Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Fukui Prefecture (福井県)
Fukui Prefecture (福井県) is located in the Chubu region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Fukui and primary transport gateway at Fukui Station & Tsuruga Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen). Spanning 17 cities, towns, and villages, Fukui is renowned for Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama), serene Zen headquarters of Eiheiji Temple, dramatic Tojinbo sea cliffs (Sakai), Maruoka Castle, and Ichijodani Asakura Ruins.
| Fukui Prefecture (福井県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Chubu · Capital: Fukui |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Fukui Station & Tsuruga Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen) |
| Municipalities Covered | 17 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Fukui (福井市), Sakai (坂井市), Echizen (越前市), Tsuruga (敦賀市), Sabae (鯖江市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Echizen Gani (imperial yellow-tag snow crab), Echizen oroshi soba (cold buckwheat noodles with spicy grated daikon), Sauce katsudon, Wakasa fugu & grilled mackerel (hamayaki saba) |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Fukui Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Fukui or planning regional day trips from Fukui Station & Tsuruga Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), these top municipalities in Fukui Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Fukui (福井市) — Core city (pop. 268,574, 536.17 km²) served by Fukui Station (福井駅) (0.4 km); key local sights include Asuwa Mountain (2.3 km), Monjyu-san (8.2 km), Yoshinoga Take (8.8 km).
- Sakai (坂井市) — City (pop. 92,420, 209.91 km²) served by Maruoka Station (丸岡駅) (0.5 km); key local sights include Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park, Maruoka Castle, one of the 100 Famous Castles of Japan, Maruoka Domain Battery, National Historic Site.
- Echizen (越前市) — City (pop. 87,116, 230.75 km²) served by Takefu Station (武生駅) (0.2 km); key local sights include Hino-san (6.0 km), Oniga-take (6.1 km), Mitoko Mountain (6.2 km).
- Tsuruga (敦賀市) — City (pop. 68,188, 250.75 km²) served by Tsuruga Station (敦賀駅) (1.9 km); key local sights include Grave of Takeda Kounsai, a National Historic Site, Kanagasaki Castle site, a National Historic Site, Kanegasaki-gū, a Shinto shrine.
- Sabae (鯖江市) — City (pop. 67,430, 84.75 km²) served by Sabae Station (鯖江駅) (1.5 km); key local sights include Kabutoyama Kofun, A National Historic Site, ruins of Mitsumine Castle are located within the city., Nishiyama Zoo is inside the park..
- Ōno (大野市) — City (pop. 36,763, 872.30 km²) served by Echizen Ōno Station (越前大野駅) (0.9 km); key local sights include Hakusan National Park, Ōno Castle, Hōkyō-ji.
How to get to Fukui Prefecture
2h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, or 55m from Kyoto/Osaka on the JR Thunderbird to Tsuruga + Hokuriku Shinkansen. Once at Fukui Station & Tsuruga Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 17 municipalities in Fukui. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Fukui
When visiting cities across Fukui, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Echizen Gani (imperial yellow-tag snow crab) — regional culinary specialty across Fukui Prefecture (福井県).
- Echizen oroshi soba (cold buckwheat noodles with spicy grated daikon) — regional culinary specialty across Fukui Prefecture (福井県).
- Sauce katsudon — regional culinary specialty across Fukui Prefecture (福井県).
- Wakasa fugu & grilled mackerel (hamayaki saba) — regional culinary specialty across Fukui Prefecture (福井県).
Best time to visit Fukui
April for Asuwa River cherry tunnel; November 6–March 20 for Echizen snow crab season; autumn for Eiheiji temple maples.
All 17 cities & municipalities in Fukui Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fukui 福井市 | Core city | 268,574 | 536.17 km² | City guide → |
| Tsuruga 敦賀市 | City | 68,188 | 250.75 km² | City guide → |
| Obama 小浜市 | City | 31,486 | 232.86 km² | City guide → |
| Ōno 大野市 | City | 36,763 | 872.30 km² | City guide → |
| Katsuyama 勝山市 | City | 26,333 | 253.68 km² | City guide → |
| Sabae 鯖江市 | City | 67,430 | 84.75 km² | City guide → |
| Awara あわら市 | City | 30,765 | 116.99 km² | City guide → |
| Echizen 越前市 | City | 87,116 | 230.75 km² | City guide → |
| Sakai 坂井市 | City | 92,420 | 209.91 km² | City guide → |
| Takahama 高浜町 | Town (町) | 11,010 | 72.4 km² | City guide → |
| Ōi おおい町 | Town (町) | 8,738 | 212.19 km² | City guide → |
| Ikeda 池田町 | Town (町) | 2,995 | 194.65 km² | City guide → |
| Eiheiji 永平寺町 | Town (町) | 19,515 | 94.43 km² | City guide → |
| Echizen Town 越前町 | Town (町) | 23,376 | 230.7 km² | City guide → |
| Minamiechizen 南越前町 | Town (町) | 11,443 | 343.68 km² | City guide → |
| Mihama 美浜町 | Town (町) | 10,266 | 152.38 km² | City guide → |
| Wakasa 若狭町 | Town (町) | 16,073 | 178.49 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Fukui Prefecture (福井県)?
Top highlights across Fukui Prefecture (福井県) in Japan's Chubu region include Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama), serene Zen headquarters of Eiheiji Temple, dramatic Tojinbo sea cliffs (Sakai), Maruoka Castle, and Ichijodani Asakura Ruins. Major cities and sightseeing bases in Fukui include Fukui (福井市), Sakai (坂井市), Echizen (越前市), Tsuruga (敦賀市), Sabae (鯖江市).
How do I get to Fukui Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Fukui Prefecture is Fukui Station & Tsuruga Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen) (prefectural capital: Fukui). 2h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, or 55m from Kyoto/Osaka on the JR Thunderbird to Tsuruga + Hokuriku Shinkansen. Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Fukui Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Fukui Prefecture (福井県) include Echizen Gani (imperial yellow-tag snow crab), Echizen oroshi soba (cold buckwheat noodles with spicy grated daikon), Sauce katsudon, Wakasa fugu & grilled mackerel (hamayaki saba)—served at station restaurants around Fukui Station & Tsuruga Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), local morning markets, and izakaya in Fukui and Sakai.
When is the best time of year to visit Fukui Prefecture?
April for Asuwa River cherry tunnel; November 6–March 20 for Echizen snow crab season; autumn for Eiheiji temple maples. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.