Fukui Prefecture, a place of profound charm that reveals more the deeper you explore, boasting magnificent scenery nurtured by the Sea of Japan, numerous historical legacies, and even a world-class museum.
With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, access has dramatically improved, making it one of the most talked-about destinations among travelers right now.
This time, we’ve carefully selected 5 must-visit ‘classic sightseeing spots’ in Fukui, where you can feel the depths of history, the energy of the earth, and the authentic local atmosphere.
We’ll provide real, in-depth information that isn’t found in typical guidebooks, such as the best visiting hours, tips for avoiding crowds, and how to get around locally, all for travelers who truly want to know!
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
📍 Address: 51-11 Terao, Muraoka-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui 911-8601, JapanWhen it comes to Fukui sightseeing, the globally renowned ‘Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum’ is a highlight. It underwent a major renovation in the summer of 2023, further enhancing its scale and the intensity of its exhibits. [14][15]
Stepping into the futuristic dome, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa to resemble a giant ‘dinosaur egg,’ you first descend into an underground space via a massive escalator. The moment you emerge from the darkness into a vast ‘bone-filled’ hall of overwhelming scale is a thrilling experience that gives you goosebumps no matter how many times you visit.
The number of full dinosaur skeletons on display has been increased to an impressive 50, allowing close observation of Fukuisaurus and Fukuiraptor, which were excavated in Fukui. [15] Furthermore, newly established features like the ‘3-sided Dino Theater’ and the ‘Visible Collection Storage’ where you can peek into actual research sites, are packed with attractions that will captivate even non-dinosaur fans, making them lose track of time. [15][17]
【Travel Pro’s Advice】
・The museum is very spacious, and you can easily spend about 3 hours absorbed in the exhibits. It tends to get crowded in the afternoon, so if you want to enjoy the space at your own pace, aiming for ‘early morning (around 9:00-10:00 AM)’ is best.
・Advance web ticket purchase is recommended for admission. Be sure to arrange it before your trip to avoid queues on-site. [19]
・For visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or canes, it’s recommended to use the elevator for floor transfers instead of the long escalator at the front.
・If you’re taking the bus from Katsuyama Station, you might need cash (300 yen) for the return fare. There’s a change machine next to the Gashapon corner inside the museum, so it’s a good idea to break larger bills beforehand if you don’t have coins.
Tojinbo Cliffs
📍 Address: 64-1 Anjima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui 913-0064, JapanTojinbo Cliffs, a masterpiece of nature sculpted by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan. These are towering sea cliffs where columnar joints of pyroxene andesite, formed when magma erupted from volcanic activity approximately 13 to 12 million years ago and cooled, extend for about 1 km. [2][4]
In fact, columnar joints of this scale are extremely rare geologically, found in only ‘three places in the world’: Mount Kumgang on the Korean Peninsula, the west coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula, and here at Tojinbo. [8]
Tojinbo’s greatest appeal is undoubtedly its dynamism, allowing you to ‘walk freely to the edge of the cliffs without railings.’ You can experience the breathtaking height difference that photos cannot fully convey, and the roaring sound of waves violently crashing against the rocks.
It’s also famous as a filming location for suspense dramas, and its name comes from the legend of Tojinbo, a powerful evil monk who was pushed into the sea from here during the Heian period, a slightly dark history that further enhances the mystique of this place. [7][10]
【Travel Pro’s Advice】
・The rocky terrain is much rougher than imagined, with many gaps and uneven steps, so wearing comfortable sneakers is absolutely essential.
・While it’s known as a great spot for sunset views, travelers relying on public transport (bus/train) should be mindful of the time! After sunset, nearby shops close one after another, and the area becomes quite dark with few streetlights. Waiting for the bus in the sea breeze can be surprisingly cold, so we strongly recommend visiting during the day or just before dusk.
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
📍 Address: Kidanouchi-cho, Fukui City, Fukui 910-2153, JapanIf you want to fully immerse yourself in historical romance, the ‘Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins’ are an absolute must-visit. This is the site of a castle town where the Asakura clan, daimyo who ruled Echizen Province during the Sengoku period, flourished for over 100 years. [6]
It was burned to ashes by Oda Nobunaga in 1573, but then remained buried intact under rice fields for 400 years. Excavations in the Showa era uncovered the town layout, samurai residences, roads, and waterways one after another, and due to its overwhelmingly good state of preservation, it is hailed as ‘Japan’s Pompeii’. [9][11]
The area designated as a special historic site spans 278 hectares, and at its peak, approximately 10,000 people lived in this narrow valley. [11] The ‘Reconstructed Townscape’ area is a particular highlight. Samurai residences and merchant houses of the period have been faithfully recreated, offering an immersive experience as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Sengoku period.
In recent years, initiatives such as the installation of glass-floored viewing spots within the ruins allow visitors to enjoy the scenery of the ancient gardens and waterways from ‘the same perspective as a Sengoku daimyo’ without damaging the ruins. [21]
【Travel Pro’s Advice】
・The site is incredibly vast! A thorough exploration of the entire area would take a full day. If you have limited time, we recommend purchasing a combined ticket for the ‘Reconstructed Townscape’ and the ‘Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Museum’ (a separate facility), and then visiting the surrounding garden ruins (such as Yudono-ato Teien and Suwa-kan-ato Teien).
・’Why did they establish their base in a narrow valley instead of a wide plain?’ – When you actually visit the site and see the narrowness of the ‘Shimokido Ruins’ (fortress ruins) at the valley entrance, you’ll understand its impregnable defense. Exploring with a topographical and defensive perspective, akin to the TV program ‘Bura Tamori,’ will multiply the enjoyment.
Maruoka Castle
📍 Address: 1-59 Kasumi-cho, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui 910-0231, JapanAmong the countless castles across Japan, ‘Maruoka Castle’ is a precious and renowned castle, one of only ’12 existing castle keeps’ that remain from before the Edo period, and the sole one preserved in the Hokuriku region. [3]
At first glance, it appears to be a compact two-story structure, but internally it has a three-story design. A distinctive feature is the ‘stone tiles’ covering its roof. Approximately 6,000 tiles, cut from Fukui’s famous Shakudani stone, were used as a measure to prevent cracking in the severe snow and cold of the northern region, and their total weight reaches about 120 tons. Maruoka Castle is the only existing castle keep with a stone-tiled roof. [3][12][18]
Furthermore, the stone walls supporting the castle keep are built using a rough method called ‘nozura-zumi,’ which combines natural stones, providing practicality with excellent drainage, making them strong against heavy rain. [3][18] Inside the castle, vivid Sengoku-period features for repelling enemies, such as ‘ishiotoshi’ (stone drops) and ‘hazama’ (gun ports), remain, allowing visitors to feel the intensity of a castle designed for battle, despite its compact size. [3]
【Travel Pro’s Advice】
・Maruoka Castle’s greatest feature, and arguably its ‘most challenging part,’ is its steep stairs, often called the steepest in Japan. The incline from the 1st to the 2nd floor is 65 degrees, and from the 2nd to the 3rd floor, it’s an astonishing 67 degrees – virtually ‘ladder-level.’ [13] Descending is even more thrilling than ascending.
・Wearing tight skirts or long skirts is very dangerous, as you might trip or find it difficult to lift your legs, so always opt for pants. It’s also essential to use a backpack or cross-body bag to keep both hands free.
・The admission ticket includes entry to the nearby ‘Ichibitsu Keijo: The Museum of Japan’s Shortest Letter,’ so visiting both is a great value.
Yokokan Garden (Designated Place of Scenic Beauty)
📍 Address: 3-11-36 Hoei, Fukui City, Fukui 910-0004, JapanJust a short distance from Fukui Station and the downtown area, ‘Yokokan Garden’ (Designated Place of Scenic Beauty) offers a serene, otherworldly tranquility the moment you step through its gates.
This strolling pond garden was cherished as a villa by the Matsudaira family, feudal lords of the Fukui domain during the Edo period. It was named by Matsudaira Shungaku, a wise ruler of the late Edo period, from Mencius’s words, ‘to cultivate the vast, overflowing qi (spirit).’
The sukiya-style residence, built on the edge of a vast pond, features a unique design that allows you to gaze directly at the water’s surface from the veranda, seamlessly integrating the house and garden.
Its great charm lies in the completely different expressions it presents each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, autumn leaves reflected on the water, and snowy winter landscapes. Its beauty consistently ranks high in international Japanese garden rankings.
【Travel Pro’s Advice】
・Beyond just walking around, be sure to step up into the sukiya-style residence and sit on the veranda. As sounds fade away and you simply gaze at the pond’s surface where carp gracefully swim, you’ll enjoy a luxurious, refreshing time completely detached from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
・Fukui Castle Ruins (current Fukui Prefectural Government Office) and Fukui City Local History Museum are also within walking distance, making it ideal to incorporate Yokokan Garden into a historical walking route around Fukui Station.
Summary: Tips to Enjoy Fukui Sightseeing 120%
Many of Fukui’s tourist attractions retain the ‘breath of the earth’ and the ‘weight of history’ as they are, which is why ‘comfortable clothing and sneakers’ are must-have items. Be aware in advance that there are many spots, like Maruoka Castle’s steep stairs and Tojinbo’s rocky terrain, where you need to be mindful of your footing.
Furthermore, since attractions are scattered throughout the prefecture—Fukui City (Ichijodani, Yokokan), Sakai City (Tojinbo, Maruoka Castle), Katsuyama City (Dinosaur Museum)—allowing a little extra time for travel in your schedule is the key to a successful trip.
Fukui Prefecture awaits with magnificent nature, profound history, and delicious seafood gourmet. We hope you’ll use this in-depth information to enjoy a truly fulfilling local trip!
