Area Guides

While the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to Japan books don't think Fukui is important enough to include more than a half page on it (we're not bitter!), we decided that it deserves more. Thus, we will now explain the wonders of this great ken to you.

Formed in 1871 from the provinces of Wakasa and Echizen, Fukui ken is located on the west coast of Honshu Island, about 1 hour north of Kyoto and 1 hour south of Kanazawa, by train.

Considered by many Japanese as a rather pointless ken - inaka in its truest sense - Fukui in fact boasts some rather impressive accomplishments. Fukui's rice and water are considered the best in the country and what do we get when we combine these two? Sake. Fukui Sake is so good, it is the Emperor's favourite. In addition to rice and water you can try other delicacies of the region; Echizen Crab, Blowfish, Fukui Soba Noodles and Sauce Katsu are all prized dishes. Echizen has a tradition for craftsmanship and you can see and buy all manner of Fukui wares, including knives, pottery, paper and laquerware.

If you want to get away from a stressful day at work there is plenty of country and beautiful scenery to explore all the while soaking in one of the many Onsens dotted around the ken. There is so much to see and do in Fukui. Yokoso!