With extending the Shinkansen/Bullet Train track from Kanazawa Station to Tsuruga Station, access to Fukui Prefecture has become a little easier if you are coming from the Tokyo area. Fukui Prefecture lies next to Ishikawa Prefecture (Kanazawa City) and it provides a great combination to stay in a Hot Springs Ryokan (Japanese Inn) in rural parts of Ishikawa Prefecture and then see the sights of Fukui on the following days. Of course there is accommodation available in Fukui city also
Not only known for finding the most Dinosaur fossils in all of Japan, Fukui Prefecture also is for its Traditional Craft, and actually is home to some World Wide companies, such as the high quality Sabae Glasses and also Takefu Japanese Knife village. Japanese Lacquer also is an important industry in this area along with Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) which can only be produced with very clean water. Hands on experiences with the Japanese Lacquer (Urushi) and making a Japanese knife are all possible.
Deep in history, the region also becomes a scenic and spiritual place at any time of the year. The Maruoka Castle is one of the top 100 castles in Japan, and THE only Castle in the Hokuriku Area with the original fortress tower. Extremely breathtaking in the Cherry Blossom Season. Larger than the Daibutsu Buddha Statue in Nara, the Echizen Buddha Statue stands at some 17 m (55 ft) and will literally have you laughing at the sheer size. Perhaps the most moving and spiritual place in Fukui Prefecture could well be the Eiheiji Temple. A definite highlight of the Fukui area. Located deep in the mountains, near the northwest coast of Japan, this temple was founded by Zen Master Dōgen in 1244. He devoted himself to training his followers in the perfection of Zen practice in every action of daily life. At Eiheiji Temple you can even have the privilege to stay overnight on the temple grounds and have an opportunity to participate in morning service and practice zazen. The traditional way of Wellness, and an experience that will prove extremely rewarding.
Highlights: Eiheiji Temple (visit or stay) • Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum • Echizen Daibutsu (Largest Buddha Statue) • Sabae Glass Museum (Japanese Traditional Craft) • Takefu Knife Village (Japanese Traditional Craft) • Japanese Lacquer Urushi no Sato (Japanese Traditional Craft) • Maruoka Castle • Japanese Sake Factory and Tasting Tour • Tojinbo Coastal area
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights