Departure from Fukui Station

Start your journey with a visit to Maruoka Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. Standing atop a small hill, its keep is designated as an Important Cultural Property and is one of only twelve original castle towers remaining in Japan. Maruoka Castle is the only place in the country where you can see a castle keep roofed with stone tiles. Although it collapsed in the 1948 Fukui Earthquake, many of the original Edo-period pillars and beams were reused, and the structure was rebuilt on its original foundation. From the third floor of the keep, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sakai Plain. To uncover the castle’s long history and fascinating stories, consider joining a guided tour by local volunteer interpreters. At night, the illuminated castle presents a serene and enchanting atmosphere quite different from the daytime.

When visiting Sakai City, soba is a must-try. The local specialty, “Maruoka Soba,” is a traditional heirloom variety passed down for generations. Known for its rich flavor and aroma, it has attracted the attention of soba enthusiasts across Japan. Maruoka soba is harvested early, which gives the buckwheat a slightly greenish hue—one of the secrets to its exceptional taste. At Ōmiyatei, which is committed to using 100% Maruoka-grown buckwheat, the soba is stone-milled in-house and crafted into ni-hachi soba (80% buckwheat, 20% flour) using a unique blend of finely and coarsely ground flour. Recommended dishes include the “Maruoka Ni-Hachi Soba Set,” which features two of Fukui’s beloved soul foods—Echizen Oroshi Soba and Sauce Katsudon—and the “Oroshi Zanmai,” a trio of soba dishes topped with grated daikon, the classic way to enjoy soba in Fukui.

"Eight Ribbon" is a renovated facility that was once Japan’s largest jacquard ribbon factory, now reborn as a new ribbon production space. Behind its stylish exterior lies a retro, nostalgic interior filled with charm. During the factory tour (reservation required, fee applies), visitors can observe traditional Tyrolean ribbon being woven up close using old-fashioned shuttle looms. Trying your hand at operating one of the looms is a fascinating experience that reveals the intricate craftsmanship involved. Workshops where you can create ribbon badges and other crafts using leftover ribbon materials are also very popular—be sure to give it a try! There’s also an on-site café operated by the company, where you can enjoy specialty sweets and purchase original ribbons.

When talking about the history of Sakai City, one cannot forget Kubota Shuzo—the city’s only sake brewery. Its origins trace back over 270 years, when Takazumi Arima, the feudal lord of the Echizen Maruoka domain, commissioned the brewery to begin sake production. Today, the 11th-generation owner remains committed to brewing sake using local rice and water. Utilizing the advantages of Maruoka—a top rice-producing region in Fukui—the brewery cultivates its own Yamada Nishiki rice and uses natural spring water drawn from 200 meters underground as brewing water. This dedication results in a flavor that truly reflects the terroir. The brewery’s signature sake, Onisakuza, is a must-try. Especially recommended is the junmai namagenshu (pure, unpasteurized, undiluted sake) made with the labor-intensive fukuroshibori (bag-drip pressing) method, known for its clean, refined taste that impresses even seasoned sake lovers. For those who prefer lighter drinks, Kubota Shuzo also offers liqueurs made with locally grown Fukui plums and yuzu citrus.

This hot spring inn offers 100% natural spring water and beautiful seasonal scenery year-round: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. The name of the inn comes from the two peaks to the east of the property, which appear to be competing in height—hence the name “Takekurabe-yama” (Mount Height Contest), a beloved local landmark. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Takeda River stream, which originates from Takekurabe-yama, or relax in the on-site Japanese garden while appreciating the shifting beauty of the seasons. The gentle, soothing hot spring water is safe and enjoyable for all ages, from children to the elderly, and provides the perfect way to unwind from your travels. Meals feature local specialties such as deep-fried tofu and wild mountain vegetables, allowing guests to savor the regional flavors of the area.

Step into a timeless world. Built in the early Edo period, this thatched-roof farmhouse has never been relocated and remains in its original state, making it a rare and nationally significant cultural property of Japan. The front features a irimoya (hip-and-gable) style, while the back is constructed in the yosemune (hipped roof) style. The cedar-bark walls add a rustic yet refined charm. The wooden floors and traditional hearth (irori) offer a glimpse into the daily life of the past. Don’t miss the seasonal beauty of the garden, where you can feel the changing of the seasons, or the treasure hall, which holds historically valuable artifacts. In June, the garden’s irises bloom in full glory.

As you drive along National Route 364 connecting Eiheiji and Ishikawa Prefecture, two large waterwheels—8 meters and 5 meters in diameter—come into view, harmonizing beautifully with the satoyama landscape, while from the nearby hut, “Takeda no Hibiki,” an automatic chime composed by local high school students, plays a lovely melody every 30 minutes; within the park, the shop “Takedaya” is open and offers local specialties, the most recommended being “Midori Boshi Zenmai,” a uniquely flavored royal fern grown in the fertile soil and pure snowmelt water of the Takeda area, then hand-processed and sun-dried on the day of harvest—an exceptional delicacy available only to those who visit Sakai City.

It is said that people in Fukui Prefecture spend more money on fried tofu (aburaage) than anywhere else in Japan—twice the national average—due to the region’s deep-rooted traditions of Zen Buddhism and Jōdo Shinshū, where vegetarian cuisine such as aburaage has long been cherished; founded in 1925, Taniguchiya is famous for its large, thick, square-shaped fried tofu, which is carefully prepared by skilled craftsmen known as age-shi, who adjust their technique daily based on temperature and humidity to achieve a uniquely crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior unlike anything else—you can only enjoy freshly fried tofu at their flagship store, and the signature “One-Sheet Aburaage Set Meal” is highly recommended: though healthy, it’s surprisingly hearty and makes for a truly satisfying lunch.

Operated by Ishidaya Nizaemon, the parent company of Kokuryu Sake Brewery—renowned for producing “Kokuryu,” one of Fukui’s most celebrated sake labels—this multifaceted facility is dedicated to sharing the food, culture, and sake of the Hokuriku region; situated in a luxurious location overlooking the Kuzuryu River, it offers a sophisticated space that invites you to linger; the vast 30,000㎡ grounds feature buildings for fermentation and brewing as well as for dining and shopping, and at the restaurant “Apéro & Pâtisserie acoya,” you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and sweets crafted using Kokuryu Daiginjo, while at the adjacent “Ishidaya ESHIKOTO Store,” you can taste not only Kokuryu’s classic sake but also rare and exclusive selections available only here.

Conclude your journey with a visit to Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, a globally renowned center of Zen Buddhism; founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dōgen, this training monastery continues to be home to around 150 monks, called unsui, who come from across Japan to undergo rigorous training, offering visitors a glimpse into a timeless world of Zen; the vast temple grounds include over 70 buildings, and simply strolling through the moss-covered paths allows one to feel the weight of centuries and the quiet presence of human devotion, bringing a sense of inner peace; a must-see is the Sanshokaku Hall, whose ceiling is adorned with 230 breathtaking Nihonga paintings by 144 artists from the early Shōwa era; visitors can also experience zazen meditation or sutra copying—why not immerse yourself in the spirit of Zen?

After visiting Eiheiji Temple, take a stroll through the Monzen Shopping Street; along the straight path leading from the temple, you’ll find eateries offering local specialties such as Eiheiji’s famous soba noodles and sesame tofu, as well as souvenir shops stocked with Fukui’s renowned sake, making it hard to resist stopping at every corner; if your feet get tired, treat yourself to some sweets—popular options include “Eiheiji Daruma Pudding,” known for its unique Daruma-shaped bottle, and the seasonal apple pie from “Atelier Kashu,” which often sells out by midday (available from April to September); enjoy the charm of this traditional temple town as you snack and stroll at your own pace.

Arrive at Fukui Station

Time schedule
* This itinerary is based on a rental car plan and the schedule is provided for reference only.
Day 1
10:30 Departure from Fukui Station
11:00 Maruoka Castle
12:30 Oomiyatei (Lunch)
13:40 Eight Ribbon
15:00 Kubota Brewery
16:00 Maruoka Onsen Takekurabe (Accommodation)
Day 2
09:55 Check out
10:00 Senko no Ie (Former Tsubokawa Residence)
10:45 Takeda Waterwheel Melody Park and Takedaya
11:30 Taniguchiya (Lunch)
12:45 ESHIKOTO
14:00 Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple
16:00 Eiheiji Monzen Shopping Street
17:00 Fukui Station