TRAFFIC

Here are a few snapshots from my recent winter sojourn in Fukui Prefecture. Though it may not be as much of a buzzword destination as Kyoto or Osaka, Fukui boasts a rich history dating back to the Edo period and offers many sites well worth visiting. Among those I explored were:

Fukui Castle Ruins – Dating back to 1573, these ruins are located right in the city center.

Yokokan Garden – A 19th-century garden and villa once belonging to the Matsudaira Clan of the Edo period. The villa faces a large pond, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection.

Mikuni Minato – A historic port town about 50 minutes by train from Fukui Station. Kitamae-dori Street is lined with old merchant houses, shops, banks, and warehouses near the port. It once served as part of the Kitamae-bune sea trade route connecting Osaka and Hokkaido.

Awara Onsen – The neighboring town to Mikuni, with a hot-spring history dating back to 1883. Visitors can enjoy a “free” (donation-based) foot spa just across Awara-Yunomachi Station.

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple – One of Japan’s largest Buddhist temples, founded in 1244. Its vast interior requires plenty of stair climbing, while a serene garden sits to the left, embraced by surrounding forest trees.

Fukui Prefectural Library and Archives – A striking example of modern architecture by Fumihiko Maki. The building is encircled by a pond and set in the middle of an open field.

Fukui City Art Museum – A circular glass structure designed by Kisho Kurokawa, featuring a dramatic spiral staircase.