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FUKUI x TOKYO

A scenic route to experience eternal refinement
  • TOKYO
  • FUKUI

Theme of the Scenic Route

TIMELESS ARTISTRY

TRAVELER

  • Traveled : November,2019 Adrien Leuci
    Director of Japan Information
    Reside in France (Toulouse)
  • Traveled : November,2019 Lassaux Samantha
    Event manager
    Reside in Tokyo
    Home country: France

Begin by viewing legendary Japanese ukiyo-e painter and printmaker Hokusai’s masterpiece Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji at Sumida Hokusai Museum before travelling to Eiheiji Temple, a head temple and holy site with over 700 years of history and tradition. Buddhist ascetic training is practiced here, and visitors can catch a glimpse of ascetic monks undergoing such training. Experience the heart and soul of Japan on this trip.

Official Tokyo Travel Guide
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/

Local government official website
https://enjoy.pref.fukui.lg.jp/en/

Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

JAL046 Examine the directions from your country

  • Adrien Leuci

    JAL international flight: Departure from Paris was smooth thanks to Japan Airlines. The Skytrax© 5-star in the economy class, as you would expect, had everything: space, comfort, and Japanese hospitality.

Haneda Airportmore

Haneda Airport
The airport serves as an air gateway for Tokyo. The passenger terminal is filled with various commercial facilities, and visitors can command a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay from the rooftop observation deck, so that every one, even those who are not flying, can enjoy the terminal.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day1

TOKYO

The Sumida Hokusai Museummore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

The Sumida Hokusai Museum
World renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai was born in the Hokusai Street area of present day Sumida Ward. He created countless masterpieces while spending nearly all of his 90-year life in Sumida.
This museum introduces the works of Hokusai and takes a closer look at the relationship between Hokusai and Sumida through various themed exhibitions and educational programs.
  • Adrien Leuci

    Sumida Hokusai Museum: This intimate museum is a building with original and bright architecture designed by Sejima Kazuyo. The dark interior contrasts with the exterior and allows you to focus on the works of artist Katsushika Hokusai. It was wonderful to find one of the reproductions of the famous artwork, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Also, it was interesting to see the wax statues of the painter Hokusai and his daughter.

    Lunch at Kabuki Maguro: This restaurant is located inside the central square of Ryogoku Edo Noren (a tourist and commercial center) which is themed around the world of sumo. In the middle of the establishment is an impressive sumo ring. The restaurant serves all kinds of fish, and it was nice to try sashimi rice bowls on which a variety of super fresh fish was placed. The lunchtime atmosphere is calm, making it a great place to enjoy a nice long chat. The decor of the restaurant is clean. Overall expect to enjoy delicious fish.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Sumida Hokusai Museum: For enthusiasts of Japanese art, a visit to this museum is something to definitely look forward to. This museum presents information on Hokusai, a famous ukiyo-e painter from the Edo period, in an easy to understand manner. Visitors unfamiliar with this famous Japanese historic figure and art will also appreciate their visit. My recommendation is the projection at the entrance of the permanent exhibition hall which re-enacts Hokusai's favorite district of Sumida, and to compare his works of yesteryear with more current scenes.

    Lunch at Kabuki Maguro: Ryogoku Edo Noren is an area where one can experience the artistry of sumo. A sumo arena is located in the center of this facility. Among the many restaurants, Kabuki Maguro offers an excellent selection of seafood that will satisfy sashimi lovers.

JR Sobu Line local train
Ryogoku-->Asakusabashi
(1 minute)

Toei Asakusa Line
Asakusabashi-->Asakusa
(2 minutes)

TOKYO CRUISE Sumidagawa Linemore

TOKYO CRUISE Sumidagawa Line
Enjoy a tour of the Sumidagawa River on this ferry cruise lasting for about 40 minutes. The 12 bridges that span the river between Asakusa and Hinode Pier, including the Azuma and Kiyosu bridges, are unique in color and shape. Pay attention to the commentary on board the ferry that introduces famous spots and historical sites. Looking at the constantly changing view of Tokyo Bay, you may experience the emotions of the Edo era, and also discover the Tokyo of today.
  • Adrien Leuci

    Sumida River Cruise: The cruise on the Sumida River featured the unique appearance of the boat, and once on board, it was nice to be able to enjoy the scenery with the 360​-degree view thanks to the fully glass enclosed boat. This afforded the perfect opportunity to take photos of the Tokyo Skytree and the famous "golden flame" of the Super Dry Hall building from a unique angle. Once we passed several low bridges, the crew guided us outside to enjoy the full panoramic view. The setting sun upon arriving in Odaiba offers a wonderful souvenir for all those who love to take photos of the sun on the water.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Sumida River Cruise: The Sumida River cruise on a boat named Hotaruna takes about 50 minutes provides views along the shores of Tokyo, as you are lulled by the waves comfortably while enjoying tea and dessert from the spacious sitting area in the modern design boat. Passing under the low bridges of the river brings you closer to the end of the mini-cruise. You can also go out on deck and enjoy the fresh air.

Yurikamome
Odaiba-kaihinkoen Station-->Shinbashi
(13 minutes)

Shinbashi-->Uchisaiwaicho
(5 minutes)

Toei Mita Line
Uchisaiwaicho-->Shirokanedai
(11 minutes)

Happo-en Enjyumore

Happo-en Enjyu
Enju is found inside the wedding venue, Happo-en, overlooking an expansive Japanese garden. To allow enjoyment of the changing of the four seasons through foods in season and views of the garden, diners are served original multi-course Kaiseki meals featuring different bowls of seasonal foods for every month of the year that are also a feast for the eyes. Moreover, diners can savor chef-recommended Kaiseki dishes prepared in ways that take full advantage of seasonal delicacies at the height of their deliciousness.
  • Adrien Leuci

    Happo-en: A garden that appears after dark. You can enjoy a night-time stroll amidst the world of ukiyo-e. The beauty of the garden is accentuated with red and green lighting effects. There is also an opportunity to view a collection of bonsai trees of over 500 years old.

    Happo-en Enjyu: We were greeted by staff dressed in a kimono. I was impressed with the traditional and special atmosphere this place emits. We had a garden view from our table, but the most beautiful sight was found on our plates. The delicious meal was of the quality that it could be called a work of art, while the flavors exploded in my mouth like a spread of palette of colors.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Happo-en: The garden lights were magnificent, and it is a very beautiful garden. I highly recommend it to visitors. Happo-en offers a an urban oasis in the giant capital that is Tokyo. It exudes typical Japanese charm as if taken straight out of a painting.

    Happo-en Enjyu: The cuisine was amazing, especially the sushi. The atmosphere was relaxing and sophisticated; a great place for a special occasion. Each dish was perfectly presented and had a good portion. The staff is very attentive and friendly. They speak English, which is helpful if you don't speak Japanese.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day2

HOKURIKU(FUKUI)

Haneda Airport

JAL (JAL Japan Explorer Pass) Show details

  • Adrien Leuci

    JAL domestic flight: The flight was very pleasant and fast. It took about an hour to reach Komatsu from Tokyo. On-board service is at the same level as with international flights. JAL also offers a special rate for foreigners outside of Japan, who can take domestic flights at a cheaper price than usual. I recommend domestic flights when visiting regions outside of Tokyo.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    JAL domestic flight: JAL flights offer everything you hope and expect.
    Punctual departure, friendly and bilingual staff, convenient airports, and easy to access and clean. Even the time before the flight was comfortable.

Komatsu Airport

Bus
20 minutes

Train (JR)
20 minutes

Bus
40 minutes

  • Adrien Leuci

    Lunch at the Hatsumi Sushi Honten: Lunch at Hatsumi Sushi was filled with warmth. The chef at the restaurant is a second generation sushi chef, who is passionate about his work and possess unique know-how. We ate delicious, fresh sushi served and made right in front of us. After enjoying the different flavors of seafood, we took part in a sushi-making course. This was a new experience that allowed us to better understand how sushi rolls are made.

    Maruoka Castle: A lovely and pleasant Japanese castle to discover, Maruoka Castle is one of the few Japanese castles that remain today.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Lunch at the original Hatsumi Sushi Honten: Hatsumi offers a unique experience in the art of Japanese gastronomy. The sushi master prepares the food in the traditional way, and places the small rolls one by one in front of the customer. All of the ingredients are fresh, and the rice is cooked following a secret family-recipe.

    Maruoka Castle: The Maruoka Castle features a unique and endearing charm. It has a fascinating and long history that will delight visitors fond of Japanese history. The castle teems with anecdotes and it also has a number of charms indicating its strength demonstrated throughout history.

Tojinbomore

Tojinbo
Tojinbo is a scenic spot where the cliffs continue to be roughly cut by ocean waves.
The spectacular cliffs of Tojinbo extend for about 1 km along the coast of the town of Mikuni.
Called pyroxene andesite columnar joints, the cliffs are said to be geologically rare rocks that are found in only three locations in the world, including Tojinbo, and have been designated a natural monument of Japan.
You can also enjoy the scenery from 55 m above in Tojinbo tower or from a pleasure boat cruise around the cliffs.
  • Adrien Leuci

    Cliffs of Tojinbo: This was an impressive place formed by natural forces. The cliffs of Tojinbo are filled with energy that captivates anyone who visits. Here, you can witness the result of geological activities that took place on the island of Honshu. These rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and the waves are eroding their silhouettes. The name Tojinbo came from a monk whose legend says that he was deceived and that his anger caused strong sea storms.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Cliffs of Tojinbo: The cliffs of Tojinbo are an absolutely fascinating place to visit. The name Tojinbo came from a Buddhist monk who was betrayed by his peers and pushed off the top of the cliffs. Since then, locals believe that the waves break against the walls; agitated because of the unmeasured anger of the monk. The legend lends the place a fascinating atmosphere to discover, embellished by a landscape of steep cliffs and a raging sea that make it very interesting.

Bus
10 minutes

Awara Onsen (Matsuya Sensen)

  • Adrien Leuci

    Dinner at hotel: A dinner at a traditional Japanese inn is always a special event. The atmosphere, the staff, the customers dressed in Yukata, the Kaiseki cuisine take you through the tradition and region of Japan in all its colors. It should be your responsibility as a patron to understand the value of this cuisine. Tastes and flavors are linked together ever overpowering your stomach. The dishes were accompanied by good sake from the Fukui region to spice up the flavors from the land and the sea. Delicious.

    Awara Onsen (Matsuya Sensen): A magnificent ryokan with spacious guestrooms. I enjoyed relaxing at the end of the day in the private bath on my guestroom's terrace. The next morning, I enjoyed the hotel's shared baths.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Dinner at hotel: Dinner is served in a quiet, elegant Japanese-style room with perfect service and fine cuisine. The dishes offer good portions and you can enjoy the traditional Japanese dinner without rushing. Everything is exquisite and the selection of drinks features sake from the region.

    Awara Onsen (Matsuya Sensen): The Matsuya Sensen ryokan is a mandatory stop for lovers of traditional Japanese hot springs. In addition to the public baths, some rooms are equipped with their own private bath. The view of the garden from the bath is perfect for relaxation. The traditional Japanese stone baths were the most impressive.

Day3

Awara Onsen (Matsuya Sensen)

  • Adrien Leuci

    Visit to Mikuni-Minato Kitamae Street: The city of Mikuni represents a fusion of the two periods Edo and Meiji. It was fun to discover old houses used by merchants of the time. The architecture of the old Morita Bank in red brick and the Mikuni Ryushokan museum in concrete was also impressive.

    Lunch at Uoshiro: A nice lunch restaurant with a traditional setting. It offered a simple, local menu consisting of miso soup, pickled vegetables and a dashi-style shrimp tendon as the main dish. It was a wonderful meal.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Visit to Mikuni-Minato Kitamae street: Mikuni Minato Kitamae street is a perfect place to spend a good part of the day. According to local volunteers, the merchants used to support the economy of the region before the development of the railways. The neighborhood has done a remarkable job of preserving the surrounding buildings in order to perpetuate the stories of the past. I recommend the local specialty of sake manju.

    Lunch in Uoshiro: Uoshiro is one of those little restaurants that is always lively. The building exudes a feeling of deep history, and is adorned with old photos of local celebrities who frequented the restaurant. The food is simple, yet delicious, especially the shrimp tempura on rice I had left me full and happy.

Train
100 minutes

Bus
12 minutes

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museummore

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Located in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, it is one of the world's largest museums, and is known nationwide as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils. The vast astylar space is overflowing with exhibits of dinosaur skeletons, fossils and specimens, and dioramas and reconstruction models, that brings you up close to the power of dinosaurs and can be enjoyed by the young and old.
  • Adrien Leuci

    Fukui Dinosaur Museum: The museum is located in the mountains with a magnificent view. If the weather allows, you can also enjoy the fresh air of the Fukui region. The exterior and interior architecture of the museum was amazing and well worth the trip alone. Inside the egg-shaped building, exhibits explain about the life of dinosaurs, which is difficult to imagine today. The escalator is like a time machine, and the impressive exhibition of fossils (real and replicas) as well as the presentation of the various dinosaurs on display surprised me.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Fukui Dinosaur Museum: The Fukui Dinosaur Museum is one of the area's must-see attractions. The museum is considered to be among the top three most important dinosaur museums. It offers bilingual explanations in English and Japanese, making it suitable for children and adults. The museum's exterior architecture was impressive, too. The full-scale models and reproductions are breathtaking. The museum also offers a cafe, restaurant, and workshops for children, along with a place for observing archaeologists at work. In short, a visit here will not disappoint!

Bus
12 minutes

Train
30 minutes

Bus
10 minutes

Soto Zen Daihonzan Eiheiji Templemore

Soto Zen Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple
The temple was founded as a Zen training hall in 1244 by Soto Zen founder Dogen Zenji. There are more than 70 large and small buildings on the grounds, and the shichido garan complex of halls connected by corridors is a large building that is indispensable for everyday meditation. The Rurishobokaku museum has a number of treasures on display that include the Fukan zazengi, Dogen Zenji's essay on the practice of Zen, which is a national treasure.
In 2015, the French Michelin Green Guide Japan gave the temple a 2-star rating.
  • Adrien Leuci

    Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple: Waking up at 5:00 am to explore the hidden world of Buddhist monks at Eiheiji Temple was an exciting experience. The architecture of the temple, the atmosphere and its history carried me away to a different time. It's impossible not to be touched by the temple's spiritual force. I particularly enjoyed listening to the Buddhist sutras that made me forget about time.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple: One of the most beautiful places in the region is undoubtedly the temple of Daihonzan Eiheiji. The temple is centered on the teachings of Zen Master Dogen. Visitors are welcome as long as they respect the life of the temple and its monks - photos of the latter are prohibited, for example. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the architecture, the natural backdrop and letting the atmosphere soothe the day, you can also participate in various meditation classes offered by the Temple.

Hakujukan

  • Adrien Leuci

    Dinner at hotel: Dinner at the Hakujukan Hotel features your choice of an authentic Japanese meal or a completely vegetarian meal. There are many restaurants serving these meals near Eiheiji Temple. Everything was very delicious. I particularly enjoyed the freshly made tofu. The restaurant is located in a wonderful, brand new building.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Dinner at hotel: Hakujukan offers elegant and innovative cuisine, with the possibility, depending on the season, of making your own tofu at your table. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, as is the regular menu with meat. The atmosphere is calm, and the dedicated service team and the full meal does not disappoint. Breakfast is Japanese; simple and with a portion suitable for a day of exploring ​​the Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple area.

    Hakujukan: Hakujukan is about a five-minute walk from Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple. It is a simple and elegant place, with a warm welcome which even offers discussion and meditation sessions with monks passing through the region. There are ​​restaurants and shops nearby. The rooms are simple but modern and technological with the possibility of controlling lights and heating via voice command. It's perfectly comfortable and the atmosphere soothing.

Day4

Hakujukan

  • Adrien Leuci

    Lunch at Yoroppaken: Yoroppaken specializes in katsudon (breaded pork) smothered in sauce. It’s a restaurant chain in Fukui, with a local vibe. The atmosphere felt European, perhaps due to the name.

    Visit to Takefu Knife Village: The visit to the Takefu Knife Village was deeply interesting. I learned about the traditional art of forging along with more modern techniques used for mass production. The skills of these "masters of steel" is particularly impressive with Damascus steel.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Ruins of the Asakura clan: The ruins of the Asakura clan allow you to immerse yourself in the stories of yesteryear. One of the most interesting options is to borrow a tablet and experience through its screen a reconstruction of the area. This function allows you to visit on your own with explanations in English.

    Visit to the Yokokan garden: Yokokan represents an embodiment of the attention and dedication to nature that the Japanese express during the creation of their gardens. The exceptional architecture of the place struck me emotionally. Nature changes with the seasons, and the colors of autumn, although still timid, bring a peaceful atmosphere ideal for calm walks and contemplation.

    Lunch at Yoroppaken (Europe-ken): Yoroppaken's katsudon smothered in sauce will delight fans of Japanese cuisine. Yoroppaken's tonkatsu features thin-sliced pork and prominent taste. This restaurant beloved by locals operates several outlets in Fukui, where the same food can be enjoyed.

    Visit to the Takefu Knife Village: In the village of Takefu Knife, artisans come together to create the famous Japanese kitchen knives. Seeing the masters at work, in the din of the workshop, was very satisfying. Most interesting is the chance to make your very own knife. Classes last a few hours or a whole day, and in the end, you will get to take home a great for the kitchen. A truly unique experience!

Bus
30 minutes

Train (JR)
20 minutes

Bus
25 minutes

Echizen Washi Villagemore

Echizen Washi Village
The Imadate area in which the Echizen Washi Village is located, has a 1,500-year history as one of the few washi paper-producing regions in Japan, and boasts the highest quality and technology for producing Echizen washi.
The facilities at Echizen Washi Village related to Echizen paper are concentrated along a 230 m street, and you can observe craftsmen and try making paper yourself along beautiful streets the combine tradition with nature.
  • Adrien Leuci

    Paper making at Echizen Washi Village: This establishment offers an old-fashioned paper-making class. Although the process is difficult for beginners, after placing enough fibers in the sieve, I enjoyed personalizing my sheet of paper with natural materials and colors before letting it dry. After class, you get to take home your own original Japanese paper.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Paper-making at Echizen Washi Village: Making traditional Japanese paper was a calm and relaxing activity. The creation process, delicate but fast, also allows you to personalize your own paper with flowers and ink, before drying. The Japanese paper you make can be in the form of postcards, coasters or any other creation of your choice. The area around the shop makes for a pleasant visit, with cafes and other traditional paper shops.

Bus
25 minutes

JR Takefu Station

JR Takefu Station-->JR Kanazawa Station
Around 60 minutes

Kanazawa Stationmore

Kanazawa Station

There is a reason why Kanazawa Station was chosen as one of the 14 most beautiful stations in the world by Travel+Leisure in 2011. It is characterized by a dome supported by massive pillars modeled after Japanese drums used in traditional performing arts. Furthermore, the inside of the station is decorated with local traditional handicrafts as if it were a museum.

JR Hokuriku Shinkansen Show details

Tokyo Stationmore

Tokyo Station
October 2012 saw completion of the preservation and renovation work on the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. The red brick facade long loved as the symbol of Tokyo Station has made a comeback, along with the history and grandeur of the original building dating nearly a hundred years back. The occasion also saw the reopening of Tokyo Station Hotel and Tokyo Station Gallery. The former is the only hotel situated within an important cultural property of Japan. The interior is designed in a sophisticated, classical European style to blend with the splendor of the Marunouchi Building exterior.
  • Adrien Leuci

    In Tokyo, you can experience various kinds of activities, such as tourist, cultural, historical and gastronomic. A number of new discoveries await you in Tokyo, where you can spend each moment in time with serenity and peace of mind. Fukui has many surprises in store for you, and it offers splendid and unique experiences. Whether experiencing the Buddhist religion with monks in the mountains or immersing yourself in the history of the dinosaurs, Fukui impressed me with its rich geography while also offering new adventures for the future.

  • Lassaux Samantha

    Tokyo is must-visit for any trip to Japan. It brings together all aspects to satisfy anyone's curiosity, including temples, shrines, museums, parks, and shopping. You are sure to find what you are looking for.
    Fukui is one of the tourist regions of Japan in full-swing development. Renting a car allows for more in-depth exploration, but local trains or buses can get you to most places for various activities. Either one will provide an excellent visit.
    Fukui is an unforgettable region; it delivers memorable and unexpected experiences and offers a new aspect of Japan to the traveler eager to see everything. The numerous volunteer guides at each location helped me find my way around. Local cuisine offers dishes unique to the region. You are sure to leave this newly explored region in Japan hoping to return soon.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS

Although it was not my first visit to Tokyo, this visit had many surprises in store for me. I enjoyed revisiting places and seeing them from a different angle. The discovery of new places is always a nice surprise. The season and weather were perfect for exploring Tokyo. Fukui was a pleasant surprise for a nature-lover like myself, between the sea and the mountains, this tour offers a variety of mesmerizing options.

Adrien Leuci
Director of Japan Information
Reside in France (Toulouse)
  • Hobby

    Nature, climbing, graphic art and design

  • Number of visits to Japan

    6 times

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS

You can discover many new things by actually visiting a country that you often see in books, documentaries, films, and whatnot. There may not be many people who have never seen Tokyo, but if you come to Japan, a stop at its capital is essential to understand the country. Fukui is a beautiful stopover, too, relaxing and a little far from Tokyo. This tour promises you a wonderful trip to discover the island country of Japan.

Lassaux Samantha
Event manager
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: France
  • Hobby

    Boxing, visiting shrines, going to cafes

  • Length of stay in Tokyo

    5 years

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