Ever heard of Fukui?

“Fukui, yes, that’s where we’re headed for the next five days.” That was the advice given by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) for its latest media familiarization tour destination. I immediately searched for Fukui on the web and found out it is a prefecture found in the Chubu region in Central Japan, in between the Kanto and Kansai regions. Its capital is Fukui City but also has Sabae and Echizen as famous destinations as well.

We went through five days of wonderful adventure and some of the best culinary, arts and crafts discoveries in Fukui, not to mention the fun and laughter we had together with my media colleagues, so I’m sharing here my top 10 most memorable experiences in Fukui and some reasons you should try it as well!

Jurassic discoveries in Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

In the ‘80s, archeological discoveries were made in Fukui prefecture where prehistoric life had existed and where several species were unearthed, including the Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus. The museum is an impressive architectural avant-garde marvel, which goes four levels deep in what you would suspect to be a mall-like structure but which instead opens into a sprawling museum. Enjoy the variety of fossils and species in Fukui Dinosaur Museum as they celebrate their 25th anniversary this year.

A 10-course Sushi dinner at Machi Sushi Ichimonme

Make sure to book a seat in this quaint sushi restaurant when you get to Fukui City. They offer the best and freshest nigiri sushi where each meal is prepared by their masterful chefs right before your eyes. It’s a gustatory sushi gourmet feast paired with the best Fukui sake you can enjoy. Eat each dish as you prefer, anyway you like, but don’t forget to take a photo of each meal because it’s an art in itself.

The spectacular view from Katsuyama Castle

Near Fukui City is the majestic Katsuyama Castle which is one of the tallest historical castles in Japan: a five-tiered, six-story structure standing at 57.8 meters tall. Its stone walls have ornate dragons on each side, and its topmost floor is an observatory from which you can appreciate the breathtaking view of Katsuyama and its mountain ranges. I advise visitors to take a walk among its grounds as well, to appreciate its trees, especially during Sakura (cherry blossom season).

Experiencing Echizen Daibutsu at Daishizan Seidaiji Temple

The Daishizan Seidaiji Temple is a sprawling complex that houses the 17-meter-tall bronze statue of Echizen Daibutsu (Great Buddha) inside a gigantic hall. The ambience of the hall brings a certain spiritual upliftment, and there’s a corner where you can pray to cast away the things you hate that are still inside you. When it was my turn I suddenly realized there is nothing for me to hate, but rather to understand why I carry those feelings.

Unique Miso soup-making experience at Komego

The Komego Miso Shop in Fukui City proudly carries on tradition as it has been open since 1831. The miso shop makes miso for monks in Eiheiji Temple and chooses to remain humble in its goals by giving reverence to the quality of their produce over mass production, thus gaining its reputation as one of Japan’s best miso and dashi makers. We were given the chance to make our own miso soup and marveled at the tofu slicer as well (available in Nitori), but the real treat was the sumptuous miso lunch!

An unforgettable traditional Japanese experience at Hakujukan

One of the best experiences enjoying Japan is booking yourself in a boutique hotel. Hakujukan is definitely one for your search list. Situated in Eiheiji near its famous Buddhist temple, Hakujukan is very picturesque on the outside, with its mountainside surroundings, while enjoying traditional Japanese accommodation with modern-day comfort inside the hotel, complete with an onsen. You also get to wear yukata, which is a casual style of kimono and very delicious Shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine)!

Serenity at Eiheiji Temple

Eiheiji Temple is a Zen temple with a history of approximately 800 years, with more than 70 halls spread across a mountain valley. It is also revered as the head temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism in Japan. As is typical of a Zen training center, the tranquil environment surrounded by nature and the wooden temple buildings, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, exudes a dignified atmosphere and conveys the atmosphere of the Zen world to visitors.

The temple is made up of several rooms, endless staircases, impressive statues, intricately designed ceilings and a generous space of naturally beautiful Zen gardens; make sure you are warmly clothed during extremely cold weather, though.