Things to do in Fukui, Japan’s hidden gem for slow travel

Also a must-see is the Katsuyama Castle Museum, a private museum housed in a six-story majestic architecture with distinct dragon features on its stone walls. The museum is home to 700 years-worth of tools and weaponry. On the sixth floor is an observation deck that commands spectacular views of Katsuyama City and the surrounding Hakusan mountain range.
 

Almost two kilometres away from the Katsuyama Castle Museum is Echizen Daibutsu, a 17-metre-tall Buddha statue also known as the Great Buddha of Echizen. Nestled in Seidaiji Temple, this colossal figure is surrounded by about 1,300 other Buddha statues of varying sizes. Serving as a Rinzai Zen temple for over two decades, the Seidaiji Temple features exquisite structures based on ancient Chinese designs such as the Wall of Nine Dragons and a five-tiered pagoda—the tallest of its kind in Japan.
 

Another destination for those seeking spiritual solace, cultural enrichment, and a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism is the Eiheiji Temple, one of the most significant Zen Buddhist temples that can be found in Fukui. It is a major centre for Soto Zen practice founded by Dogen Zenji–the father of Soto Zen in Japan–in 1244. The expansive temple complex comprises over 70 buildings and a monastery that dot the cedar-covered slope of the mountains. On the foot of the complex is Hakujukan, an accommodation that provides a holistic Zen experience through meditation and other hands-on activities. It has a restaurant that specialises in shojin ryori cuisine, a style of sustainable cooking built on Buddhist teachings about compassion for all living things. It does not use animal products, emphasises connection with nature, and ultimately, minimises waste out of respect for the lives taken as food.

Related: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Kyoto, Japan

Fukui is also popular for its culinary and crafts scene. A visit to Komego miso shop gives a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the revered Japanese condiment. Komego makes miso for the monks of Eiheiji, a very important source of protein for them in the absence of meat. Here, visitors can learn more about how miso is made on a factory tour and cooking workshop.

A major ingredient in most Japanese dishes is kombu (kelp) and in Tsuruga City, one can visit Okui Kaiseido, an iconic kelp speciality store founded in 1871. Okui Kaiseido’s history spans 150 years, a century of which has been dedicated to supplying Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple with the flavourful seaweed. Learn how kelp is stored and processed, as well as get to see a batch of kelp that has been in its possession for more than 30 years.

Other crafts popular in Fukui are the Echizen Uchihamano or the Echizen knives, which are highly sought-after by chefs globally. One can check out  the Ryusen Hamono showroom and factory in Echizen City and learn how these blades are manually and painstakingly crafted, sharpened, polished, and, ultimately finished with natural wood handles.

Those who are interested in Japanese dinnerware can pass by Kinkori Shikkiten, a 91-year-old lacquerware store which now has a showcase facility in Fukui. Guests can paint their own miso bowls guided by one of the legendary Kinkori brothers who regularly conduct lectures and workshops on lacquerware.

Besides being a famous hot springs town, Awara in northern Fukui is also known for its delectable seafood cuisine, which stars the humungous Echizen crabs. These male snow crabs are abundant especially in the colder months of November to March. It is believed that Fukui has been an imperial food province for centuries because the seafood in this area is excellent enough to be served to the emperor.

Echizen soba is another popular dish in Fukui, and one of the most scenic places to enjoy it is in ESHIKOTO's Yamaya, a restaurant located amidst the compound established by the Kokuryu Shuzo Brewery. Here, diners can indulge in cold soba dipped in savoury broth while enjoying a panoramic view of the Satoyama village. A few metres away from the restaurant is a sake shop where one can try the libations and even take a few bottles home.
 

Those who love sushi must visit Ichimonme, a hole-in-the-wall restaurant which offers the popular sushi omakase in town. Right before your eyes, the chefs handroll red-vinegared rice and the freshest seasonal catch from the market to create a variety of sushi for you to enjoy with a glass of hot or cold sake.

For meat lovers, Fukui prides itself with “sauce katsudon”, a thinly sliced pork cutlet fried to a crisp and served on top of a bowl of rice. Unlike in many parts of Japan, katsudon in Fukui is not served with egg and instead with a special dipping sauce. One place to enjoy this comfort food is in Europa-ken, which has been serving it for years.

In Tsuruga City, a few blocks away from the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse and the Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum, a casual-dining restaurant helmed by the chef Hikari Matsushita offers European cuisine highlighting local ingredients like the succulent Wakasa beef. On top of this, the restaurant also advocates environmental responsibility through the use of sustainably sourced ingredients, firewood and even tableware.

For a dose of traditional Japanese music, the historic Mikuni Minato area offers immersive shamisen appreciation sessions complete with a matcha tea ceremony.
 
Fukui’s blend of rich history, natural beauty and local traditions offers a serene escape for those seeking a deeper connection with Japan. Whether exploring ancient temples, indulging in local cuisine, or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, this hidden gem of the Hokuriku region is a perfect destination for slow travellers looking for an authentic, enriching experience.
 
To know more about Fukui, visit japan.travel/en/ph/.

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