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. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama), serene Zen headquarters of Eiheiji Temple, dramatic Tojinbo sea cliffs (Sakai), Maruoka Castle, and Ichijodani Asakura Ruins.
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. 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)
- Echizen oroshi soba (cold buckwheat noodles with spicy grated daikon)
- Sauce katsudon
- Wakasa fugu & grilled mackerel (hamayaki saba)
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 9 cities & municipalities in Fukui Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby 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 → |