楊雅雯's Reviews Page 2/13

Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins

During the Warring States period, the Asakura clan ruled the Echizen domain for five generations over a 103-year period. During the reign of the fifth Yoshikage, who excelled not only as a feudal lord but also as a man of culture, the Ichijodani culture flourished. In the battle to unify the country, however, he formed an alliance with the Asai clan and clashed with the Oda and Tokugawa forces, but was severely defeated. Yoshikage committed suicide, and Oda Nobunaga burned the town down, bringing the Asakura clan's glory to an end in 1573.

• Fukui
• Tourist Attractions

I really loved the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins! It's about a 30-minute ride from the west exit of Fukui Station. This castle town once flourished for a hundred years during the Warring States period, but now only peace and greenery remain, making it feel like a secluded paradise untouched by the world. I strolled through the ruins, admired the restored Karamon Gate and samurai residences, and imagined the prosperity of Echizen under five generations of the Asakura clan. The castle town was burned down by Oda's forces in 1573, and archaeological excavations have now brought its former appearance back to life. This was the place on my Fukui trip that surprised me and that I really liked!

Fukui Station West Plaza (Dinosaur Plaza)

With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in March 2024, Fukui Station is drawing increased attention. The "Dinosaur Plaza" at the west exit is a fitting gateway to Fukui Prefecture, known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" due to the numerous fossils discovered here. The plaza boasts a variety of dinosaur-themed attractions.

• Fukui
• Tourist Attractions

When you come to Fukui, you definitely shouldn't miss Dinosaur Plaza at the west exit of Fukui Station! As soon as you walk out of the station, you're greeted by giant dinosaurs and striking dinosaur murals, as if you've suddenly traveled back to the Jurassic period. The most interesting part is that the dinosaurs in the plaza aren't just models—they move and roar with sound and light effects. They're so lifelike that you'll really jump when they suddenly make a sound! Look up and you'll also see spectacular dinosaur murals that look impressive in every photo. No wonder Fukui is called the "Land of Dinosaurs." Dinosaur fans can take so many photos just outside the station that they won't want to leave, without even having to visit a separate attraction!

Yokokan Garden

A water garden located along the outer moat of Fukui Castle, which is a representative water garden built between the early and middle of the Edo period. This garden was the villa of the Fukui lord, the Matsudaira family, and was called “Osensui Yashiki” in the Edo period. Visitors can leisurely look out the garden from the sitting room just as the eye level of the Fukui lord once did.

• Fukui
• Parks & Gardens

While visiting Fukui City, I made a special trip to Yokokan Garden. Formerly known as Osensui Yashiki, it is a Japanese garden where the residence and pond blend together beautifully. Admission is only JPY 220. Although the garden isn't large, every detail is exquisite. The huge pond is crystal clear, with colorful koi swimming through it, and the rustic sukiya-style building seems to float on the water. After taking off your shoes, you can sit on the tatami and look out from different angles, where the pond, unusual rocks, greenery, and koi come together like natural landscape paintings. The peaceful, elegant surroundings make you instinctively slow down and fully appreciate the tranquility and beauty of a traditional Japanese garden.

Fukui Station

The gateway to Fukui City, where the Hokuriku Shinkansen and a third-sector railway meet. In addition to JR West's Hokuriku Shinkansen and Happiline Fukui's Happiline Fukui Line, it also offers smooth connections to Echizen Railway, Fukui Railway, and local bus routes. In front of the station, life-size dinosaur monuments are scattered around, making it a popular photo spot.

• Fukui
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

As soon as I walked out of Fukui Shinkansen Station, I was blown away by all the dinosaurs! The enormous dinosaurs seem to have traveled through time to welcome visitors. They not only look incredibly realistic, but there are also all kinds of interactive displays and photo spots, so every casual shot looks impressive.

Fukui is famous in Japan for its dinosaur fossil discoveries, and the area around the station fully showcases its identity as the “Dinosaur Kingdom.” Arriving in Fukui by Shinkansen, you can get a whole collection of great dinosaur photos before your trip even begins. It's so much fun!

If you like dinosaurs, you definitely shouldn't miss this place. A must-visit for dinosaur fans!

Tojinbo Cliffs

Tojinbo is a cliff formed by wave erosion. Since long ago, it has been recognized and honored as a scenic spot. These towering cliffs extend for about 1 kilometer along the coast, showcasing a dramatic display of columnar jointing-a geological feature so rare that only three such places are known in the world, including Tojinbo. It has been designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.

• Fukui
• Nature Spots

My first time at Tojinbo Cliffs, and the sheer scale of the view really took my breath away! The towering columnar-jointed rock walls stretch along the coast, with rough waves constantly crashing against the cliffs. Even from the shore, you can feel the incredible power of nature. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Sea of Japan along the walking path, or take a sightseeing boat for a close-up view of the spectacular cliffs from the water. I heard there's also a legend about a monk behind the name Tojinbo, adding an air of mystery. The sea breeze is strong and the terrain is quite rugged, so be sure to stay safe when taking photos. This breathtaking coastal scenery is truly worth experiencing in person!

Kumagawa Juku

Mackerels and other seafood from Wakasa Bay came to this post town on its way to Kyoto. The road was called Saba Kaido (Mackerel Highway) or Wakasa Kaido, which connected Obama and Wakasa Town by the Wakasa Bay, Kumagawa Juku, over Shiga, through Ohara and Yase to Kyoto.

• Fukui
• Famous Places

Our next stop was Kumagawa-juku on the Saba Kaido. Mackerel from Wakasa Bay was very popular with people in Kyoto, so large quantities were transported to Kyoto along the Wakasa Kaido. As the Saba Kaido flourished, Kumagawa-juku gradually developed into a bustling post town. Today, the townscape from the Edo to Showa periods has been preserved, and the area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Although it's in a remote location and doesn't get many visitors, nearly every old house has a strong old-fashioned charm. It's very pleasant to stroll around, and it really feels like traveling back in time. It's definitely worth a visit!

Kehi Jingu Shrine

Constructed in the year 702, this shrine is known as the “Hokurokudou Shochinshu, Echizen Kuniichinomiya” (The Shrine guardian the Hokuriku region). Another shrine within the grounds, the “Tsunuga Shrine” is known as the place that inspired the name of the “Tsuruga” region. Locals adore it by calling it “Kei-san” (short for Kehi).

• Fukui
• Shrines & Temples

Kehi Jingu Shrine is a famous ancient shrine in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and the ichinomiya of the former Echizen Province. Since ancient times, it has been known as the “Guardian Shrine of the Hokuriku Region.” This time, I took a taxi from JR Tsuruga Station, and it was quite convenient. The overall atmosphere is solemn and peaceful, and you feel a special sense of calm as soon as you enter the grounds. It is also said to be a spiritual power spot, and many people come specifically to worship and pray for safety and good luck. What impressed me most was the towering vermilion torii gate, which has a commanding presence. It is well worth visiting in person to experience the charm of this ancient shrine.

Rainbow Line Summit Park

Mikata Five Lakes (Mikatagoko), a nationally designated scenic spot known as the Five-Colored Lakes for the different hues of its five connected lakes. This park sits along the 11.24 km Rainbow Line, a refreshing drive where you can take in those spectacular views from your car window.

• Fukui
• Parks & Gardens

Rainbow Line Summit Park is really worth visiting! It takes about 3 minutes by cable car to reach the summit of Mount Baijodake. I recommend trying the single-seat chairlift—you can skip the line and enjoy the mountain breeze all the way up, which is both thrilling and fun. There are five observation decks at the summit, offering 360-degree views of the magnificent Mikata Five Lakes and the Sea of Japan. When the weather is nice, the scenery is so beautiful you won't want to leave. Although the park isn't very large, it also has a teahouse, café, shrine, and a free sky footbath where you can soak your feet while enjoying the view. It takes about an hour to explore at a leisurely pace, or two hours is just right if you want to have coffee or something to eat!

Mikata Five Lakes

The Mikata Five Lakes are located across Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in Fukui Prefecture. They lie within Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park and collectively refer to five lakes-Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Kugushi, and Lake Hyuga. The area is also designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. From Lake Hyuga, which connects to Wakasa Bay, to Lake Mikata, the most inland of the five, each lake differs in water type (freshwater, seawater, and brackish water) as well as depth.

• Fukui
• Nature Spots

Mikata Five Lakes is such a beautiful place that it makes me want to visit again! I took the cable car up the mountain and rode one by myself for the first time, which made it especially memorable. On the way up, the blue sky and deep blue lakes, along with the colorful roses, created scenery so beautiful I didn't want to blink. From the mountaintop terrace, you can look out over the lakes in five different shades of blue, and the view is very expansive. There weren't many visitors that day, and the fresh air and quiet atmosphere made me feel completely relaxed. This trip was really worth it. If you have a chance to visit Fukui, definitely stop by!

Maruoka-jo Castle

In 1576, during the Warring States period, Katsuie Shibata had his nephew and adopted son, Katsutoyo, build this castle under the order of Nobunaga Oda. In the Edo period (1603-1867), Honda Narishige became the castle's lord, and the Maruoka clan was established. After that, the Arima clan was given the land and ruled the domain for eight generations. It is one of Japan's oldest existing castle towers and is designated as a national important cultural property.

• Fukui
• Tourist Attractions

Maruoka Castle is one of Japan's 12 remaining original castle towers and the only surviving wooden castle tower in the Hokuriku region. It does take quite a while to get there, and there aren't many nearby attractions to visit along the way. The castle itself isn't very large either, so whether it's worth making a special trip depends on the person. For me, though, just being able to see this historic original castle tower in person made it worthwhile! There aren't many exhibits inside, and the historical information is fairly basic, which is a little disappointing for travelers who don't understand Japanese. Although the castle tower is small, the stairs are incredibly steep. You really need to hold on to the ropes and carefully use both your hands and feet to go up and down, so seniors and children should be especially careful. Once you reach the top floor, the view is wide open. This old and elegant castle is worth taking your time to appreciate for its historical charm.