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Fukui Prefecture

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Fukui is a prefecture located in the Chūbu region of Honshū, Japan.

Map of Fukui Prefecture Ja
Map of Fukui Prefecture Ja

It sits along the coast of the Sea of Japan. To the north, it borders Ishikawa Prefecture. To the east is Gifu Prefecture. Shiga Prefecture is to the south, and Kyoto Prefecture is to the southwest. The area is part of the historic Hokuriku region. Because of its location, it is known as "snow country."

Fukui city aerial 03
Fukui city aerial 03

The land has two very different parts. The western side was once called Wakasa. It is a narrow plain between the sea and the mountains. The eastern side was once called Echizen. This part has wider plains where most people live. The capital city, also named Fukui, is located here. Other big cities include Sakai, Echizen, and Sabae.

Katsuyama basin
Katsuyama basin

History is found in many places throughout the prefecture. Long ago, the area was made of two provinces. In 1871, these were joined to form the prefecture. During the Edo period, the powerful Matsudaira clan lived here. They were based at Fukui Castle.

Keep of Maruoka Castle 3
Keep of Maruoka Castle 3

Sadly, Fukui Castle was destroyed by bombs during World War II. Today, the government offices sit on that same site. You can also visit Maruoka Castle, which was built in 1576. It is the oldest standing castle in Japan.

Many amazing things can be discovered in Fukui. If you visit Katsuyama, you might find dinosaur fossils.

Katsuyama basin
Katsuyama basin

Many animals like Fukuiraptor and Fukuititan lived there. You can see these bones at the dinosaur museum. For a look at old ruins, visit the Ichijōdani Asakura Family site.

Asakura Yakata of Ichijodani Asakura Family Historic Ruins02s3s4440
Asakura Yakata of Ichijodani Asakura Family Historic Ruins02s3s4440

You can also see the Tōjinbō cliff range.

Japan Tojinbo02n4592
Japan Tojinbo02n4592

For quiet moments, the Eihei-ji temple offers a place for monks to study.

Fukui is also a place where people make famous things. The city of Sabae makes 90% of the glasses in Japan.

Flag of Sabae, Fukui
Flag of Sabae, Fukui

The area is also famous for traditional Echizen papermaking. Many people enjoy the local food like Echizen soba noodles. They also enjoy fresh crabs and rice. Even though the population is getting smaller, the people of Fukui keep their traditions alive. They even have a special way of speaking called Fukui-ben.

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🖼️ Images & Media (47)
File:Map of Fukui Prefecture Ja.svg
Map of Fukui Prefecture Ja.svg
File:Japan Tojinbo02n4592.jpg
Japan Tojinbo02n4592.jpg
File:Row of sakura, Asuwa River, Fukui.jpg
Row of sakura, Asuwa River, Fukui.jpg
File:Asakura Yakata of Ichijodani Asakura Family Historic Ruins02s3s4440.jpg
Asakura Yakata of Ichijodani Asakura...
File:Myotsuji and pagoda.jpg
Myotsuji and pagoda.jpg
File:Keep of Maruoka Castle 3.jpg
Keep of Maruoka Castle 3.jpg
File:Fukui city aerial 03.jpg
Fukui city aerial 03.jpg
File:Katsuyama basin.jpg
Katsuyama basin.jpg
File:Flag of Awara, Fukui.svg
Flag of Awara, Fukui.svg
File:Awara in Fukui prefecture Ja.svg
Awara in Fukui prefecture Ja.svg
File:Flag of Echizen, Fukui (city).svg
Flag of Echizen, Fukui (city).svg
File:Echizen in Fukui prefecture Ja.svg
Echizen in Fukui prefecture Ja.svg

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