Japan Fukui Travel Guide

🌟 Japan Fukui Travel Guide｜Hidden Gems + Food & Hot Springs + Cultural Experiences🌟 Fukui Prefecture, a hidden gem between Kanazawa and Kyoto, offers breathtaking natural scenery, ancient temples, and exquisite craftsmanship, as well as the winter-exclusive Echizen crab feast. Escape the crowds and embark on a healing journey. 🌸 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Tojinbo｜A Symphony of Cliffs and the Sea Highlight: The only columnar joint cliff in Japan, with a 20-meter-high cliff plunging into the Sea of Japan. The sunset view is a world-class spectacle. Things to do: Stroll along the trail and feel the grandeur of the waves crashing against the rocks. On a clear day, you can take a boat to see the cliffs up close (be careful). 2️⃣ Eiheiji Temple｜A Thousand-Year-Old Temple in a Zen Forest Highlight: The head temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, with a history of over 700 years. Stroll through the moss garden and experience the morning chanting to purify your soul. Experience: Stay at the nearby Hakujukan Hotel, participate in zazen and sutra copying in the morning, and enjoy shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) for a full Zen experience. 3️⃣ Awara Onsen｜A Hot Spring Street from the Showa Era Must-do: Enjoy a free foot bath, wear a kimono and stroll through the "Yukemuri Yokocho" food stall village (the red lanterns at night create a great atmosphere), and try the "Geisha Transformation" (costume rental + makeup, perfect for photos). Accommodation recommendation: Grandia Housen, a century-old hot spring inn with private baths and kaiseki cuisine for the ultimate indulgence. 4️⃣ Megane Museum｜A Paradise for Handicraft Enthusiasts Fun fact: Sabae City is the eyewear capital of Japan. Make your own eco-friendly glasses keychain and buy tax-free frames as souvenirs. 5️⃣ Cat Temple (Gotanjoji Temple)｜A Sanctuary for Cat Lovers Highlight: Over 30 cats roam freely. Cats on the shoulders of the Great Buddha and "cat fortune slips" are a must for cat lovers. 🍜 Must-Try Foods in Fukui 🦀 Echizen Crab Seasonal (November to March): Sweet and tender meat with rich crab roe. Recommended steamed or as sashimi, paired with local sake. 🍜 Echizen Soba Highlight: Grated radish + bonito flakes + cold noodles, refreshing and chewy. Visit "Echizen Soba Village" to make your own noodles (experience fee: JPY 2,200) for a sense of accomplishment. 🍢 Aburaage (Fried Tofu) Hidden gem: A favorite among Fukui locals. Thick slices of fried tofu with sweet soy sauce and grated radish, simple yet satisfying. 🍖 Wakasa Beef A must-try for wagyu lovers: Beautiful marbling, melts in your mouth whether hot pot or charcoal grilled, comparable to Kobe beef. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations｜Stay in the Scenery ❶ Hakujukan Hotel A must for Zen enthusiasts: Located near Eiheiji Temple, offers zazen experience and shojin ryori, with exquisite Echizen ware tea sets in the room. ❷ Grandia Housen (Awara Onsen) Luxury experience: Japanese-style garden suite with open-air private bath, kaiseki dinner featuring Echizen crab, a feast for the senses. ❸ Dormy Inn Fukui Natural Hot Spring Value for money: 6-minute walk from JR Fukui Station, free late-night ramen at the rooftop hot spring, ideal for backpackers. 📅 Itinerary Reference (3 Days 2 Nights) Day 1: Nature and History Morning: Tojinbo Cliffs + Boat Ride Afternoon: Eiheiji Temple Meditation Evening: Awara Onsen Street Food + Hot Spring Day 2: Culture and Handicrafts Morning: Megane Museum DIY Keychain Afternoon: Cat Temple + Echizen Soba Experience Evening: Mikuni Lantern Festival (Summer Only) Day 3: Food and Healing Morning: Echizen Daibutsu (Japan's Largest Indoor Buddha) Afternoon: Wakasa Bay Seafood Market for Fresh Sea Urchin Evening: Buy Echizen Pottery as Souvenirs Before Returning 💡 Practical Tips Transportation: About 2 hours by JR from Osaka/Nagoya, recommended to buy the "Hokuriku Area Pass" for better value. Best season: Winter (Echizen crab + snow scenery), summer (fireworks festival), autumn (red leaves + cosmos flower fields). Language: Popular attractions have English signs, but it's safer to have a translation app. Fukui is like a low-key pearl, waiting for you to discover its beauty. Save this guide and start your journey.✨