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let's uncover the Wonders of West Japan!

Fukui

Access

- From Osaka
About 1 hr. and 45 min.
via THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen
- From Tokyo
About 2 hr. and 55 min. via Hokuriku Shinkansen

Route recommendations

Tsuruga Stn.

The area around Tsuruga Station is home to numerous sightseeing spots full of history and culture, including Kehi Shrine, which features one of Japan’s three greatest wooden torii gates; Kanegasaki Shrine, famous for its cherry blossoms; Tsuruga Museum and Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, both preserving the region’s history; and Tsuruga Port, a great spot for fresh seafood. There are many great dining choices—enjoy dishes made with fresh fish such as Tsuruga pufferfish and mackerel sushi. Other big attractions are the traditional Japanese confectioneries and local sake liquors. Go from shop to shop sampling foods and purchase some local specialty products.

Recommended routes

Sample Plan for a Walking Tour 2-3 Hours from Tsuruga Station

Osaka Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD

About 1 hr. and 20 min.

About 1 hr. and 20 min.

Kyoto Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD

About 55 min.

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD

About 55 min.

Tsuruga Station

Bus

About 10 min. (30 min. on foot)

Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

At Tsuruga Museum, learn about the historical accounts of Polish orphans and Jewish refugees who overcame numerous difficulties to come to Tsuruga. There are also testimonies and stories from contemporary local residents, as well as heartwarming connections that continue to this day.

More information

Or

Red Brick Warehouse

Originally built during the Meiji era, this brick warehouse now serves different purposes: the north building houses the railroad and port diorama, while the south building has been transformed into a restaurant, where visitors can enjoy meals in a charming red brick ambiance.

More information

On foot

About 15 min.

Kehi Shrine

Built in 702, Kehi Shrine is famous for its large torii gate, which is considered one of Japan’s three greatest wooden torii gates. The shrine grounds contain beautiful gardens and old trees, making it a popular site for visitors.

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On foot

Immediately accessible

Dining and Shopping on Kagura 1-chome Shopping Street

Located in front of Kehi Shrine, Kagura Shopping Street has flourished since ancient times and features markets selling fresh local produce, unique handicraft shops, and historic bookstores, as well as restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy local flavors.

Bus

About 5 min. (20 min. on foot)

Tsuruga Station

Other sample plans

Echizen Takefu Stn.

Echizentakefu Station is a Hokuriku Shinkansen station located in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture. Right nearby is roadside station Michi-no-Eki Echizentakefu, where you can purchase fresh seafood as well as dine on crab and sushi throughout the year. In the local area, discover traditional crafts that have been passed down for generations, such as Echizen Washi (Japanese paper), Echizen Blades (Japanese forged blades), and Echizen Chests (traditional Japanese chests). Visitors can also observe artisans at work and participate in hands-on workshops.

Recommended routes

2-3 hours from Echizentakefu Station - Traditional Handicrafts Plan

Osaka Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hr. and 40 min.

About 1 hr. and 40 min.

Kyoto Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hour and 15 min.

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hour and 15 min.

Echizentakefu Station

By car

About 10 min.

Takefu Knife Village

Takefu Knife Village is a cooperative workshop that makes Echizen Blades. It is a comprehensive industrial tourism facility where visitors can observe blacksmiths at work and craftsmen sharpening blades. In addition to historical information panels and tool exhibits, visitors can also make reservations to participate in hands-on workshops.

More information

Or

Echizen Washi Village

The Goka district, known for Echizen Washi Village, is home to numerous Japanese paper producers. This area includes the Paper & Culture Museum, which exhibits a wide range of materials related to Echizen Washi, and the Papyrus House, where visitors can participate in traditional papermaking activities themselves.

More information

By car

About 10 min.

Okamoto Shrine / Otaki Shrine

Shrines to the god of papermaking, rare even in Japan.

More information

By car

About 10 min.

Echizentakefu Station

Other sample plans

Fukui Stn.

At Fukui Station, visit a shopping mall featuring local specialties and dining, as well as the Fukui City Tourist Exchange Center, which promotes the region through sightseeing information and events. Dinosaur Plaza in front of the station is home to realistic dinosaur sculptures, offering a powerful experience for both children and adults! Enjoyable for both children and adults! Surrounding the station are other sites such as Yokokan Garden, a beautifully preserved garden created in the Edo period that once served as a villa of the Matsudairas, the former feudal family of the Fukui Domain. The area is also known for its popular restaurants serving Echizen soba noodles and “sauce katsu-don,” breaded pork cutlets in a savory sauce.

Recommended routes

4 hours from Fukui Station - Enjoy Dinosaur Kingdom Fukui

Osaka Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hr. and 45 min.

About 1 hr. and 45 min.

Kyoto Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hr. and 20 min.

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hr. and 20 min.

Fukui Station

WOWRIDE FUKUI - The new sensation XR bus tour IKOSSA Fukui GO

About 1 hr.

WOWRIDE FUKUI - The new sensation XR bus tour IKOSSA Fukui GO

Fukui’s attractions are projected onto windows with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) images, creating a realistic virtual experience you won’t find on any average tour bus.

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Dinosaur Museum

One of the largest museums in the world, the large, open space here is filled with displays such as dinosaur skeletons, fossils, specimens, dioramas, and reconstructed models. The chance to see these amazing dinosaurs up close is fun for visitors of all ages.

More information

Route bus and Echizen Railway


About 1 hr and 30 min.

Fukui Station Dinosaur Spots

Look around the Fukui Station area to find a bunch of dinosaur spots. See if you can find them!

More information

Other sample plans

Awaraonsen Stn.

Awaraonsen Station serves as the gateway to the renowned hot spring area of Awara City, Fukui Prefecture. Located about ten minutes by car from the station, the Awaraonsen district is home to many traditional ryokan inns and historic lodging facilities. In addition to relaxing in the hot springs, enjoy delicious local cuisine and admire the beautiful Japanese-style gardens that the ryokan inns take pride in.

Recommended routes

3 to 4.5 hours from Awaraonsen Station

Osaka Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 2 hr.

About 2 hr.

Kyoto Station

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hr. and 35 min.

Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen

About 1 hr. and 35 min.

Awaraonsen Station

Bus

About 45 min.

Tojinbo

A National Place of Scenic Beauty, Tojinbo showcases the majestic power of nature, with rough waves of the Sea of Japan crashing against the cliffs. These magnificent rocky cliffs stretch on for approximately one kilometer.

More information

Bus

About 10 min.

Mikuni Minato

Mikuni Minato was a port town that prospered thanks to the Kitamaebune trades from the Edo to Meiji period. Located near Mikuni Port Market, there are many restaurants here where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.

More information

Echizen Railway and bus


About 40 min.

Awaraonsen Station

Other sample plans

Recommended products

Explore More in Fukui
with Travel Plans
by Nippon Travel Agency

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