When it comes to West Japan, Kyoto and Osaka are always popular, but there’s so much more to explore! Just a short trip from these cities, you’ll find stunning natural landscapes, charming traditional towns, exciting amusement parks, and an abundance of delicious cuisine waiting for you. With a well-connected rail network, including the Shinkansen, it’s easy to get around—and the JR-WEST RAIL PASS makes traveling even more convenient and affordable.
▼Check here for detailed information about the ‘Have Fun Pass’ mentioned in this article▼
Have Fun in Fukui Pass
https://www.travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-fukui-1-week-free-pass/en
Fukui
Facing the Sea of Japan, Fukui Prefecture is home to majestic views shaped by its dynamic, rugged coastline, along with a rich tradition of cultural heritage. With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, it has become even more accessible to visitors.
Facilities marked with a ★ icon in this article are included in the “Have Fun in Fukui Pass.”
▼Find detailed information about the “Have Fun in Fukui Pass”▼
https://www.travelcontentsapp.com/have-fun/have-fun-in-fukui-1-week-free-pass/en
Price: ¥3,000
Participating Facilities: 9 locations
Savings: Up to ¥500
①Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum ★
Located in Katsuyama City, known as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossil, this is one of Japan’s largest dinosaur museums. The full skeletons and restored models using actual fossils are truly impressive!
https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en/
②Awara Onsen ★
Awara Onsen is the premier hot spring destination in Fukui Prefecture, with each ryokan inn featuring its own unique source of hot spring water, making it enjoyable to explore various baths. _ e ryokan offers a day-use bathing option as part of the “Have Fun in Fukui Pass.”
https://www.awara-onsen.org/
③Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
This site, a castle town built over more than a century by the Asakura clan, is one of the few large-scale ruins in Japan. It features a garden designated as a National Special Scenic Spot, with fantastic views. There are also restored areas showcasing traditional townhouses and samurai residences.
https://ichijo-dani.com/
④XR Bus WOW RIDE ★
On this sightseeing bus, experience the beauty of Fukui’s landscapes, traditional culture, history, and dinosaurs through immersive AR and VR displays. Simply sit back and enjoy an engaging adventure! There are three routes available from JR Fukui Station to the Dinosaur Museum, Ichijodani, and Awara Onsen.
https://www.jr-odekake.net/navi/wowridefukui/
⑤YUMI TASURA MUSEUM WAKASA/BRIDAL LAND WAKASA
An experiential facility run by Alpha Blanca, a dress manufacturer producing gowns for famous brands, including designs by internationally renowned bridal fashion designer Katsura Yumi. _ e museum exhibits beautiful dresses and offers visitors the chance to try on gowns and take photos.
⑥Mikatagoko Rainbow Line Summit Park
This park is located along an 11.4 km scenic drive overlooking the Mikata Five Lakes. You can take a lift or cable car to the summit, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the sea and lakes. Enjoy capturing instagrammable photos from the observation terrace and cafe!
⑦Michi-no-Eki Wakasa Obama
“Michi-no-Eki” is a rest stop where travelers can relax and enjoy shopping and dining. At Wakasa Obama, you’ll find a wide variety of local specialties for sale, as well as a restaurant offering lunches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
⑧Maruoka Castle ★
The Maruoka Castle keep, built in the 16th century, still stands today. In spring, the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms surrounding the castle, recognized as one of the Top 100Cherry Blossom Spots of Japan, bloom beautifully, making it a popular viewing location.
https://maruoka-castle.jp/
⑨Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo, famous for its stunning series of cliffs overlooking the beautiful Sea of Japan, features are markable geological formation of large columnar joints, earning it a ranking as one the world’s three most scenic rare geological formation spots. Visitors can also enjoy sightseeing cruises to view the cliffs from the sea.
https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1476.html
⑩Echizen Railway ★
Echizen Railway offers scenic views of Fukui’s rich natural landscapes and is a convenient way to access popular tourist spots like the Dinosaur Museum and Tojinbo Cliffs. Enjoy a relaxing journey while taking in the beautiful scenery from the train windows.
https://www.echizen-tetudo.co.jp/
⑪Fukui’s Local Specialties
Echizen soba is a standout local dish from Fukui, particularly known for “oroshi soba,” which features cold noodles topped with pungent grated daikon radish. Made with Fukui’s pure water, these noodles have a firm texture and rich flavor. In winter, the renowned Echizen crab is another highlight, prized for its sweet, succulent meat, delicious boiled, as sashimi, or in a hot pot.
Ishikawa
Ishikawa Prefecture is a place where tradition and nature blend, featuring historic castle towns and breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan. It’s also appealing for its various spots where visitors can experience traditional crafts.
①Kenrokuen Garden
This Japanese garden in Kanazawa, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, offers fine seasonal views. Highlights include cherry blossoms in spring and the “yukitsuri” technique that protects tree branches from heavy snow in winter. Visitors can enjoy serene spots like waterfalls, ponds, and teahouses throughout the garden.
https://kenrokuen.or.jp/?stt_lang=en
②Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle Park is known for its beautiful stone walls and gardens, as well as faithfully restored historical buildings. Together with the nearby Kenrokuen Garden, visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s rich historical atmosphere.
https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kanazawajou/e/
③Kaga Tour Bus “CANBUS”
The Kaga Tour Bus “CANBUS” takes you on a tour of the highlights of the Kaga Onsen area. From popular spots like museums and scenic viewpoints to hands-on experiences such as pottery workshops and sake tastings, this bus offers a variety of ways to explore the region.
http://www.kaga-canbus.jp/english.php
④Traditional Handicrafts Village Yunokuni no Mori
This theme park dedicated to traditional crafts offers over 50 workshops, including lacquer ware, pottery, papermaking, bamboo work, and Yuzen dyeing. Guests can capture beautiful photos among displays of Japan’s four seasons—cherry blossoms, fresh new greenery of summer, autumn foliage, and snow—set against a backdrop of traditional Japanese houses.
https://yunokuninomori.jp/?lang=en
Toyama
In the Toyama area, the south features mountainous terrain where you can experience the majestic nature of the Tateyama Mountain Range. To the north, Toyama Bay is rich in seafood, offering exceptional sushi and seafood rice bowls!
①Kurobe Gorge Railway
The Kurobe Gorge Railway passes through a breathtaking natural landscape, featuring an awe-inspiring emerald green river and lake and a 40-meter-highiron bridge. (Operates from mid-April to the end of November.)
https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/
②The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
A scenic route that traverses mountainous areas at an elevation of around 3,000 meters. Passengers can transfer between various modes of transport to travel from Tateyama in Toyama Prefecture to Omachi in Nagano Prefecture. Along the way, numerous spectacular viewpoints offer majestic mountain views and the impressive Kurobe Dam.
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/
③Unazuki Onsen
Unazuki Onsen, renowned for its colorless, weakly alkaline “hot springs for beautiful skin,” offers ten ryokan inns along with three foot baths, allowing visitors to enjoy Unazuki Onsen with ease. Each season offers its own charm, from the lush green mountains in spring and summer to vibrant autumn foliage and serene winter snowscapes.
④Takaoka City
Located in western Toyama Prefecture, Takaoka City is home to Zuiryuji Temple, considered a masterpiece of early Edo period (1603–1868) Zen architecture, and the Takaoka Daibutsu, one of Japan’s Three Great Buddha Statues. It’s also the birthplace of Fujiko F. Fujio, one of the creators of the highly popular manga series Doraemon, and features a dedicated gallery displaying his works.
https://www.takaoka.or.jp/
⑤Toyama’s Local Specialties
Toyama Bay, with depths over 1,000 meters, boasts a rich variety of fish. Particularly famous are the white shrimp, caught from spring to autumn and known as the “jewel of Toyama Bay,” enjoyed as sashimi or fried. You can also savor fresh Toyama Bay sushi at various local restaurants.
Writer
att.JAPAN編集部
att.JAPAN consists of members in their 20s and 30s, and we are all travel lovers. In addition to information about sightseeing and great dishes all over Japan, we offer a wide range of information about various subjects/topics, such as onsen (hot spring) and ryokan hotels. We introduce lots of information only att.JAPAN can offer, including information about famous sightseeing spots, the latest news about new facilities all over Japan and rare less-known areas in Tokyo, one-day model walking courses, and anime pilgrimages. We also offer contents to introduce Japan from the view of writers from abroad.
