published and edited by:
Inbound Tourism Promotion Division
Fukui Prefectural Government
ADDRESS: 3-17-1, Ohte, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, JAPANTEL: +81-776-20-0699 / FAX: +81-776-20-0381
E-mail: k-yuukyaku@pref.fukui.lg.jp
date of issue : 24/Jan/2017
Copyright © 2017 Fukui Prefecture

Cascading Cherry Trees at Takeda 1

What a beautiful snowy senery here is!
Countless snowflakes gently fell and accumulated
over time to create this exquisite sight.
Each of these snowflakes selflessly,
unconsciously adds to the whole, yet not a single
one can be said to have fallen in the wrong place.
Much like these snowflakes, if we simply trust thewind, it will ultimately take us to where we arenaturally meant to be.
We believe that you too will find the place where
you are naturally meant to be, here in Fukui.

41 Panoramic view of Katsuyama city

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Ours is a simple and quiet lifestyle, built uponliving in harmony with nature and theenvironment.
Fukui may not be full of large shopping malls
or sightseeing destinations that attract large
groups of tourists from overseas, but the lush
environment, terroir and distinct climate of
Fukui have led to the creation of ouroutstanding traditional slow food andlocal sake cultures, while Fukui's history andclimate have shaped our traditional arts andcrafts. Our deep ZEN-like spirituality has
been handed down from generation to
generation, becoming the cultural andhistorical heritage that lives on today.
Above all, every person in Fukui enjoys their
daily lives while honoring and preserving
these traditions. This way of living is a point of
pride for the people of Fukui.
Explore Fukui – through the mountains,rivers, fields, and sea – and find a time andplace just for you. A place where you canrelax and watch the clouds roll by.
Walk the mountains and trace the river to its
source, sit there, and watch the clouds surge
forth.
2

Uriwarinotaki*See pp. 50–54 for more information on the items with numbers
at the ends of their photo descriptions.

04

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Fukui is surrounded by natural beauty,
nourished by pure water. Humans are but one
part of nature, and the people of Fukui enjoy asimple and sustainable lifestyle, living inharmony with the environment.

BonsaiBonsai is a microcosm ofnature, condensed into asmall space. This piece
combines a pine, the official
tree of Fukui Prefecture, withlocal Echizen Pottery. Truly, aminiature ZEN world
signifying the harmonious
relationship the people ofJapan share with nature.

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07

[b] Tataki Net Fishing
Tataki net fishing for carp or otherfish is a traditional winter sight on
the Mikatagoko (Five lakes of
Mikata.) This traditional fishingmethod is unique throughout
Japan. Bamboo poles are used to
strike the surface of the water,
startling the fish lurking on thelake bed and driving them into thefishers' gill nets. The technique has
been passed down over thegenerations in the Fukui area since
the Edo period.

3

b
a
d

The natural landscapes of Fukui are

wisdom for use in our daily lives. The abundant

breathtaking – from the sea and mountains to

supply of pure water in Fukui is used to chill

its rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. The delicate

vegetables, or sprinkled on the ground at thecherry blossoms of spring and the snows ofentryways of our homes, cooling the groundwinter are equally prized in Fukui life throughand the air. We seek to live in harmony with

an appreciation of the four seasons. The foods

nature.

of Fukui – developed over many generations inharmony with nature and the four seasons –are particularly cherished by the people of
Fukui.
We do not rely solely on modern machinery forour everyday needs. Instead, the people of
Fukui have developed a great deal of cultural[a] Terraced Rice Paddies
The terraced rice paddies of Takahama-cho. There are around 200
paddies worked by the local people, who enjoy a life of agriculture andfishing. Terraced rice paddies allow for maximized use of minimal
land space. Extraordinary time and effort are given to develop theseterraced rice paddies on slopes, which are not usually suited for ricecultivation. In spring, they are filled with water and planted withseedlings. Hundreds of tadpoles can be seen swimming around in thewater, as well.

ce[c] Pure Water
Fukui's pure water becomes apart of the everyday landscape insummer, as the cool
underground water is used tochill fruits and vegetables. It
gently supports the harmonious
lifestyle the people share withnature.
[d] Uchi-mizu
Uchi-mizu refers to the act ofsprinkling the ground with waterat the entrance and other outside
parts of the home. More thansimply suggesting coolness, thisprocess actually cools theground and suggests purification.
Uchi-mizu at the entrance to thehome is considered a form ofthoughtfulness for guests.
[e] Kazura Bridge
This 44-meter bridge is built
mainly of vines, making it ashining example of local wisdom
based on what nature provides.

4

Kazura Bridge

Mikatagoko

08

09

Kengo Kuma
Born in 1954, this architect hasreceived numerous awards both
domestically and abroad for buildingssuch as the Nezu Museum (Tokyo),
Nagaoka City Hall Aore (Niigata),
KITTE (Tokyo), and more. He was also
selected to head the design of Japan's
New National Stadium for the 2020
Tokyo Olympic Games. Since 2006, he
has worked on community
development for the Hama-machi
area of Fukui City, and his efforts
have extended beyond architecture toinclude serving as a judge for local
events and contests.

The Hama-machi Area of Fukui City
This neighborhood is home to streets of long-establishedtraditional Japanese restaurants, including one designedby the world-class architect Kengo Kuma. Its distinctive
wooden latticework is based on traditional designs used
for kimonos.

Enso
A circle drawn by Zen priests, said to embody
the ZEN state of enlightenment andsophisticated refinement. Visitors to the
Echizen Matsudaira Clan's family temple,
Zuigenji Temple, can see this example
firsthand.

6

Suwa Residence Ruins Garden
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
were once home to the
Asakura Clan, who ruled theprovince centuries ago during
the Warring States period.
There is a garden featuringleftover monolithic rocks andnarrow streams. Even in aperiod defined by constantwarfare, there were still those
who dedicated themselves torefined pastimes. This area
represents another concept of
ZEN – ‘beauty from ruin’ – inwhich the unnecessary is
stripped away.

5

Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins

The world-famous architect Kengo Kuma,

help develop this area. According to Kuma,

could be said to be an example of this.

perhaps best known for the Kabukiza Theatre“The boundaries between buildings and nature

To create such beautiful scenery, people workin Tokyo – the sanctuary for the traditional

are disappearing. It's better for people to live a

hard to clear away weeds and maintain theperformance art of Kabuki – as well as forrelaxed lifestyle, connected to nature.” This isfields. This is the essence of living together inheading the design of the main stadium for the

not to suggest that people should simply live in

ZEN with nature, which subtly influences

2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games,

nature as it is. Much like with Japan's famous

Japan's renowned aesthetic sensibilities. In an

also designed a high-class traditional

gardens and rock gardens, we should spend

age where this spirit is fading fast all acrossJapanese restaurant in central Fukui City. He

the time and effort to live in a way that reflects

Japan, Fukui cannot help but stand out for thewas charmed by the Hama-machi area of theand becomes part of nature, rather thanway it embodies this spirit.

city, and has spent nearly a decade working tostanding in contrast to it. Even crop fields

Zuigenji Temple

Echizen Ono Castle
Echizen Ono Castle is perhaps at its most spectacular from the autumn to the winter, when the clouds
sometimes gather below to make it look like a “castle in the sky.” The best place to see this is from the
Inuyama Castle ruins roughly a kilometer to the west, a 20–30 minute walk from Echizen Ono Castle.

7

Echizen Ono Castle

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Seasonal foods from all four seasons. Seafoodfrom pure ocean water. The distinct flavor of
Fukui's lush environment stands out in each
ingredient, and the slow foods prepared fromthese ingredients with ZEN-like attentivenesspurify both body and soul. The small prayer
offered before eating— simply and humbly
stating that one is receiving this meal —demonstrates this awareness among thepeople of Fukui.

Shojin-ryori Buddhist
Cuisine of Eiheiji Temple
At Eiheiji Temple, meals are
an important part ofZen practice. Sesame Tofu isprepared for special days,
made by hand from sesame
seeds, water, and kudzu
starch through a processthat takes over two hours.

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Fukui's many satoyama, or traditional
agricultural landscapes, have led to theprefecture playing host to the GlobalabConference of the International Partnership

d

c

e

[a] Persimmons hung up to
dry under the eaves.
[b] Fukui koshihikari rice
being hung for drying in thesun. This famous variety ofrice was developed about
60 years ago in Fukui.

for the Satoyama Initiative. The prefecture's
environment is enough to turn natural foods
like persimmons or flatfish into delicacies
simply by drying them. And koshihikari rice,developed here in Fukui about 60 years ago, ismade all the more delicious by drying it
naturally in the sun.

[c] Fukui koshihikari rice,
grown in Fukui's climate, has
a distinct luster whencooked.
[d] Wakasa Garei Flatfish
hung up to dry are a familiar
winter sight in Wakasa.
These flatfish are considered
a delicacy and given as
offerings to the imperialfamily.
[e] Many of Fukui's delicacies
are simple dishes that allow
the natural flavors of theingredients to stand out.

©Ishizuka Sagen Academy of
Food Health

Ishiduka Sagen(1851–1909) was a doctor and pharmacist from the
Fukui Domain, who pioneered shokuiku*. His belief
that eating local, seasonal foods is the cornerstone ofhealth — a way of thinking found in ZEN as well —was just one of his beliefs that effectively served as
the precursors to today’s macrobiotic diet and Slow
Food movement. The philosophy of shokuiku was
rapidly adopted by schools throughout Fukui before
spreading throughout Japan, and has playeda significant role in Fukui's students leading thenation in both physical and scholastic ability.

*The belief that the learning about food andeating a wholesome diet is a key part of basic education.

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The Ancient Foundations ofJapanese Cuisine Live On in Fukui
Wakasa Bay, located in Fukui to the north of
Kyoto, is a treasure trove of exquisite foods.
From long ago, the seafood of Wakasa Bay
was so highly prized that it was a key featureof the Imperial cuisine. The route taken tobring this superb seafood to the capital city of
Kyoto became known as the “Mackerel
Highway,” and came to be used to transport
culture in addition to foods.
In addition, kombu kelp, used to make thedashi stock that forms the cornerstone ofmuch of Japanese cuisine, was carried from
where it was grown off the shores of thenorthern island of Hokkaido, down to Tsuruga,
Fukui by the Kitamae trading ships, and wasprocessed here in Fukui before being
delivered to Kyoto.

Saba-kaido Road
(Ancient throughfare of foods and cultures)
The road once used to take freshly-caught seafoodfrom Wakasa Bay to the imperial courts in Kyoto
and Nara was known as the “Saba-kaido Road.”
Vestiges of this age can be seen in the historic
town of Kumagawa-juku. Enjoy hamayakisaba
Grilled mackerel, a local specialty prepared by anexpert cook, who grills the freshly-caught,
deliciously-fatty whole mackerel.

89Saba-kaido Road
Kumagawa-juku Historic Post Town

Saba-kaido Road
once ran from Obama,
Fukui through thehistoric post town ofKumagawa-juku, before
finally arriving in
Demachiyanagi, Kyoto.

16

17

Chua Lam
Born in 1941.
Hong Kong-based filmmaker,
columnist, writer, and gourmet.
Fukui Brand Ambassador.
President of Bo Bo’s Travel Co., Ltd.

The local snow crab known as Echizen Gani
Crab is the star of the Sea of Japan each
winter. The fishing ports of Echizen, Mikuni,
Tsuruga, and Obama bring in hauls of Echizen
Gani Crab fine enough to offer to the imperialfamily. Seafood lovers nationwide look forward
to Echizen Gani Crab season – early November
to late March – and many even visit Fukui
themselves to enjoy the finest, freshest crab
available.

bac[b] Mikuni Fishing Port,
where Echizen Gani Crab are
auctioned in evening.

[a] Echizen Gani Crab
Echizen Gani Crab is boiled
with careful attention paid to
the weather and conditions
on the day it was caught withadjustments being made to
the amount of salt added to
the water, seasoning it
perfectly to bring out thesweetness of the crab.

[c] Female Echizen Gani
Crab is known as “Seikogani
Crab,” and the uchiko crab
roe inside is a delicacy,
described as being like reddiamonds. The Kaiko-don
seafood bowl, named afterand beloved by writer
Takeshi Kaiko, is like ajewelry box full of theocean's finest ingredients.

“Fukui has such a rich selection offoods from the sea, the mountains,
and the villages. My personal favorites
are Echizen Gani Crab, the sweet
shrimp, and other seafood.
With its delicious rice and outstanding
local sake, I always look forward tomeals whenever I visit Fukui.
Fukui has beautiful sightseeing
destinations like Awara Onsen and theTojinbo Cliffs, and excellent food likeseafood bowls made with Seikogani
Crab (female Echizen Gani Crab) thatgo great with sake, making it theperfect place to relax.”

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Chefs of Japanese cuisine strive to represent
all four seasons through their cooking.
The ingredients of Fukui are born of fertile
ground and pure water, giving chefs theperfect opportunity to let their exceptional
natural flavors shine. Each dish is carefully
and individually prepared with a ZEN spiritualitythat is a treat for the body and soul.

Japanese Cuisine
Gorgeous dishes that make themost of seasonal ingredients.
Every step including the selectionof serving dishes is ademonstration of the chef's skills.

Kintsugi, a traditional repair
technique used for lacquerware.
Not just a simple repair process, it isused on a broken piece todeliberately draw attention to therepair. This technique increases theartistic value by highlighting theblemish. In short, it is a way ofbreathing new life into dishes.

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Here in Fukui, many traditional skills have been
passed down from generation to generation in
an unbroken chain that continues to this day,whether Echizen Lacquerware and Echizen
Paper – both of which boast 1,500 years ofhistory – or the 800-year-old traditions ofEchizen Pottery and Echizen Knives. Echizen
Pottery is considered one of Japan's Six AncientKilns, alongside Bizen, Shigaraki, Seto,
Tokoname, and Tamba tachikui. This history
and these traditions owe a great deal to thecraftsmanship and ZEN spirit of the artisans
who live here.
As one example of this ZEN spirit, Echizen
Lacquerware is a traditional craft made througha variety of carefully practiced techniques, eachhandled by a separate artisan who has
mastered a single step of this process. Eachartisan does their work with consideration forthe others in order to allow everyone’s
expertise to stand out.
Echizen Lacquerware is made from wood
carved into a base shape, which is then coatedwith lacquer and decorated with a maki-e gold
powder images. Each step of the process ishandled by a separate expert and each part isconsidered complete only once it is perfect. And
yet, despite its roots in tradition, Echizen
Lacquerware has evolved over time. Maki-e

The people of Fukui conscientiously pass down

experts were invited from Kyoto in the 19th

the belief that even as times change, the value

century to provide these lacquered items withof something genuine remains constantbeautifully detailed decorations, raising Echizen

throughout the generations.

Lacquerware to the level of fine art. Today,

Finely honed skills embody the essence oforders for these exceptionally beautiful pieces

beauty, while traditional festivals and customs

come from people around the world who

demonstrate appreciation for both nature andappreciate the focus on detail that Echizen

our ancestors.

Lacquerware embodies.
10 Echizen Loquerware Hall

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a

Fukui’s artisans perform their work withspiritual devotion. Even in harsh natural
conditions, their dedication to creating only thefinest products is as unwavering as their faith.
For the entirety of Echizen Paper's 1,500 year
history, the production of a single sheet ofpaper has involved a great deal of cold water.
This work is conducted even in winter as thesnow falls. However, this is the path that
Fukui's artisans have chosen. Spirits are
believed to dwell in Echizen Paper, anda ceremony is held annually at a shrine tohonor them. Each piece of Echizen Paper ismade with a ZEN-like spirituality through thecareful work of these artisans.

bc[a] The nationally designatedimportant culturalproperties Okamoto andOtaki Shrine are dedicated to
Kawakami Gozen, said to be
the goddess who first taught
people how to make Echizen
Paper. The exceptional roof
is considered a masterpieceof Japanese architecture.
[b] Artisans of Echizen Paper
have been recognized asliving national treasures, andthe exceptionally high qualityof their handmade paper has
long been prized by the art
world. Even the 17th-century
Dutch painter Rembrandt isbelieved to have used
Echizen Paper for his works.

11 Okamoto and Otaki Shrine[c] The spring festival of the Kami to kami no
matsuri (“Spirit and paper festival”), designatedby Fukui Prefecture as an intangible folk
cultural property, is held each May. The festival
is beloved by people who work with paper, as
well as the many locals who gather here.

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This very same spirit can be found in themaking of Echizen Knives – from the teamwork
involved in first pounding the iron through tothe combination of classical techniques andmodern design found in every single Echizen
Knife. An undercurrent of ZEN – trimming away
anything inessential to reveal only the truest
form of an item – influences the creation of
Echizen Knives. Chefs from Europe and beyond
wait years for their Echizen Knives to befinished. However, the makers of these knives
do not pride themselves on this point. These
artisans are motivated solely by appreciation
for their customers and treasure eachcompleted product. If a knife grows dull, theartisan will expertly resharpen it into an even[a] Echizen Knives
Echizen Knives have long
been known for their ancientJapanese fire-forging
techniques, and their carefulfinishes applied by hand.

sharper edge. Giving new life to objects forlifetime use. This is one more example of theattention to aesthetics these local artisansbelieve in.

bac[b] The three most important knives for everyday cooking inJapan are the nakiri knife, the deba knife, and the sashimi
knife. Each one is made with the thickness ideal for its
purpose, and each is ground to give the optimal edge.
[c] The keenness of its edge is the truest test of a knife.
These knives are beloved by first-class chefs the world over.

12 Takefu Knife Village

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b

27

d

c
a

e

f

g
h

[a]Kikarachaitoodoshinimaidou-gusoku
黄唐茶糸縅二枚胴具足
A suit of armor handed downfrom generation to
generation within the Fukui
Domain. Both sides of thehelmet feature dragondecorations. These
decorations were made by
the Fukui Domain's armorer,
Myochin Yoshihisa.
[b] Wakizashi Mei
Echizen Yasutsugu
脇差 銘 越前康継
Made by the first-generation
Echizen Yasutsugu. This
noted swordsmith was
employed by Yuki Hideyasu,
the founder of the Fukui
Domain, at which point hemoved to Echizen (nownorthern Fukui Prefecture).

[c] Shigebishi-hanamaru-makie-ryoushibako
繁菱花丸蒔絵料紙箱
This box with a makie decoration for holding papers wasgiven as a gift to Matsudaira Shungaku by the Tokugawa
shogun family. Makie is a delicate artistic craft practiced
in Japan, where powdered gold, silver, or other metal isapplied to lacquer to create designs.
(In 1838, at the age of eleven, Matsudaira Shungaku
became the 16th feudal lord of the Fukui Domain. Items
1, 5, and 6 shown here are historic items given to him as
gifts by the Tokugawa shogun family.)[d] Tenshi Hanae-on-uchiwa
天賜 花絵御団扇
An uchiwa fan with exquisite decorations on it.
[e] Kajikawa-saku Tsurukame-moyou-makie-shuhai
梶川作 鶴・亀模様蒔絵酒盃
A sake dish with a makie decoration used by Matsudaira
Shungaku during an 1864 visit to Kyoto's Nijo Castle. It
bears the name "Kajikawa," who were famous makie
artists within the shogunate government for generations[f] Ippikishishizu‐menuki Mumei Teijo
一疋獅子図目貫 無銘 程乗
These were used as menuki, metal fittings designed toprevent a sword from slipping out of the rope grip tiedaround the handle. Menuki with elaborate designs are
beautiful enough to be considered works of art. Thoughthese were made with a lion design, they were producedin various motifs.

The many arts and crafts found in Fukui today
tell the story of the techniques and history thatlive on through them. From the refined artistic
sensibility to the fine craftmanship found a suitof armor. You can appreciate the hidden
playfulness combined with ZEN elements.

[g] Gohairyou-ontaisetsu-no-onsaikumono
御拝領御大切之御細工物
These carved ivory rabbits were given as a gift by the Tokugawa shogun
family to Matsudaira Shungaku on the occasion of his becoming the
16th feudal lord of the Fukui Domain, at the age of eleven. These small
items feature incredible technique and craftsmanship, anddemonstrate the shogun's affection for the young lord.
[h] Iissaihisataka-saku Kinikakezi-shoukakurokuzu-makie-inrou
い一齋久孝作 金沃懸地松鶴鹿図蒔絵印籠A small inrou portable box decorated with makie, given to Matsudaira
Shungaku by the shogun. An inro was generally used to store medicine
or other items, and would ordinarily be worn hung from its string at thehip. Beginning in the Azuchi-momoyama period (1573–1603), they
started to become more elaborate. The netsuke (the small stopper on
the string) features delicate decorations that make it a work of art.
Netsuke were also produced in various motifs.
Fukui City History Museum / Address: 3-12-1 Hoei, Fukui City

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b

29

c

a

d
e
f

[a] mikoshi portable shrine iscarried into the sea
Mikuni has long prospered as aport town. The area’s Ominato
shrine, Hakusan shrine, andothers hold a festival wherein amikoshi portable shrine iscarried into the sea as a show ofappreciation for the spirits ofthe sea, serving as a prayer forsafe voyages and large catches.
[b] Katsuyama Sagicho Festival
Held on the last Saturday and Sunday of February, the Katsuyama
Sagicho Festival has been a early spring tradition in Katsuyama for overthree centuries. The town is decorated with colorful strips of paper,
while festival musicians, dancers, and taiko drummers dressed in
traditional red formalwear perform on top of wooden festival towers.
Sagicho festivals may be held all around Japan, but Katsuyama's is in aclass of its own.

14 Katsuyama Sagicho Festival[c] Chinowa Straw Ring
A purification ritual for summer, held from the end of June to the
middle of July. Passing through the chinowa straw ring located at theentranceway cleanses impurities from the first half of the year, andserves as a prayer for good health for the rest of the year.

15 Mikuni Shrine[d] Wakuri Mibu Kyogen
Once every six years, for three days in April, this wordless kyogen
masked play is performed at Saihoji Temple in Wakuri, Obama City.
Mibu Kyogen was originally a performing art brought here from Kyoto.
However, Mibu Kyogen was abolished in Kyoto, giving it all the moresignificance here in Obama, where it has been handed down fromgeneration to generation as a precious part of the area's folk cultural
heritage.

16 Wakuri Mibu Kyogen[e] Hoze Matsuri (Festival)
The Hoze Matsuri (Festival) is held on
a Saturday and Sunday in
mid-September each year at
Hachiman Shrine in Obama. Hoze
refers to compassion shown by
releasing captured animals into themountains, fields, and water. This
festival includes a large number of
traditional performances.

All things begin with respect for nature and17demonstrate our respect and gratitude

Hoze Matsuri (Festival)

spirits. In Fukui, we believe that spirits live inthe sea, the mountains, and everywhere in
between, and pay our respects to them,
thanking them for allowing us to live within
nature itself. For this very reason, we
through a variety of religious rites.

[f] A picture depicting a late-Edo-era
procession for the Gion Matsuri Festival
held on June 14th at Hiromine Shrine in
Obama City. This picture scroll gives us
a detailed look at the clothing andcustoms of the period.

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Sprinkled water and burning Incense.
The smiling faces of awara onsen's inn
proprietresses. The people gathered below the
Lanterns. A precious moment of ZEN,
shared by all there.

Awara Onsen
Hot springs soothe theweary body and may evenhave medicinal effects.
Awara's many
long-established hot springinns offer artistic cuisine anddecor, paired withexceptional hot spring baths
and impeccable service. The
proprietresses of these inns
are their cornerstones,
visiting each room to greet
guests, and offering warm
welcomes to arrivals.

18 Awara Onsen

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Fukui is home to events and places forsoothing the souls of visitors. In Japan,
hot springs are considered the ultimate
in relaxation, and natural hot springs can befound in Fukui from the seaside to themountains. In the hot spring town of Awara
Onsen, hospitality is above all else, andvisitors are welcomed in a spirit of ZEN.
Enjoy private inn rooms designed with a senseof Japanese aesthetics for the perfectcomplement to a relaxing soak in the hotspring baths. Fukui is the perfect place toexperience Japan's famous hospitality
firsthand.
20 Ashiyu Onsen (Public Footbath)

A View of the Sea of Japan
from Mikuni Onsen
The open-air baths of Mikuni
Onsen in the city of Sakai
face the Sea of Japan for
exquisite scenery
accompanied by the sea
breeze and the calls of thebirds, for a uniquely local hot
spring bath experience.

A Hot Spring Bathin a Cedar Grove
Ichinami area of Fukui City ishome to a hot spring bath ina grove of Japanese cedar
trees. Enjoy a relaxing bath,surrounded by the natural
beauty of the forest.

19 Mikuni Onsen

21 Mirakuru-tei

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Fukui offers a variety of places and moments
to soothe the weary soul. For example, thisparticular evening begins with a spectacularsunset against a beautiful natural scene,
followed by a solemn and peaceful religious
ceremony. The evening finishes with abreathtaking fireworks show so large that it
has been famed throughout Japan for
centuries. The Mikuni Fireworks Display
features fireworks launched from the sea,
illuminating the night like flowers of light.
Wear a yukata (informal cotton kimono) to thebeach and enjoy the fireworks display dressedin the traditional Japanese fashion, taking inthe sights over the Sea of Japan with a hand
fan to stay cool. Share a precious moment withthe many others gathered there, in a way thattranscends the boundaries of country andculture.

Eiheiji Floating Lantern Festival
Lanterns are floated down the Kuzuryu
River as a way of mourning ourancestors at this solemn festival.
Buddhist priests from Eiheiji Temple
read sutras while otherworldly lights
float gently on the river, for a memory
from Japan that you will never forget.

Festivals
Fireworks have been a
beloved part of summer inJapan for centuries. The
Mikuni Fireworks Display –held on August 11th –features incredible fireworks
launched from offshore boats,
for an unforgettable show
beloved by visitors and locals
alike.

22 Mikuni Fireworks Display

Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo Cliffs are consideredsome of the most beautiful
natural scenery in the world.
Columns of rock tower some
25 meters over the wateralong this coastline giving
exhilarating ocean views.

23 Tojinbo Cliffs

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a

b

c

d

The changing seasons are unmistakable in
Fukui, and various times of the year are
distinct with blooming cherry blossoms,[a] Yokokan Garden
Yokokan Garden was oncethe second residence of the
Echizen Matsudaira Clan,the feudal rulers of the Fukui
Domain centuries ago.
Known at the time as Osensui
Yashiki manor,
it was used for hosting tea
ceremonies and banquets, aswell as simply as a residence
for the Matsudaira Clan torelax in. Yokokan Garden
annually ranks in the top fiveof Japanese Garden Rankingsof the American Journal ofJapanese Gardening.

24 Yokokan Garden[b] Maruoka Castle
Maruoka Castle, Japan's oldest castle
tower. Also known as “the Castle of theMist,” Maruoka Castle is now
considered one of Japan's 100 finest
cherry blossom viewing locations forthe many cherry trees that surround it.

daffodils, lotus flowers, and the red leaves of

25 Maruoka Castle

natural environment. Landscapers ofJapanese gardens put great effort into[d] Lotus flowers
Minami-Echizen Town is Japan's top producer of lotus
flowers, and the area's Lotus Festival is held from lateJune to the end of July in celebration.

[c] Echizen Coast
Echizen Coast is home to one of Japan's
largest daffodil colonies. In winter,
visitors can see the daffodils growing
wild along the Echizen Coast, and enjoy
their delicate fragrance against a
backdrop of breaking waves in the Sea
of Japan.

27 Hanahasu Kouen (Lotus Flower Park)

26 Cape Echizen Daffodil Land

maple trees. The spirit of ZEN lies within eachone of these wonders of nature, and in Fukui
you can experience all of them within theirharmonizing with nature in a distinctly
Japanese way, creating a soothing
environment where visitors can forget about
the world.

38

39

A cellist who returned to Japan from Europe
remarked, "Fukui is home to places where
I can return to a state of mental relaxation,
Oyadani no Oiwa 28

soothing my spiritual exhaustion”. After over a
decade of hard work living abroad in the US
and Germany, when she returned to Japan,
Fukui was the place she selected as her baseto live as an artist. Fukui is the ideal place toescape the noise of the big city and enjoy an
undemanding lifestyle, experiencing mental
freedom and relaxation surrounded by the sea
and mountains. For artists, it is important tofind a place where they can feel creative.
Wandering around and experiencing thepeacefulness of shrines and temples naturally
helps the mind relax and focus on the
moment. This experience is not limited toartists. Fukui is the place for this relaxation,and it’s always open to everyone.

Pause for a moment and let yourself feel thegentle passage of time within the peacefulstillness. Escape the noise of everyday life witha trip to a place where your soul can relax.
Enjoy a dialogue with yourself that you cannot
experience in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka— only in Fukui.

Hakusan Heisenji Shrine
Hakusan Heisenji Shrine wasestablished over 1,300 years
ago by the monk Taicho, as abase for the Hakusan faith. In
the Middle Ages, thisshrine's vast grounds are
said to have featured dozens
of buildings, in use by
thousands of monks.
However, the entire
compound was burned to theground during the 1574
Ikko-ikki Uprising, whenpeasant farmers andreligious men fought the ruleof the feudal lords. Today,
the entire grounds arecovered in a thick layer ofmoss, creating scenery that
almost seems to breathe in
anticipation of visitors.

29 Hakusan Heisenji Shrine

40

41

Matsuo Basho
The master haiku poet
Matsuo Basho, who famously
traveled throughout Japan,
visited modern-day Tsuruga
in 1689 and was inspired towrite a haiku poem for his
masterpiece, Oku no
Hosomichi, on the elegant
scenery of early autumn inwhich beautiful bush clover
flowers mix with small
seashells on a beach ofreceding waves.

31 Irogahama

Wa ve a f t e r w a ve
m i xe s t i n y s e a s h e l l s w i t hb u s h c l o ve r ﬂ o we r s

32 The Statue of Matsuo Basho
Tsuruga's Port of Humanity
and Chiune Sugihara
Chiune Sugihara, Japan's
deputy consul in Lithuania,
saved the lives of many
people who faced persecution
by the Nazis. Around 6,000
Jewish refugees carriedthese “Visas for life” withthem through Siberia until
they arrived in Japan at
Tsuruga Port. One refugeecommented, “For us, Tsuruga
was like a heaven.”

33 Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

Jakushu Itteki Bunko
Jakushu Itteki Bunko wasfounded by Fukui native
author Tsutomu Mizukami asa museum of art andliterature, and as a base for
the Jakushu Ningyoza puppet
theater. The Kurumaisu
Theater located here features
an open back wall, showing abamboo thicket and creating
a feel of unity between theinside and outside.

30 Jakushu Itteki Bunko

Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who
served in Lithuania, famously issued “Visas forLife” during World War II to refugees who thenpassed through Russia, crossed the sea, andeventually came ashore in Japan here in
Tsuruga, Fukui. These persecuted Jews wereable to start new lives without fear in Fukui.

This is the ship called “Harubin Maru”.
It carried many Jewish refugees.

42

43

Obama City known as “Little Kyoto” is locatedless than an hour from Kyoto itself in Wakasa,
the southwest part of Fukui Prefecture. With
its many ancient and traditional shrines andtemples, this area is considered a “holy land”
for fans of Japanese Buddhist statues. The
local people work to preserve the buildings
and statues found here, including thethree-tiered pagoda designated a nationaltreasure and the statues designated asimportant cultural properties. This pensive
place sees few tourists, allowing visitors totruly immerse themselves in this world. These
Buddhist statues each have their own deep
meaning within the local faith, though to a
traveler they may simply appear to be works ofart. Their creators' messages transcend timethrough the life they have breathed into theirworks: they have always been — and will
always be — waiting for you. Come and let
yourself unwind in these calm surroundings,
for a moment of Mindfulness that can be found[a] Main Building of Jinguji Temple
Wakasa Jinguji Temple is thought to have been originally built in 714.
The main building, or hondo, was reconstructed in 1553 by the
Warring States-period feudal lord Asakura Yoshikage, and houses an
exceptional collection of Buddhist statues.

nowhere else.

34 Jinguji Temple[b] Wooden Statue of theStanding Eleven-Faced
Kannon Bosatsu at Hagaji
TempleThis wooden statue of thestanding Eleven-faced Kannon
Bosatsu (nationallydesignated as an important
cultural property) was carved
during the Heian period(794–1185), and is said to havebeen carved in the image ofEmpress Gensho. Much of theoriginal coloration still
remains, and theexceptionally long right arm isrepresentative of its era.

35 Hagaji Temple

a

b

c

d

[c] Seated Statue of the Horse-head-wearing Kannon Bosatsu at Nakayamadera Temple
This invaluable statue is ordinarily shown to the public only once every 33 years. Originallycarved during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), it still retains its original color and shape,and exhibits a surprising sense of vitality despite the seated pose.

36 Nakayamadera Temple[d] Itozaki no Hotokenomai
Itozaki no Hotokenomai is a traditional sacred dance handed down from generation to
generation, performed at Itozakiji Temple in Fukui City on April 18th of every other year.
Brought from the Tang Dynasty in China during the Nara period, this sacred dance is a
precious part of the area's cultural heritage. Many ancient cultural traditions such as thiscontinue to this day throughout Fukui.

37 Itozaki no Hotokenomai

44

45

b
a
c

[a] Iwaya no Osugi
This enormous Japanese cedar tree is over 500 years old and stands
33 meters tall, with a trunk 17 meters around, and is said to be
blessed by the gods. It is located on the grounds of Iwaya Kannon
Shrine, said to have been built during the Nara era (710–794) by themonk Taicho.

38 Iwaya no Osugi[b] Omizuokuri Ritual
Omizuokuri Ritual is performed on March 2nd each year at Wakasa
Jinguji Temple. Sacred water from Wakasa's Unose spring is carriedon a 10-day trip to the Nigatsu-do Hall of Nara's Todaiji Temple.

34 Jinguji Temple[c] Icho Kannon at Taiouji Temple
Near the Sanmon Gate of Taioji Temple – a Zen temple located in
Wakasa – you can find a statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon carved
directly into a 450-year-old ginkgo tree. The statue is said to havesaved many from suffering, and many have come from far and wide tooffer prayers.

39 Taiouji Temple

46

47

When Dogen Zenji named Eiheiji (The Templeof Eternal Peace), he wrote:“When heaven has the way, it is high and clear,when the earth has the way, it is substantial
and at rest, when people have the way, they
are calm and peaceful… Above the heavens
and below the heavens, this very place is Eihei(Eternally Peaceful).”Dogen Zenji was of noble birth, but heexperienced the transience of all things
firsthand when his parents both died while hewas still young; he left home to become a

The Spirit and Teachings of Zen,
Unchanged for Over Seven Centuries.
Eiheiji Temple was established in the year 1244 by Dogen Zenji, the founder of Soto Zen,
as a Zen training temple, and is the main temple of Soto Zen in Japan.
Located deep in the lush mountains of eastern Fukui Prefecture, this peaceful temple
experiences the full beauty and harshness of all four seasons in Japan.

Buddhist priest at age 13.
The temple grounds cover some 330,000 m²,
with some 70 buildings of various sizes for use
in religious training. Visitors can see the
Karamon and Tsuyomon gates, as well as
Kichijokaku, Sanshokaku, the seven-structure
temple compound, Joyoden (Founder's Hall),
Shidoden (Memorial Hall), Rurishobokaku, andmore. “Seven-structure temple compoundrefers to Sodo (Monk’s Hall), Hatto (DharmaHall), Butsuden (Buddha Hall), Daikuin(kitchen), Sanmon (main gate), Yokushitsu(bath), and Tosu (toilet), where practice of themonk-trainees is centered. Today, Eiheiji
Temple has some 150 monk-trainees whopractice the Zen way day and night.

Morning Service
Over 100 monk-trainees
recite sutras during thesesolemn morning services.
Visitors can take part in amorning service toexperience it for themselves.

40 Eiheiji Temple

48

49

[a] Zazen (sitting Zen),also called shikantaza (just sitting).

Zazen Is Not a Means to Achieve
Enlightenment.
Zazen Is Itself Enlightenment.

training. The Daikuin (kitchen) at Eiheiji temple

religious training. To realize this, theis managed by a head cook monk known as themonk-trainees follow many strict rules.

tenzo.

Demonstrating appreciation for their meals,

Eiheiji Temple is best known for zazen (sitting

and eating the meals themselves, are both

Zen). The Buddha devoted himself to zazen,

Buddhist Cuisine, called shojin-ryori, uses only

and it remains the core of Zen practice.

plants, with neither meat nor seafood. The

By sitting and stabilizing the body, mind anddishes use seasonal ingredients and great

breath, the harmony of the self and the world

effort is involved to create a balance of spicy,

is manifested. In Dogen Zenji’s teaching, zazen

sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and plain flavors. In

is not practiced as the means to attain a goal,

this way, one can experience the richness andsuch as enlightenment. The practice of zazen

depth of the cuisine.

is itself enlightenment.

precious parts of their Zen practice.

ab

In short, from the moment one wakes up,

Preparing and Eating Food is an
Important Part of Zen Practice.

through washing one’s face, practicing zazen,

Food is the source of life. Eiheiji Temple’s

cleaning the temple or maintaining the fields,

meals are built around the philosophy thatto the moment one goes to sleep, everything

meals are also an important part of religious

one does at Eiheiji Temple is a form of

reading sutras, eating, and working bycd[b] The Karamon Gate of
Eiheiji in the Tang Dynasty
style.
[c] Sodo (Monk’s Hall): The
sound of the hanging
fish-shaped woodblock andthe taiko drum indicate thestart of mealtime.

[d] Eiheiji Temple issurrounded by a lush
natural environmentthat changes with all
four seasons,
befitting a place ofreligious training.

50

1 Cascading Cherry Trees at Takeda 【竹田のしだれ桜】

7 Echizen Ono Castle【瓜割の滝】

13 Oshima Island Festival

8 Saba-kaido Road

•Address: 37-1-3 Tentokuji, Wakasa-cho•Contact info: Meisui no mori 0770-62-0186•Admission fee: Free

【鯖街道】

【雄島祭り
（大湊神社例大祭）】

19 Mikuni Onsen (Hot Spring)•Address: 23-14 Anto, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City
(Around Oominato shrine and Oshimaisland)•Contact info: 0776-82-5515•Date: April 20th

•Address: 3-109 Shiromachi, Ono City
•Contact info: Ono City History Museum
0779-65-5520•Ono City Commerce, Industry, Labor andTourism Division 0779-64-4816•Admission fee: 200 yen (adults) /Free (children)•Openinghours: 9 am to 5 pm

•Address: 94-10 Yamatakeda, Maruoka-cho,
Sakai City
•Contact info: Takeda's Village Council
0776-67-3097

2 Uriwarinotaki【越前大野城】

14 Katsuyama Sagicho Festival•Address: 14 Hiromine, Obama City
(Saba-kaido Museum)•Contact info: Wakasa Obama Tourist
Association 0770-64-6019【勝山左義長まつり】【三国温泉】 51•Contact info: Sakai City Mikuni Tourism
Association 0776-82-5515

20 Ashiyu Onsen (Public Footbath)•Address: Motomachi, Katsuyama City
•Contact info: 0779-88-8117•Date: The last Saturday and Sunday in
February【芦湯】•Address: 1-1 Onsen, Awara City
•Contact info: Awara City Tourism
Association 0776-78-6767•Opening hours: 7 am to 11 pm

English OK

3 Mikatagoko【三方五湖】

9 Kumagawa-juku Historic Post Town 【熊川宿】•Address: Mihama-cho and Wakasa-cho•Contact info:
Mihama-cho Tourist Association
0770-32-0222 /Wakasa-Mikatagoko Tourism Association
0770-45-0113•Address: Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho,
Mikatakaminaka-gun•Contact info: Syukubakan 0770-62-0330•Closed: Mondays (the following day if it is anational holiday) Year-End and New Yearholidays•Admission fee: Free

English OK

4 Kazura Bridge【かずら橋】

10 Echizen Lacquerware Hall (Lacquerware shop) 【うるしの里会館】•Address: Shizuhara, Ikeda-cho•Contact info: Ikeda-cho Special Policy
Division 0778-44-8003•Closed: The first and third Tuesday, during
the winter•Admission fee: 300 yen (adults) /200 yen (children)•Address: 40-1-2 Nishibukuro-cho, Sabae
City•Contact info: Echizen Lacquerware
Cooperative Association 0778-65-0030•Admission fee: Free
•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm

15 Mikuni Shrine【三国神社】

21 Mirakuru-tei (Hot Spring)•Address: 6-2-80 Sanno, Mikuni-cho, Sakai
City•Contact info: 0776-81-2514•Date: The last Sunday in June
(Chinowa Straw Ring)

16 Wakuri Mibu Kyogen【和久里壬生狂言】【みらくる亭】•Address: 38-2 Ichinami-cho, Fukui City
•Contact info: 0776-96-4141•Opening hours: 6 am to 9 am, 10 am to 9 pm
(3:30 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday)•Admission fee: 510 yen (adults) / 250 yen(children)

22 Mikuni Fireworks Display•Address: Wakuri, Obama City (Saihoji
Temple)•Contact info: Wakasa Obama Tourist
Association 0770-64-6019【三国水上花火】•Address: Mikuni Sunset Beach
Syuku, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City
•Date: August 11 th (National holiday)
Time 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

English OK

English OK

5 Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins 【一乗谷朝倉氏遺跡】

11 Okamoto and Otaki Shrine•Address: Kidonouchi-cho, Fukui City
•Contact info: Asakura Clan Ruins
Preservation Association 0776-41-2330•Admission fee: Free

【岡太神社・大滝神社】•Address: 23-10 Otaki-cho, Echizen City
•Contact info: 0778-42-1151

17 Hoze Matsuri (Festival)【放生まつり】

23 Tojinbo Cliffs•Address: 9 Obamaotokoyama, Obama City
(Hachiman shrine)•Contact info: Wakasa Obama Tourist
Association 0770-64-6019•Date: Saturday and Sunday in
mid-September【東尋坊】•Address: Anto, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City
•Contact info: Sakai City Mikuni Tourism
Association 0776-82-5515

English OK

6 Zuigenji Temple【瑞源寺】

12 Takefu Knife Village•Address: 5-10-17 Asuwa, Fukui City
•Contact info: 0776-35-1868•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
•Admission fee: 200 yen【タケフナイフヴィレッジ】•Address: 22-91 Yokawa-cho, Echizen City
•Contact info: Takefu Knife Village
Cooperative 0778-27-7120•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
•Closed: Open all year round•Admission fee: Free
English OK

18 Awara Onsen (Hot Spring)【あわら温泉】•Contact info: Awara Onsen Cooperative
Association 0776-77-2040

24 Yokokan Garden【養浩館庭園】•Address: 3-11 Hoei, Fukui City
•Contact info: Fukui City Cultural Promotion
Division 0776-20-5367•Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm (March 1 to
Nov.5) / 9 am to 5 pm (Nov.6 to the end ofFeb.)•Admission fee: 210 yen

52

25 Maruoka Castle【丸岡城】

31 Irogahama【越前岬水仙ランド】

32 The Statue of Matsuo Basho (in Kehi Jingu Shrine)【氣比神宮】【大矢谷の大岩】

33 Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum 【敦賀ムゼウム】

34 Jinguji Temple【白山平泉寺】•Address: Heisenji, Heisenji-cho, Katsuyama
City•Contact info: 0779-88-8117•Admission fee: Free

30 Jakushu Itteki Bunko【若州一滴文庫】•Address: 33-2-1 Okata, Ooi-cho, Ooi-gun•Contact info: 0770-77-2445•Closed: Tuesdays and Sundays (the following
day if it falls on a public holiday)
Year-End and New Year holidays•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm

【神宮寺】
•Address: 30-4 Jinguji, Obama City
•Contact info: 0770-56-1911•Admission fee: 400 yen•Closed: Feb.15 to March 5

35 Hagaji Temple【羽賀寺】•Address: 82-2 Haga, Obama City
•Contact info: 0770-52-4502•Admission fee: 400 yen

36 Nakayamadera Temple【岩屋の大杉】•Address: Iwaya, Kitago-cho, Katsuyama City
•Contact info: Katsuyama City Tourism
Policy Division 0779-88-8117

39 Taiouji Temple•Address: Kanegasaki Ryokuchi, 44-1
Kanegasaki-cho, Tsuruga City
•Contact info: 0770-37-1035•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
•Closed: Dec. 29 to Jan. 3•Address: Ooyadani, Heisenji-cho,
Katsuyama City
•Contact info: Katsuyama City Tourism
Policy Division 0779-88-8117

29 Hakusan Heisenji Shrine

38 Iwaya no Osugi•Address: Kehi Jingu Shrine 11-68
Akebono-cho, Tsuruga City
•Contact info: 0770-22-0794•Opening hours: 6 am to 5 pm

•Address: 64-41 Nakagoya, Minami
Echizen-cho•Contact info: Hanahasu Onsen Somayama
0778-47-3368•Date: Late June-late July

28 Oyadani no Oiwa

•Address: Ikuozanryugein-itozakiji
Itozaki-cho, Fukui City
•Contact info: Fukui City Cultural Promotion
Division 0776-20-5367•Date: April 18 th in every 2 years

English OK•Address: 27-1-2 Chigadaira, Echizen-cho,
Nyu-gun•Contact info: 0778-37-2501•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
•Admission fee: Free

27 Hanahasu Kouen (Lotus Flower Park) 【花はす公園】

37 Itozaki no Hotokenomai (Traditional Sacred dance) 【糸崎の仏舞】•Address: Irogahama, Tsuruga City
•Contact info: Tsuruga Tourist Bureau
0770-21-8686•Address: 1-59 Kasumi-cho, Maruoka-cho,
Sakai City
•Contact info: 0776-66-0303•Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm
•Admission fee: 300 yen (adults) / 150 yen(minors under 15)

26 Cape Echizen Daffodil Land

【色ヶ浜】

【諦応寺】
•Address: 33-1 Agari, Wakasa-cho,
Mikatakaminaka-gun•Contact info: Wakasa Division of History andCulture 0770-62-0864

40 Eiheiji Temple【大本山永平寺】•Address: 5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji-cho,
Yoshida-gun•Contact info: Eiheiji Temple General
Reception 0776-63-3102

41 Panoramic view of Katsuyama city【勝山市全景】•Contact info: Katsuyama City Tourism
Policy Division 0779-88-8117(※The picture was taken from Mt.Houonji.)【中山寺】•Address: 27-2 Nakayama, Takahama-cho,Oi-gun•Contact info: 0770-72-0753•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
•Admission fee:
400 yen (adults)
Free (children)

42 Tree Picnic Adventure IKEDA【ツリーピクニックアドベンチャー いけだ】

•Address: 28-16 Shizuhara, Ikeda-cho,Imadate-gun•Contact info: Tree Picnic Adventure IKEDA
0778-44-7474•Admission fee: Mega Zipline
3000 yen~ (adults)
1100 yen (children)

43 Genkuro Fujino Memorial Hall【藤野厳九郎記念館】•Address: 1-203 Onsen, Awara City
•Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
•Admission fee: 200 yen

44 Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum【福井県立恐竜博物館】•Address: 51-11 Terao, Muroko-cho,
Katsuyama City
•Contact info: 0779-88-0001•Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
•Admission fee: 720 yen (adults) / 410 yen(high school & colled students) /260 yen (Primary / secondearyschool students)

45 Ukonke Museum (Kitamaebune Archives Center)【北前船主の館 右近家】
•Address: 2-15 Kouno, Minami Echizen-cho
Nanjyo-gun•Contact info: 0778-48-2196•Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm
•Closed: Wednesdays / Dec. 29 to Jan. 3•Admission fee: 500 yen (adults) /300 yen (children)

46 Echizenyaki-no-Yakata (Echizen ware shop)【越前焼の館】•Address: 5-33 Ozowara, Echizen-cho,
Nyu-gun•Contact info: Echizen Ware Industrial
Cooperative Association 0778-32-2199•Admission fee: Free
•Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm

※Please note that any locations that do not explicitly indicate English language availability will only offer information in Japanese.

Fukui Tourist Information Center 0776-20-5348•Echizen City Tourist Information Center 0778-24-0655•Wakasa Obama Tourist Information Center 0770-52-2082 •Tsuruga Tourist Information Center 0770-21-8686•Sabae Tourist Information Center 0778-51-2229 •Tsuruga Matsubara Tourist Information Center 0770-22-1520•Yunomachieki Tourist Information Center 0776-77-2279 •Mikuni Tourist Information Center 0776-82-5515

53

54

FUKUI prefecture

Getting to Fukui prefectureBan-etsu Expressway

Nagaoka JCT

Nagaoka Sta.

Komatsu Airport
Tokai-Hokuriku
Expressway

13

23

20
18 43

15

Mikuniminato Sta.

Kanazawa Sta.

Awaraonsen Sta.
JR Hokuriku Main LineSAKAI-CITY

FUKUI Fukui Sta.

Maruoka Sta.

25

1

Maruoka IC

37

Kyoto Jukan
Expressway

KATSUYAMA-CITY
FUKUI-CITY

Fukui kita IC

38

EIHEIJI-TOWN

24 Fukui Sta.

44
14
Katsuyama Sta.
29
41

40

6
Fukui IC

Maizuru-Wakasa
Expressway

JAPAN

Hino River

ECHIZEN-TOWN
Sabae Sta.

46

KANAZAWASABAE-CITY
Sabae IC

710

5KUZURYUKO Sta.

Takefu Sta.

TOKYO

ECHIZEN-CITY

Takefu IC

1211

IKEDA-TOWN

NAGOYA

42

45
27
Imajo ICFUKUI prefecture

3

TAKAHAMA-TOWN
30

35

33
32

Tsuruga IC

MIHAMA-TOWN

WAKASA-TOWN

Nagoya Sta.
名古屋駅

NAGOYA
Tomei Expressway

Chubu Centrair
International Airport

Hanwa Expressway

Tokaido Shinkansen Line

100km

Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Sapporo, Sendai, Fukuoka, and Naha Airports.Direct shuttle bus service is available from Komatsu Airport to JR Fukui

Komatsu Airport

Departing from:

Travel time:

Station.The trip is approximately one hour (with nine trips per day). You canHaneda [Tokyo]

1 hr.

also go to JR Komatsu Station and take a Limited Express train on the JR

Narita [Tokyo]

1 hr., 15 min.

Hokuriku Main Line, as well.

Sapporo [Shin-Chitose]

1 hr., 35 min.

Contact:

Sendai1 hr., 5 min.

All Nippon Airways (ANA): (0570) 029-222

Fukuoka

1 hr., 15 min.

Naha [Okinawa]

2 hr., 10 min.

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Japan Transocean Air (JTA): (0570) 025-121
Ibex Airlines: (03) 6741-6688

Echizen Area

From Tokyo, come via the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line or the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. From Nagoya, the Shirasagi Limited
Express train provides direct service. Additionally, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Maibara Station, then transfer toa Shirasagi Limited Express train. From Osaka, the Thunderbird Limited Express train also provides convenient direct service.

Departing from:

Tokyo Sta. via Kagayaki Shinkansen (transfer to Hokuriku Main Line Limited Express at Kanazawa Sta.)
Tokyo Sta. via Hikari Shinkansen (transfer to Shirasagi Limited Express at Maibara Sta.)
Nagoya Sta. via Hikari Shinkansen (transfer to Shirasagi Limited Express at Maibara Sta.)

To Tsuruga Sta.

To Takefu Sta.

To JR Fukui Sta. To Awaraonsen Sta.

—

3 hr., 28 min.

3 hr., 10 min.

3 hr., 3 min.

2 hr., 40 min.

3 hr., 1 min.

3 hr., 15 min.

3 hr., 27 min.

55 min.

1 hr., 16 min.

1 hr., 29 min.

1 hr., 41 min.

Nagoya Sta. via Shirasagi Limited Express

1 hr., 34 min.

1 hr., 52 min.

2 hr., 5 min.

2 hr., 17 min.

Osaka Sta. via Thunderbird Limited Express

1 hr., 19 min.

1 hr., 39 min.

1 hr., 47 min.

2 hr.

Travel times do not include time spent at stations for transfers.

39

16
8 Obama Sta. 34

OBAMA-CITY

ONO-CITY

東京駅

Shin-Yokohama Sta.

By Airplane

By Train

TSURUGA-CITY

Mikatagoko

新大阪駅

Tokyo Sta.

TOKYO

Chuo Expressway

Tsurugahanto

Tsuruga Sta.

Wakasa Bay

17

MINAMI ECHIZEN-TOWN● Kinome Touge

31

Chuo Expressway

Komatsu Airport is the closest airport to Fukui. Flights available to and from

4

OSAKA

36

Kansai International
AirportONO Sta.

Asuwa River

TAKAYAMAKYOTO

Obama Bay

Shin-Kobe Sta. Shin-Õsaka Sta.

Narita International
AirportÕmiya Sta.

Haneda Airport

Meishin Expressway

KYOTO

TohokuShinkansen Line

Okaya JCT

Maibara Sta.

Kyoto Sta. Lake Biwa

OSAKA

5

TAKAYAMA

京都駅

21
26

Obama IC
Oi-Takahama IC

Kan-etsu Expressway

Hokuriku Shinkansen
Line
Takasaki Sta.

Hokuriku Expressway

Kyotamba-Wachi IC

28

福井駅

Kanazu IC
NaganoFukui-kita IC
Fukui IC Chubu-Jukan Expressway Expressway
JR Etsumi-Hoku LineOno IC
Takefu Sta. Takefu IC
Echizen-Ono Sta. Shirotori IC
Tsuruga Sta.
Tokai-Hokuriku
Tsuruga IC
Obama Sta.
Expressway
Tsuruga JCT

JR Obama Line

Joshin-Etsu
Expressway

Nagano Sta.
Toyama Kitokito Airport

Komatsu Airport

Kanazu IC
Awaraonsen Sta.

Joetsu Shinkansen Line

KANAZAWA Toyama Sta.

FukuokaNaha

AWARA-CITY

19

Kuzuryu River 22

TohokuExpressway

Joetsu JCT

SapporoSendaiSea of Japan

JR Hokuriku Main Line

Echizen
Coast

55

Niigata Sta.

2

9Wakasa Area

Fukui prefecture rarely experiences heavy road traffic, making getting around by car smooth and pleasant. Car rentals are

By Rental Car available at airports, so you can drive to Fukui from there.

Chubu Centrair International Airport:See the Access Plaza Information Counter for car rentals.
Kansai International Airport:See the Aero Plaza 1F Car Rental Counter for car rentals.

OOI-TOWN

Komatsu Airport:See the 1F Car Rental for car rentals.
Car rentals also available near Fukui and Tsuruga Stations.