A diverse array of experiences can leave travelers spoiled for choice when planning a trip to Japan. But suppose you’re looking for somewhere abundant in cultural and modern leisure activities that will suit different personalities, budgets, and travel goals. In that case, there’s no doubt that Fukui Prefecture is a worthy contender. 

 

Fukui Prefecture has the best of both worlds when it comes to cultural and leisure attractions. ©JNTO

 

Fukui, which neighbors Kyoto Prefecture and is also easily accessible via train from other cities in the neighboring regions, such as Osaka and Nagoya, stands out as a hidden gem that embodies Japan's laidback charm. The prefecture will also become more accessible to those coming from Tokyo, as it will be available via new routes to be added to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line in March 2024.

 

Ready to find your version of fun in Fukui? Here are five activities to try depending on your travel personality.

 

1. For the explorers at heart: visit Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

 

©Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

 

For those who find exploration and traveling back in time truly fascinating, a trip to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is a must. It’s one of the world’s leading dinosaur museums, housing Japan’s largest treasury of fossils and other anthropological finds. It also features dinosaur animatronics that enhance the experience, allowing visitors to really immerse themselves in the world of dinosaurs beyond our time. 

 

 

Exhibits aren’t the only must-see when visiting this museum. It also features a Field Station accessible by joining the two-hour tour, which will resume in spring, wherein visitors can learn about excavation through hands-on experience. This site is known as one of Japan’s largest Dinosaur Discovery Site or Dinosaur Quarry. Many fossils have been discovered in this area, along with six new species of dinosaurs, making it a real-life excavation site that curious visitors will surely have fun discovering.

 

 

2. For those into cultural immersion: take a trip to Echizen Daibutsu

 

©Echizen Daibutsu

 

Many travelers visit Japan for an immersive cultural experience. When in Fukui, a visit to Echizen Daibutsu, located in Seidaiji Temple, gives exactly that. Constructed in 1987 by Katsuyama businessman Kiyoshi Tada, this site is home to one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues, standing at 17 meters tall. The Echizen Daibutsu, also known as Echizen Great Buddha, takes inspiration from one of the Buddha statues from China’s Henan Province, mirroring its iconic seated pose.

 

Aside from this marvel, nearly 1,300 Buddha statues of varying sizes can also be found in this site’s vicinity. Some of the structures found in the compound also feature fascinating architectural inspirations based on Ancient Chinese designs, the most notable being the Wall of Nine Dragons. The site also features a five-tiered pagoda equipped with an elevator that allows visitors to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire compound.

 

Apart from Echizen Daibutsu, other historical places that are worth visiting when in Fukui include the Echizen Ono Castle, dubbed as a “Castle in the Sky”, and Eiheiji Temple, an active Zen Monastery surrounded by beautiful natural sceneries throughout the year. From April to November, two hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 16:00 to 17:00, sea of clouds special viewing is also available.

 

 

3. For the adventurer: gear up at Ski Jam Katsuyama

 

©Ski Jam Katsuyama

 

If active sports are more up your alley, you need to make a stop at Ski Jam Katsuyama. This family-friendly resort has a wide array of activities for adults and kids alike, available to be enjoyed during both ‘green’ and ‘winter’ seasons.

 

During green season, try out segway experience or have a barbecue while enjoying the resort’s lush surroundings. When winter arrives, the resort gets covered with blankets of snow, making way for activities such as snowboarding and skiing. Throughout the year, the location provides accommodations and dining options for visitors which can be enjoyed through all seasons. Nearby the resort, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is easily accessible. It is known as one of the world’s largest dinosaur museums.

 

 

 

4. For the artsy traveler: feed your senses at the Kanaz Forest of Creation

 

 

Fukui is renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship. This includes glasses, lacquerware, blades, and a special kind of Japanese paper called Echizen Washi. With art being central to Fukui’s culture a visit to one of their art centers is a must for all artists and art enthusiasts. In Kanaz Forest of Creation visitors are treated to artworks that combine nature and lifestyle experiences, all centered around modern and traditional art.

 

Walk around the forest and encounter a myriad of art pieces of different inspirations and aesthetics, each waiting to be discovered. Special exhibitions and limited-time events are also held throughout the year. Visitors can also participate in various workshops on glass blowing, sandblasting, pottery, bamboo craft, and more, allowing for a hands-on experience that will unleash the creative in you.

 

 

5. For the ultimate foodie: don’t miss out on the Echizen-gani

 

Echizen-gani or Echizen crab is a must-try when in Fukui. These male snow crabs are caught off the coast of Fukui Prefecture from November to March, making it a winter delicacy. Echizen gani can grow up to 80 centimeters long and is perfect for seafood lovers to sink their teeth into, whether they’re craving for their shellfish steamed, grilled or put in a hotpot. Since it’s one of Fukui’s most well-known delicacies, many restaurants and dining spots in the prefecture have their own iteration of how it’s best enjoyed during the peak of its catching season, giving foodie travelers plenty of options on the ways to experience this local specialty.

 

From magnificent historical sites to breathtaking natural sceneries, Fukui has so much to offer and is definitely a place you must visit at least once in your life.

 

Which of these Fukui travel activities define your version of fun?

 

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