Fukui Prefecture hosts exclusive tour for Tokyo's embassy representatives

In a bid to forge meaningful connections and promote the unique allure of Fukui Prefecture, the Fukui Prefectural Government Tokyo Office recently organized a special two-day tour for embassy personnel and representatives from foreign organizations in Tokyo. The initiative was to promote Fukui as an alternative travel destination in Japan, highlighting the prefecture’s history, natural beauty, and industries. Moreover, it promotes the Hokuriku Shinkansen’s recent extension to Fukui from Tokyo, which has made this charming retreat more accessible than ever.

With a total of 10 participants from the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and India embassies, as well as the French Chamber of Commerce in Japan and China National Tourism Office, Japan, the tour offered an immersive experience of Fukui’s history, industries, and natural beauty. From the moment they boarded the Hokuriku Shinkansen, participants were welcomed into a journey that brought Fukui closer than ever before.

History Comes Alive

The first stop was the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum, where participants explored exhibits that offered deeper insights into the town's history. Highlights included a 3D model of the original town, which provided a comprehensive understanding of its layout. The full-scale reproduction of the Asakura family’s mansion showcased traditional architecture, giving a glimpse into the lifestyle of the era. Some participants also enjoyed donning period-specific attire for ¥500, adding an interactive element to their historical journey.

Afterward, the group visited the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, where they walked through a reconstructed Sengoku Period (1467-1615) castle town. Ichijodani, once a vibrant hub under the Asakura Clan, was destroyed in 1573 by Oda Nobunaga’s army. The reconstructed townscape, nestled amidst rolling green hills, provided an authentic window into Japan’s feudal era, featuring restored samurai residences, merchant homes, and townhouses that once thrived in the town.

One visitor shared that Ichijodani allowed them to “learn about an aspect of Japanese history [they] did not know of.” Furthermore, they “appreciated that the facilities were designed to promote the understanding of that history through immersion by reconstruction and visiting the site."

For lunch, the tour group stopped at CARAMON, a restaurant known for local delicacies like sauce katsudon, a tender, deep-fried pork cutlet soaked in a slightly sweet sauce and served over rice. They also tried Echizen soba, a traditional buckwheat noodle dish with savory broth and fresh grated radish. This meal was a delicious glimpse into the region's culinary traditions.

Next, the group headed to the world-renowned Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts and science buffs. They explored the museum's impressive collection, including life-sized dinosaur skeletons, interactive displays, and detailed exhibits that explained the evolution of the Earth and its inhabitants.

One visitor exclaimed, "I enjoyed learning about the dinosaurs and how some fossils have yet to be discovered. I didn't know there were dinosaurs in Fukui!"

The day concluded at Hakujukan, a lodging facility blending the elegance of a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) with Zen-inspired tranquility, where guests can enjoy unique experiences including zazen meditation sessions. The participants savored vegetarian cuisine crafted with local ingredients and retired to serene Japanese-Western rooms made from Eiheiji cedar, perfect for relaxation.

One of the highlights of the trip was the morning chants at Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple. Before dawn, the group joined Hakujukan guests in the monks' morning service, which included sutra reading and incense burning — a serene and spiritual start to the day.

Craftsmanship and Scenic Beauty

Day two began at Echizen Washi Village in the Imadate area, a center of Japan’s 1,500-year-old papermaking tradition. At the Papyrus House, the tour participants tried their hand at making their own paper (prices vary from ¥500 to ¥1,000 depending on the type of paper).

The group also visited Udatsu Craft Center, the only place in Japan where traditional Echizen washi paper is made entirely using ancient methods. Here, artisans use old-fashioned tools to prepare and scoop paper fibers before drying the finished paper in the sun. A participant said of the experience, “Washi Village [was] a fantastic opportunity to explore Fukui’s unique craftsmanship and take home a beautiful souvenir."

Next on the itinerary was Takefu Knife Village, a hub of traditional Echizen blade-making. There, they witnessed masters forging knives with exceptional precision and skill.

The tour then proceeded to Nihonkai Sakanamachi Seafood Market, the largest seafood market along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The bustling market features over 50 shops and 15 restaurants. The group enjoyed boiled Echizen Crab, a winter delicacy, accompanied by crab chirashizushi and tempura.

The final stop was Rainbow Line Summit Park atop Mt. Baijodake, offering breathtaking views of the Mikata Five Lakes. The participants reached the summit via a chairlift and enjoyed panoramic observation decks, walking trails, and romantic spots featuring heart-shaped sculptures and love locks.

Visit Fukui

Fukui Prefecture offers a delightful blend of Japanese history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty, all made more accessible thanks to the extended Hokuriku Shinkansen. Whether it’s exploring ancient castles, witnessing traditional papermaking or enjoying stunning lake views, Fukui truly has something for everyone. As participants put it, “Fukui still has many places that aren’t widely known, and we want to help spread the word about the wonderful experiences we had.”

Plan your perfect trip with Enjoy Fukui and uncover the hidden gems that make this region so special.