Fukui (福井県) Travel Report Travel Report: My Weekend Trip in Summer 2021 - Part 2

This article is about my trip to Fukui, a prefecture in Japan. I was lucky enough to visit some of the best sights in the region, from breathtaking cliffs to a fascinating dinosaur museum. Fukui also has a rich local cuisine that I truly enjoyed. In this report, I will share my experiences and show you why Fukui is a perfect travel destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure.

From Tokyo to Fukui

If you've ever wondered what the best way to get from Tokyo to Fukui is, here are a few travel tips for you. There are two ways to get to Fukui – by train or by car.

By Train from Tokyo to Fukui

The train is a fast and convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Fukui. The Shinkansen connection from Tokyo to Fukui takes about 4 hours and offers breathtaking views of Japan's countryside. If you are planning your journey by train, I recommend getting off at Fukui Station, which is also a shopping mall and an homage to the region's dinosaurs.

By Car from Tokyo to Fukui

If you decide to drive from Tokyo to Fukui, you should plan on about 6 to 7 hours travel time. The route takes you through some of Japan's most beautiful landscapes and offers the opportunity to stop at various sights along the way. It's worth allowing a bit more time for the drive and enjoying the journey.

No matter which method of travel you choose, I wish you a pleasant and unforgettable trip to Fukui!

Fukui Station – Not Your Ordinary Station

Fukui Station is a huge complex that offers much more than just a train station. You'll almost feel like you're in a mall as you wander through the many shops and restaurants. But that's not all – the station also has a special connection to the famous dinosaurs of Fukui Prefecture. Throughout the station, you'll find dinosaur statues and artworks that remind you of the nearby dinosaur museum. It's a unique experience to visit a station so deeply connected to the region’s history and culture.

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is an absolute must for anyone interested in dinosaurs and the history of our planet. Here you’ll find an incredible collection of exhibits that will take you on a journey through time. You’ll experience up close how these fascinating creatures lived millions of years ago and how they eventually died out. It’s a place full of wonder and mystery, offering insight into a world long gone. Visit the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and marvels!

The museum is open everyday of the week from 9AM - 5PM (as of November 2025).

Museum website (English): https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/

Tōjimbō – The Cliffs on the Sea of Japan

The cliffs of Tōjimbō are truly a breathtaking experience that you shouldn't miss on your trip through Fukui. These majestic rocks, which rise dramatically above the Sea of Japan, are a true wonder of nature. Walking along the cliffs, you'll feel as though you've been transported to another world. The salty air and the sound of the waves surround you as you enjoy the beauty of this unique landscape. It’s an experience you will never forget.

Oshima – near Tōjimbō

Oshima is a small island near Tōjimbō. The island is accessible via a bridge from the mainland and offers a stunning view of the Sea of Japan. I couldn't resist visiting the island and was thrilled by its beauty.

If you visit Oshima, you should definitely plan a walk around the island.

Fukui Castle (福井城 – Fukui-jō)

Fukui Castle was built in the year 1600 by Yūki Hideyasu, the second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The keep was 37 meters tall but was destroyed by fire in 1619 and not rebuilt. After the Meiji Restoration, the buildings on the castle grounds were removed, and the outer moats were filled in. That's why today you can only see the moat and the base of the main keep.

Local Dishes in Fukui

In Fukui, there are many delicious dishes that you absolutely must try. If you’re in town, you should definitely try the following specialties:

Echizen kanimeshi

This dish is a local specialty from Fukui and consists of rice served with crab meat and vegetables. It’s a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a quick lunch. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try it during my visit to Fukui.

Sauce Katsu-don

This dish consists of crispy fried pork cutlet, served with a hearty sauce and freshly cooked rice. It’s a classic of Japanese cuisine and a must for every foodie. Sauce Katsu-don is also a local Fukui dish.

Echizen Oroshi Soba

Soba noodles are another specialty of the region and are made from buckwheat flour. The Oroshi variety is served with grated daikon radish and is a refreshing change from heavier dishes. Echizen Oroshi Soba is also a local Fukui dish.

The APA Hotel Fukui

I had the pleasure of staying at the APA Hotel Fukui and must say I was very satisfied. The hotel is a business hotel, so it doesn’t offer the greatest comfort, but the price can’t be beaten. It’s a bit further away from the station, but the walk is definitely worth it. Unfortunately, the hotel is currently temporarily closed (as of May 2023), but it’s definitely worth a visit once it reopens.

I can definitely recommend the APA Hotel Fukui if you’re looking for an affordable yet comfortable place to stay. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring Fukui and its surrounding sights.

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Conclusion of the Fukui Trip

There are many unique sights and culinary specialties to discover in Fukui. The visit to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and the Tōjimbō Cliffs should definitely be on your itinerary. The local cuisine of Fukui offers many delicious dishes, including Echizen kanimeshi and Sauce Katsu-don. Fukui Station is an unusual station that is also a shopping center and an homage to the region’s dinosaurs. Fukui is a perfect travel destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure.

Even after this travel report, there’s still so much more to discover and try in Fukui. Although I have already visited and enjoyed some of the best sights and specialties in the region, there is still much more to explore. I'm definitely planning another trip to Fukui in the future, even though it’s a bit farther from Tokyo. The unique and unforgettable adventures this prefecture offers are definitely worth it.