Hello! This is the Fukui Prefecture Tourism Federation. Fukui Prefecture has become one of the most talked-about regions now that the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension has made access from Tokyo much easier. We will share information about Fukui’s sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and more. Please look forward to it! ◆About Fukui Prefecture Fukui Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan in the Chubu region. On March 16, 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended between Kanazawa and Tsuruga, reducing the fastest travel time from Tokyo to 2 hours and 51 minutes. About 80 percent of Japan’s dinosaur fossils have been excavated in Fukui Prefecture, earning it the nickname “Dinosaur Kingdom” and making it home to many dinosaur-related facilities. Facing the Sea of Japan, Fukui is one of Japan’s premier fishing grounds, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. Especially Echizen crab, Wakasa fugu (pufferfish), and Echizen Flounder are high-quality specialties you can only taste here. Fukui is also one of the world’s leading eyewear production centers, manufacturing 95 percent of Japan’s frames. ◆Popular sightseeing spots in Fukui Prefecture Fukui is broadly divided into four areas: ◇Awara, Sakai, and Fukui City area ◇Eiheiji and Okuetsu area ◇Wakasaji area ◇Tannan area Below are recommended spots in each area. ◇Awara, Sakai, and Fukui City area ・Tojinbo Tojinbo, a cliff-lined coastline stretching about one kilometer, is often used for dramatic climaxes in suspense dramas. It is recognized as one of the world’s three great scenic wonders, a National Natural Monument, one of Japan’s 100 geological sites, and one of Japan’s 100 best sunsets. In recent years it has become popular as a spot to see the “green flash,” when the sun briefly glows green as it sets into the Sea of Japan. ・Fukui Castle Ruins The castle ruins were built in 1606 by Hideyasu Yuki, the second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Stone walls remain, and the site is a popular cherry-blossom viewing spot. ◇Eiheiji and Okuetsu area ・Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum One of the world’s three great dinosaur museums, it displays about 50 dinosaur skeletons along with fossils, specimens, dioramas, and reconstructed models. It is a spot that delights both children and adults. ・Daihonzan Eiheiji A Zen training monastery founded by Zen Master Dogen, it still hosts many practicing monks. ◇Wakasaji area ・Mizushima A small uninhabited island off the tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula, Mizushima is reachable by a daily ferry that operates during the swimming season. Its beauty has earned it the nickname “Hawaii of the Hokuriku region.” ・Mikata Five Lakes The five lakes—Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Kugushi, and Lake Hiruga—span Mihama Town and Wakasacho in Fukui Prefecture. They are also called the “five colored lakes” because each has a different shade of blue. ◇Tannan area ・Murasaki Shikibu Park Named for the Heian-period author Murasaki Shikibu, who spent time in Takefu City, the park features a gilded statue of Murasaki Shikibu wearing a twelve-layered kimono. ・Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge) A rare vine suspension bridge measuring 44 meters long. A legend says couples who vow their love on the bridge will find eternal happiness. ◆For touring Fukui Prefecture, we recommend the Happibus To visit popular spots in Fukui Prefecture, we recommend Happibus. Happibus offers scheduled sightseeing bus tours that take you comfortably and safely to attractive attractions scattered across the prefecture. Choose from seasonal specialty routes or courses that let you compare Fukui’s delicacies. Tours operate for solo travelers, and admission fees are included in the price. A guide accompanies the tour so you can fully enjoy your trip in Fukui. For details, please visit the Happibus website. ◆Fukui’s representative festivals ◇Mikuni Festival Held every May, this historic festival dates back to the Edo period. As one of the three major festivals of the Hokuriku region, its procession of float-mounted warrior dolls standing 6.5 meters tall parades through town in a powerful display. ◇Toro Nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival Held every August in Tsuruga City, this festival fills the sea with colorful floating lanterns against the backdrop of Kehi no Matsubara, while about 8,000 fireworks light up the night sky above the ocean. ◇Tsuruga Festival, Kehi Jingu Shrine Annual Festival Held every September in Tsuruga City, this festival is famous as the “Long Festival of Kehi” because it spans 14 days. ◆Sharing recommended information about Fukui Prefecture We introduced Fukui Prefecture’s seasonal natural beauty, historic sites, delicious food, and traditional culture. Fukui has ranked first overall five times in a row in the “Happiness Ranking of All 47 Prefectures.” We will continue to introduce Fukui’s highlights on Cool Japan Video. Thank you for your support!