Fukui Prefecture abounds in Natural Beauty

Framed by the Japan Sea to the west and tall mountains to the east, Fukui Prefecture 福井県 abounds in natural beauty. It is located in the Chubu region of the main Japanese island, Honshu, about 1 1/2 hours by train from Kyoto. One of the most famous landmarks is the Tojimbo Cliffs jutting into the sea; the stark rock attracts photographers throughout the year.

People also come to Fukui Prefecture to sunbathe on the beaches, ski in the mountains, and go rafting. It is home to eleven ski grounds including one of the largest places in western Japan. Others enjoy soaking in the natural onsen hot spring waters of Awara Hot Springs and other luxurious spas. Teramachi street in Ono City, a castle town known as the Little Kyoto of the Hokuriku area, has beautifully preserved buildings and streets, even rickshaws for the a cool experience!

Natashō (名田庄)

For people interested in crafts, Fukui is noted for paper-making, lacquer, pottery, and bamboo dolls. Visitors can even enjoy trying their hand at making these things.

Eihei-ji temple

Eihei-ji Zen Temple is an important historical destination. However, one of the most popular attractions for all ages is the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama City. It is one of the three largest dinosaur museums in the world and boasts over 30 complete skeletons. Many of the artifacts came from the prefecture itself.

Dinosaur Museum – Fukui

There are many routes to Fukui Prefecture. To get to Fukui City, the capital, one option is the JR Kosei Line Limited Express Train, which takes just under 2 hours from Osaka Station. Alternatively, consider a route from Tokyo which takes about 3 1/2 hours: take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Maibara, then change there to the JR Hokuriku Limited Express to Fukui City. Your JR Pass will be good on these routes.

東尋坊と晴れ渡る越前の海 (Tojinbo)

For more information: http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/index.html

photo by: cyber0515