Fourteen knife-making businesses jointly operate the Takefu Knife Village workshop. Visitors can watch the artisans make their respective products, offering a firsthand look at one of Fukui Prefecture’s traditional crafts. Zen temples, historic sites and coastal landscapes also shape the discoveries that await you here.

Fukui is accessible from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Kanazawa by JR Limited Express or Shinkansen. Check the timetables separately for your specific travel dates.

Zen, Architecture and Historic Sites

Eiheiji was founded in 1244 by the Zen master Dōgen as a temple of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism. Guided tours of the large temple complex are available during the day. Visitors can learn about the teachings of the Sōtō school, the old wooden architecture and the elaborately painted ceiling of the Sanshokaku Hall. Eiheiji also offers zazen meditation and overnight stays on limited dates for travelers interested in Zen experiences. Check the specific dates if you are planning an overnight stay.

Maruoka Castle also tells the story of Fukui’s past: dating from 1576, it has one of only twelve original castle towers still standing in Japan today. The ruins of the castle town of Ichijodani Asakura offer a different view of historic town planning. They include reconstructed samurai residences and merchant quarters along a 200-meter stretch of street. The contrast between a surviving castle tower and reconstructed quarters shows two different ways to experience history in Fukui.

Another cultural discovery is Yokokan Garden. This Japanese garden combines a villa, a large carp pond, stone bridges, lanterns and stepping stones with a pavilion-style teahouse. These individual elements give the garden its distinctive layout, setting it apart from the temple and castle grounds.

Coastal Scenery, Lakes and Hiking

The Echizen Coast is designated as a national park and stretches from the Tojinbo Cliffs in the north to Suizu in Tsuruga in the south. Tojinbo features a columnar-jointing formation about one kilometer long. Tojinbo can be viewed from the sea or from the air.

Birdwatching is a highlight at the Five Lakes of Mikata in winter, when migratory ducks and sea eagles pass through the area. The Mikatagoko Nature Cruise is a 50-minute excursion around the Five Lakes of Mikata. For planning purposes, these nature experiences differ mainly in their timing: birdwatching is tied to winter, while the cruise is listed as lasting 50 minutes.

Those interested in hiking will find a clearly described route on the Echizen Pilgrimage Trail. The trail begins behind the temple grounds of Heisenji Hakusan Shrine and runs via Mount Ho-onji and Mount Akausagi to Mount Gozen-ga-mine.

Crafts to Watch and Try

The Takefu Knife Village shared workshop is operated by 14 knife-making businesses; visitors can watch the artisans make their respective products there. The Echizen Lacquerware Hall presents another part of the craft tradition: it showcases the history and production process of lacquerware and offers demonstrations by traditional artisans.

You can also take part in hands-on workshops at the Echizen Lacquerware Hall. Visitors decorate lacquered wood or apply lacquer to untreated wood; reservations are required. The two craft experiences are therefore clearly distinct: at the Knife Village, the focus is on watching knife makers at work, while the Lacquerware Hall offers both demonstrations and the chance to try the techniques yourself. Use these interests as a guide when planning your stay and looking for a hotel in Fukui Prefecture.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Fukui, Obama, Tsuruga, Kazurano, Awara, Echizen, Mikata District, Katsuyama, Oi District, Sabae.

For the main travel overview: Japan.