What to know
Fukui City (福井) is the capital of Fukui Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast. While the city center has few major attractions, the surrounding forested hills and rocky coastline offer many interesting sites. The most famous is Eiheiji Temple, a head temple of Zen Buddhism. Another highlight is the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, one of the world's best museums of its kind.
During the Warring States period, the influential Asakura Clan ruled the area from a bustling castle town at Ichijodani, just outside today's city center. The clan was eventually defeated by Oda Nobunaga, and the castle town was destroyed. In contrast, Maruoka Castle survived the feudal and post-feudal eras intact, making it one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan.
Activities and attractions
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur MuseumJapan’s leading dinosaur museum
Eiheiji TempleA center of Japanese Zen Buddhism
Heisenji Hakusan ShrineAtmospheric Shrine in the Forest
TojinboSpectacular cliff along the Sea of Japan
Maruoka CastleOne of the twelve original castles
Ichijodani Asakura Clan RuinsRuins of a leading former castle town
Yokokan GardenTraditional garden with pond-side pavilion
Echizen Great BuddhaTemple of gigantic dimensions
Takefu Knife VillageWorkshop, shop and museum dedicated to knives
Echizen Ono CastleReconstructed hilltop castle