer!

―Traveling from outside Japan?

Get your Hokuriku Arch Pass today for unlimited travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukui (among other places)!

https://www.newgoldenroute.jp/ (in English)