Fukui Prefecture is renowned for its distinct seasonal changes, offering a delightful variety of seasonal foods. Sabae City, known as one of Japan's leading eyewear frame production areas, is also located here. Besides food and craftsmanship, Fukui is rich in experiential activities. From traditional crafts to exciting activities on the Sea of Japan, there’s something for every visitor. In this article, we introduce seven carefully selected activities you can enjoy in Fukui. When you visit, be sure to experience these activities along with the delicious food and unique craftsmanship Fukui has to offer.
※If you purchase or reserve the products introduced in the article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
What is Fukui like?
Fukui Prefecture is dotted with spots where you can feel the history and culture, including castles, temples, and shrines. Among them, the most famous is Maruoka Castle, designated as an Important Cultural Property. Tojinbo, a scenic spot with dramatic cliffs designated as a Natural Monument, is another representative tourist destination.
Fukui is also famous for Echizen crabs, a winter delicacy that attracts many tourists from both inside and outside Japan during the colder months. Known for its thriving manufacturing industry, Fukui's most notable product is Sabae glasses from Sabae City.
7 Recommended Activities in Fukui
Given its location by the Sea of Japan, Fukui offers a variety of water activities. Here, we introduce a rich selection of activities, including those on the water.
1. Maiko Transformation Experience
Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with a Maiko transformation experience, a truly memorable opportunity. Professional staff will coordinate your kimono, and assist with makeup and wig selection, allowing you to transform into a Maiko.
Transforming into a Maiko with friends, a partner, or family, and taking photos around the town of Fukui will surely add a vibrant touch to your memories. When visiting Fukui, why not try this once-in-a-lifetime Maiko experience?
▶For more details on this experience:
👉Special experiences available at Awara Hot Springs
2. Kiteboarding Experience
Enjoy a marine activity where you can have the vast Sea of Japan all to yourself. Due to the limited season and the rare opportunity to try it, kiteboarding is very popular from spring to summer.
In this activity, you can experience the thrill of kiteboarding in half a day using the latest equipment. With the latest models of kites, boards, and harnesses, you can safely and comfortably enjoy the activity as the kite is less likely to fall. Even beginners can take lessons on the sea using the latest equipment that allows communication with the instructor, ensuring a secure experience. World-class instructors provide clear and accurate advice according to your level, enabling quick improvement and offering a unique experience not found elsewhere.
👉 [Fukui / Mikuni / Takasu] For experienced kiters! Kite board (foil) 1 day experience course
3. Stand-Up Paddle and Wing Foil Experience
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a water activity where you stand on a large board and paddle across the water, providing a new and exciting experience.
Beginners can easily master it, making it increasingly popular. The new sport of wing foiling involves holding a large, air-inflated wing while riding a SUP, allowing you to glide freely over the sea. Both activities are taught by experienced instructors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
👉 [Fukui / Mikuni / Takasu] Stand-up paddle / winging 2-hour experience course
4. Day Trip Sightseeing Tour
There are various types of day bus tours that allow you to enjoy popular tourist spots in Fukui Prefecture, so choose according to your travel plan. This featured day trip tour takes you through Tojinbo, Maruoka Castle, and Eiheiji Temple. Covering Fukui's representative tourist spots, this day trip ensures you can fully enjoy Fukui in just one day. The tour duration varies slightly depending on the day but generally takes about 9 hours, ending before 7 PM. This allows you to enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Fukui and still have time for a leisurely dinner, making it an efficient way to explore the prefecture.
Tojinbo, a Natural Monument of Japan, offers breathtaking views from its 1 km stretch of dramatic cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan. Many tourists from Japan and abroad visit to marvel at the scenery. The area is well-maintained with walking paths, an observation tower, and a shopping street, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Maruoka Castle, known for its long history, boasts the oldest remaining castle tower among the 12 existing castle towers in Japan. The castle's stone walls are also famous and designated as an Important Cultural Property. The surrounding Kasumigajo Park is a popular cherry blossom spot in spring.
Eiheiji Temple, a representative tourist destination in Fukui, is the head temple of the Soto Zen sect and a place of deep historical significance where many monks train. The ceiling of the grand hall features 230 colorful paintings of birds and flowers, creating a solemn atmosphere.
👉 Japan Fukui Day Tour from Kanazawa Station: Tojinbo, Maruoka Castle & Eiheiji
👉 [Discount] Fukui Super Value Package｜Fukui Fun Pass Enjoy a 1 Week Free Pass in Fukui
5. Matchlock Gun Shooting Experience
At the ruins of Jingujijo Castle in Fukui, you can experience shooting a matchlock gun. The site, which spans about 1.5 times the size of Tokyo Dome, offers a vast area where you can feel traces of battles from the Sengoku period. Although preschool children cannot participate, the activity is available for elementary school students and older, making it enjoyable for both adults and children.
In addition to the matchlock gun experience, you can explore the castle ruins, take a refreshing walk, and enjoy a forest bath. Posing for photos as a Sengoku warrior will make for memorable and photogenic keepsakes, so be sure to try this unique experience when visiting Fukui.
▶For more details on this experience:
https://www.hosorogi.com/experience/112/
6. Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Making Experience
Fukui Prefecture is famous for its Japanese sweets such as Habutae Mochi and Mizuyokan, as well as many other unique confections. In Fukui, you can listen to stories about Japanese sweets and experience making nerikiri and seasonal namagashi. Deepen your understanding of Japanese sweets while learning tips from a professional instructor for a truly luxurious experience.
At the traditional Japanese confectionery shop "Koundo" near Echizen Pottery Village, you can participate in a Japanese sweets-making program and feel the essence of Japanese tradition. The course is available for groups of two or more and takes about an hour, making it a convenient and enjoyable activity to fit into your travel schedule. Be sure to try it when you visit Fukui.
▶For more details on this experience:
https://www.fuku-e.com/experience/detail_3007.html
👉Fukui Recommended Leisure Activities and Sightseeing Information
7. Glasses Making Experience
Sabae City is renowned as one of Japan's leading eyewear frame production areas, producing 90% of the eyeglass frames distributed in Japan. Here, you can experience the creation of high-quality eyewear. At "Plus Jack," a company that produces glasses entirely in-house, you can tour the workshop and create your own unique pair of glasses. The semi-custom glasses making process is guided by skilled craftsmen, ensuring that even first-timers can smoothly follow the steps.
Whether you make matching glasses as a couple or create a memorable item with your child, this experience is enjoyable for everyone. With a duration of about 90 minutes, it’s perfectly suited for families with children.
▶For more details about the experience, click here
https://craftinvitation.jp/workshop/plusjack_semiorder/
Enjoy Activities in Fukui!
We've introduced seven recommended activities that you can experience in Fukui Prefecture. Whether you want to savor the local cuisine, engage in crafts and create souvenirs, or fully enjoy the vast Sea of Japan in front of you, Fukui offers a variety of choices. The abundance of water activities is a privilege of island nations. Alongside these, you can fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture with experiences like the Maiko transformation and pottery making. Enjoy the wide range of options to the fullest!
👉 Mysterious Lake
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