<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Ruins of the Ichijodani Asakura Clan</strong>/1

The town was the site of a castle town built by the Asakura clan, a feudal lord in the Warring States period, and the almost completely excavated townscape retains the appearance of its days, including temples, town houses, and roads.

The site is lined with restored samurai residences and other buildings, and is triple-designated as a Special Historic Site, Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and Important Cultural Property by the national government. The garden, designated as a special place of scenic beauty, is particularly breathtaking, and visitors can enjoy the seasonal changes in the abundant nature. We recommend that you also visit the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Museum, a 3-minute walk away, to experience the Asakura Clan's prosperous days and the lifestyle of the town.

Address] 28-37, Kidoinouchi-cho, Fukui-shi, Fukui Prefecture
Access】25 minute walk from JR Ichijodani Station, 10 minute drive from Hokuriku Expressway Fukui IC.
Business Hours] 9:00-17:00 (Entry/16:30)
Holiday]Open daily (closed on Saturday, October 19, 2024)
Admission: ¥330 for adults, ¥100 for those aged 70 and over, ¥100 for elementary and junior high school students.
Parking] Yes
Tel. 0776-41-2330
Detail is<a href="http://fukuisan.jp/ja/asakura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Eiheiji Temple</strong>/Peiheiji (ancient Chinese political party)

Eiheiji Temple is the head temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Eiheiji was founded by Zen master Dogen as a place for ordained Zen monks to undergo rigorous daily ascetic training. Surrounded by old cedars and filled with a dignified atmosphere, the temple grounds are dotted with more than 70 halls and towers. Zazen meditation and overnight lodging are available (reservations are required at least two weeks in advance).

The ceiling paintings in the 156-tatami-mat hall are spectacular, with motifs of flowers, birds, wind, and the moon painted by 144 famous Japanese painters. Try it!

Address] 5-15 Shibi, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Prefecture
Access】10 minutes on foot from bus stop "Eiheiji", 25 minutes by car from JR Fukui Station.
Business Hours] 8:30 - 16:30 (last admission / 16:00)
Holiday]Open every day
Admission】Adults 700 yen, elementary and junior high school students 300 yen, preschool children free of charge, 300 yen with a disability certificate.
Parking] No (coin parking available near Eiheiji Hanpyo Bridge)
Tel.0776-63-3102
Detail is<a href="https://daihonzan-eiheiji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Funaki Sake Brewery</strong>/w

The Funaki Sake Brewery produces a rich variety of flavors, including "Kitanosho," "Tominari-ki," and "Wakarika. Located in the eastern part of Fukui Prefecture, the brewery is surrounded by a countryside rich in nature. The brewery has been dedicated to sake brewing for generations, and is particular about the quality of its sake. The brewery is also very service-oriented, making cute sake cups for many people to enjoy and offering sake brewery tours.

［A tour of the Funaki Sake Brewery is an enriching experience that will help you enjoy sake even more. Even beginners can feel at ease as the tour is carefully arranged to match the visitor's level of knowledge, using handmade materials. In order to give visitors a concrete image of sake brewing, the actual equipment and machinery in the brewery are shown to them so that they can experience the real production site. After a light-hearted explanation with demonstrations, it is time for a fun tasting. If you are lucky, you may be guided to the tasting space inside the brewery instead of the storefront. The wooden lid on the storage tank is used as a table, making the space look like a corner bar. Tasting while enjoying the atmosphere of the brewery (300 yen per cup) will deepen your taste even more. Tourists will be happy to know that the brewery is easily accessible by bus or cab from Fukui Station.

Address] 46-3-1 Owada-cho, Fukui-shi, Fukui
Access】7 minutes walk from Keifuku Bus "Owada-cho".
　　　　　　14 minutes by car from "Fukui Station
Business hours] 9:00-17:00
Holidays] Sundays and national holidays
*Reservations required for warehouse tours (電話0776-54-2323もしくはメールinfo@funaki-sake.comにて)
Detail is<a href="https://sakeworld.jp/sakebrewery/20240411-fukui-funaki/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Mikawa Sake Brewery</strong>/Searching for a Warehouse

Mikawa Sake Brewery stands beside a large field and is run by the family of the brewery's toji (master brewer) and several brewers. The brewery uses traditional brewing tools and methods to produce a unique sake with a rich acidity.

［美川酒造場］の造る酒は一部で"変態酒"と言われるほど、個性が光る逸品。なかでも、杜氏・美川欽哉さんイチ押しの「舞美人 SanQ」は、芳醇でうまみ豊かな飲み口ながら、強い酸味が特徴。と言ってもツンと来るような過激な尖りはなく、乳酸菌らしいまろみのあるフルーティで上品なサワー感。沼る人もいる、というのが納得の味わい。
Since the brewery makes a small amount of sake by hand, some products are hard to find. Visit the brewery to taste the gap between traditional production methods and innovative taste, a unique and addictive sake.

Address] 36-15 Koinatsu-cho, Fukui-shi, Fukui Prefecture
Access】12 minutes by car from "Fukui Station
Business hours] 10:00-17:00
Holiday]Wednesdays
*Reservations required for warehouse tours (2週間前までに電話0776-41-1002もしくはsakemaibijin@gmail.comにて)
Detail is<a href="https://sakeworld.jp/sakebrewery/20240411-fukui-maibijin/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>

<hr />

 

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Echizen Ono Castle</strong>/Echizen-Ono-Jou

The castle was built by Nagachika Kanamori, a vassal of Nobunaga Oda. The stone walls, which are made of natural stone and almost completely unworked, are registered as a cultural asset of the prefecture, and give the impression of the castle's appearance as it was defended during the Warring States Period. The museum's exhibits were renovated in conjunction with the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line.

In winter when morning mist occurs, the castle is called "Castle in the Sky" because it appears to be floating in a sea of clouds. The castle has been selected as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan, and if your timing is right, you may be able to capture a fantastic photo. Inuyama, 1 km away from the castle, is a good spot for photography, and can be crowded during the best season.

Address] 3-109 Shiro-machi, Ono-shi, Fukui
Access】4 minutes by car from JR Echizen-Ono Station
Hours】9:00～17:00（Apr-Sep）、9:00～16:00（Oct-Nov） ※Entry until 30 minutes before each hour.
Holidays] December through March
Admission: 300 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger, 150 yen with a disability certificate.
Parking] No (parking is available nearby)
Tel. 0779-64-4817
Detail is<a href="https://www.onocastle.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Samurai Residence Former Tamura Family</strong>/buke/yasumi/yasumi-tamurage

［The former Tamura family samurai residence is a demolished and reconstructed house of the Tamura Matazaemon family, who served as a retainer of the Ono clan, and is designated as a cultural property by the city. The stately house and garden evoke the elegance of the castle town of the Kaga domain.

 

Another highlight is the installation of a shelf of windmills for a limited time only, starting on Saturday, March 16, 2024. A total of approximately 2,000 windmills are lined up from the approach to the house, creating a colorful photo spot. Enjoy the cool sound of the spinning windmills.

Address】7-12 Shiro-machi, Ono-shi, Fukui
Access】4 minutes by car from JR Echizen-Ono Station
Business hours] 9:00-16:00, Sundays and holidays 9:00-17:00
Holiday]Open every day
Admission: 300 yen for adults, free for children, 150 yen for those with disabilities upon presentation of a disability certificate.
Parking] Yes
Tel. 0779-65-6212
Detail is<a href="https://www.ono-kankou.jp/tourism/detail.php?cd=455" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Uno Sake Brewery</strong>/ a wine cellar

Uno Sake Brewery, located at the foot of the Hakusan mountain range and surrounded by the clear waters of Ono, offers tours that allow visitors to experience the traditions of one of Fukui Prefecture's oldest sake breweries.

Passing through the curtain flanked by a large sign that reads, "Winner of the Gold Prize at the National New Sake Competition," one is greeted by a line of sake bottles. The walls on either side of the entrance to the brewery are covered with certificates, which is a sight to behold. We are proud of the fact that we do not compromise on quality. We pride ourselves on not compromising quality, even if we don't make a profit," says the brewery's owner, Mr. Nobuhiro Uno, with a bit of a smile. In the office, we were given a fast-paced lecture on the sake brewing process and history, and were able to see documents from the brewery's 400-plus year history. The fun part of the tasting (300 yen per cup) is to enjoy a sumptuous selection of 10 different kinds of sake.

Address] 3-4 Honmachi, Ono-shi, Fukui
Access】16 minutes walk from "Echizen-Ono Station".
Business hours] 8:30 - 17:00
Holiday]Open irregularly
*Reservations required for warehouse tours (7日前までに電話0779-66-2236もしくはinfo@itinotani.co.jpにて)
Detail is<a href="https://sakeworld.jp/sakebrewery/20240413-fukui-unosyuzouba/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>

<hr />

 

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Glasses Museum</strong>／/

Fukui Prefecture boasts a 90% share of the domestic production of eyeglass frames. The facility is located in Sabae, the center of production, and offers visitors the opportunity to see, touch, and experience eyeglasses. 3,000+ eyeglass frames on display are worth a visit.

Visitors can also try their hand at making their own original glasses and key chains to enjoy the art of eyeglass making, which will surely be a memorable experience unique to Sabae.
After visiting the museum, where you can feel 100 years of history and craftsmanship, you can find a pair of glasses that suits you at the shop, which displays and sells frames from about 50 frame manufacturers in the prefecture.

Address] Megane Kaikan, 2-3-4 Shin-Yokoe, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture
Access】10 minute walk from Happiline Fukui "Sabae Station", 2 minute drive from Sabae IC on Hokuriku Expressway
Business Hours】Megane SHOP 10:00-19:00, Hands-on Workshop / Megane Museum / SabaeSweets 10:00-17:00, MUSEUM CAFE 10:00-16:00
Holiday]Wednesdays (open on national holidays)
Parking] Yes
Tel. 0778-42-8311
Reservations required for hands-on workshops.
Detail is<a href="https://www.megane.gr.jp/museum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Echizen Crab Museum</strong>/ Echizen Crab Museum

This hands-on facility allows visitors to learn about and taste the mysteries of the sea, including Echizen crab, the top brand of snow crab landed at Fukui Prefecture's fishing ports, and other fish from nearby waters.

There are many contents for both children and adults to enjoy, including a sea walkway with a tunnel tank, a Big Love Theater where you can learn about Echizen crabs on a large screen, and a fishing boat challenge. The museum is, of course, full of crabs and plenty of opportunities to take interesting pictures!

Address] 71-324-1 Kuru, Echizen-cho, Niu-gun, Fukui Prefecture
Access】About 40 minutes by car from Sabae IC or Takefu IC on Hokuriku Expressway
Business Hours] 9:00-17:00 (last admission/16:30)
Holiday]Tuesdays (closed during summer vacation; closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from November to March)
Admission】Adults 500 yen, children 300 yen
Parking] Yes
Tel. 0778-37-2626
Detail is<a href="https://www.echizenkk.jp/kanimuseum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Kitazen Shoten</strong>/Northern Front

Kitazen Shoten continues to brew sake at Imajojuku on the Hokuriku Highway, surrounded by seasonal nature and buildings with a long history dating back to the Edo period. Although surrounded by mountains, the area surrounding the brewery, which has been a key transportation hub since the Heian period (794-1192), is filled with sights and delicious food. In recent years, the area has become popular among tourists for its romantic scenery.

The tour of the brewery of Kitazen Shoten, which continues to brew sake under the motto "local sake is brewed by the climate," is an up-close look at how they put their heart and soul into every drop of sake they make. The brewery itself is also a highlight of the tour, with plaques of "traditional buildings" designated by the government shining all over the building. When you look up, the ceiling of the gassho-zukuri warehouse is blackened with soot, reminding you of the accumulation of years since the Edo period. In addition to brewery tours, the 3,000 yen sake brewing experience offered by the entire community is also popular. The guesthouse is located right next to the brewery.<a href="https://tamamuraya.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tamamura-Ya</a>The program is sponsored by the Sake Brewing Company and allows visitors to experience the entire sake brewing process over a day or several days.

Address] 81-3, Imajo, Minami-Echizen-cho, Nanjo-gun, Fukui Prefecture
Access】3 minutes walk from Happiline Fukui "Imajo Station".
Business hours] 9:00-17:00
Holiday]Open irregularly
Reservations required for warehouse tours.
Detail is<a href="https://sakeworld.jp/sakebrewery/20240414-fukui-kitazen/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>

<hr />

 

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Maruoka Castle</strong>/Maru Oka Shirouto

The castle was built by Katsuyoyo Shibata, a nephew of Katsuie Shibata, at the order of Nobunaga Oda during the Warring States Period. The castle tower has remained from the Edo period and is the only one of its kind in Hokuriku, and is selected as one of the 12 surviving castle towers, which is very valuable.

The highlight is the spectacular view from the keep! The top floor, reached by a rope attached to a steep staircase, is surrounded on all sides by windows in the Tenement Room. You can look out over the town of Maruoka as if you were a lord.
There are many events that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in March and April, where visitors can enjoy the 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees on the grounds, and the Maruoka Old Castle Festival in autumn, where a warrior parade and a general dance performance are held under the castle. On Sundays, there is a tea ceremony (500 yen) in the tea room in front of the castle tower. Tickets for both museums are available for a convenient and economical price, so check it out.

Address] 1-59 Kasumi-cho, Maruokamachi, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
Access】5 minutes by car from Maruoka IC on Hokuriku Expressway
Business hours】8:30〜17:00 (last admission/16:30)
Holiday]Open every day
Admission】Adults 450 yen, Children 150 yen
Parking] Yes
Tel.0776-66-0303
Detail is<a href="https://maruoka-castle.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Awara Hot Spring</strong>/awara onsen

Awara Onsen, also known as the "backwaters of Kansai," is located in the northernmost part of Fukui Prefecture and is easily accessible from Fukui Prefecture's sightseeing spots and Kanazawa. It is also the best hot spring resort in the prefecture, with a forest of historic and famous ryokan, and was loved by writers and celebrities for its famous inns and beautiful scenery. There is also a Yukemuri Yokocho (hot spring alley) with about 10 food stalls and one of the largest ashiyu (footbath) facilities in Hokuriku, offering a wealth of enjoyable activities. Awara Onsen has 74 hot springs, and since each inn manages its own hot springs, the quality and efficacy of the hot springs vary from inn to inn. It is a hot spring resort that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Awara City Tourism Association
Address] 33-1-5, Futamen, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture
Access】Echizen Railway "Awara Yunomachi" station building
Business hours] 8:30-17:15
Holidays] Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays
Parking] No (parking is available nearby)
Tel. 0776-78-6767
Detail is<a href="https://awara.info/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>Kubota Brewery</strong>/subsidiary brewing

Surrounded by the Hakusan mountain range and the Takeda River, and located between Maruoka Castle, this long-established sake brewery has a 270-year history. Its representative brand, "Tomikukoma," is one of the most famous sake brands in Fukui, and tours of the brewery are offered to show visitors how it came to be.

The first thing is koji. Koji is the lifeblood of sake." Naokuni Kubota, the owner of the brewery, guides visitors on a tour of the brewery, which is easy to understand and well worth seeing. The tour is full of easy-to-understand explanations and images of the important points of sake brewing using photographs posted in the brewery, and a pamphlet distributed to visitors illustrates the brewing process on several pages. One of the must-sees is the koji making machine developed by the brewery. It was created by the previous generation in the pursuit of sake brewing. The koji room, where koji is made, is different from other breweries in its systematic appearance.
By the end of the tour, visitors can feel that their understanding of sake has improved dramatically. We want people to become interested in and like sake," he says, as he strives to spread the word.

Address】27-45 Yamakubo, Maruokamachi, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
Access】5 minutes by car from Maruoka IC on Hokuriku Expressway
Business hours] 8:00 - 17:00
Holiday]Open irregularly
Reservations required at least one day in advance for warehouse tours.
Detail is<a href="https://sakeworld.jp/sakebrewery/20240414-fukui-kubota/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>

<hr />

 

Fukui is a treasure trove of culinary delights where the bounty of the Sea of Japan is savored with Hokuriku's unique culture. In this issue, we introduce the best souvenirs available around Tsuruga Station, the Shinkansen arrival and departure point!

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>［Yaki Saba Sushi (Grilled Mackerel Sushi)</strong>/ Yasubei Foods

Grilled mackerel seasoned with homemade soy sauce sauce and rice rice made from Fukui rice, rolled in Tsuruga's famous oboro konbu (kelp). The grilled mackerel boasts a thick and juicy texture. It is hearty but easy to eat, and comes in a case, making it easy to give away as a souvenir. Enjoy the taste of Fukui that is packed inside.

<strong>Grilled mackerel sushi: 1,296 yen</strong>
Contents / 8 pieces per bottle
Shelf life / Within 2 days from the date of manufacture
Storage method / Room temperature
Place: Hamayaki Yasubei in Nihonkai Sakana Machi, Hamayaki Yasubei in Kumagawa-juku, Hamayaki Yasubei in Kumagawa-juku

<strong>Ambei Hamayaki</strong>
Address] Inside Nihonkai Sakana Machi, 1-1531 Wakaba-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Access】11 minutes by car from JR Tsuruga Station
Business hours] 10:00-17:00
Saturday, Sunday and national holidays: 10:00-17:30
Holiday]Open irregularly (in accordance with Nihonkai Sakana Machi)
Tel. 0770-47-5358
Detail is<a href="https://www.yasubee.jp/company.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

 

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>［Kelp with a white kelp</strong>/Tsuruga Ekimae OTA

Oboro kelp is made by hand-polishing only the core of the kelp, which has a strong flavor, piece by piece. The best of these is the thick white oboro kelp, and its taste is highly acclaimed. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as onigiri (rice ball), soup, or wrapped around sashimi. 15g sachets are also available as souvenirs, making it easy to share the taste of Fukui with others.

<strong>Thick white oboro kelp 378 yen and up</strong>
Contents/15g～
Shelf life / 10 months
Storage / Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity.
Sales locations/Kagura main store, OTA store in front of Tsuruga station, other department stores, souvenir stores, etc.

<strong>Okui Kaisyudo Tsuruga Station OTA Store</strong>
Address] TSURUGA POLT SQUARE otta complex, 1-5-32 Kannawa-cho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Access】A short walk from JR Tsuruga Station
Business hours] 9:00-18:00
Holiday]Closed on Wednesdays
Tel. 0770-47-5115
Detail is<a href="https://www.konbu.co.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

 

<hr />

<strong><span style="color: #bb0000;">●</span>［Mame Rakugan</strong>/ Shofukudo, a famous confectionery

Rakugan is a traditional Tsuruga confectionery made from soybeans. Made from simple ingredients, the simple taste is different from that of regular rakugan made with sugar and has a soybean flour-like flavor that is loved by men and women of all ages. The Otafuku of the bean rakugan is said to symbolize Empress Jingu of the Kibi Jingu Shrine, and the shape of the Otafuku is cute and photogenic.

<strong>Mame Rakugan 1512 yen</strong>
Contents / 15 pieces
Shelf life / less than 15 to 30 days from the date of manufacture
Storage Method/Stored at room temperature
Sold at: Main store, Kagura store, other department stores, souvenir stores, etc.

<strong>Shofukudo, a famous confectionery</strong>
Address] 2-21-31 Showa-machi, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Access】7 minutes by car from JR Tsuruga Station
　　　　　　Short walk from Kureha-cho bus stop
Business hours] 11:00-19:00
Holidays] Saturdays and Sundays off
Tel.0770-22-4747
Detail is<a href="https://www.shoufukudou.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>

Fukui Prefecture was full of austere spots and experiences that only adults can enjoy. Take advantage of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, which now offers better access from Kyoto and Shiga, and take a trip to heal yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city.