Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
🗺️

Fukui Prefecture

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Fukui Prefecture is a coastal region in Japan. It sits within the Chūbu region on the island of Honshū.

Map of Fukui Prefecture Ja
Map of Fukui Prefecture Ja

The prefecture is part of the historic Hokuriku region. It faces the Sea of Japan to the west. To the north, it borders Ishikawa Prefecture. Gifu Prefecture lies to the east. Shiga Prefecture is located to the south. Kyoto Prefecture sits to the southwest. The land covers a total area of 4,190 km2.

Fukui city aerial 03
Fukui city aerial 03

The geography of Fukui is divided into two distinct sections. The western part was formerly known as Wakasa. It consists of a narrow plain. This plain sits between the mountains and the sea. The eastern part was formerly known as Echizen. This area contains much larger plains. Most of the population lives in these eastern plains. The capital city, Fukui, is located in this section. Other major cities include Sakai, Echizen, and Sabae.

Katsuyama basin
Katsuyama basin

The region is often called "snow country" due to its weather.

Fukui has a long and complex history. Originally, the area consisted of the provinces of Wakasa and Echizen. These provinces were joined to form the prefecture in 1871. During the Edo period, the region was ruled by the Matsudaira clan. This was a powerful samurai clan. They were descendants of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The clan was headquartered at Fukui Castle.

Keep of Maruoka Castle 3
Keep of Maruoka Castle 3

This castle was surrounded by a moat. During World War II, Fukui was heavily bombed. The bombing demolished Fukui Castle. Today, the prefectural government buildings stand on that site. However, Maruoka Castle still stands. It was built in 1576 and is the oldest standing castle in Japan.

Prehistoric discoveries add to the wonder of Fukui. The Kitadani Dinosaur Quarry is located on the Sugiyama River. This quarry is within the city limits of Katsuyama.

Katsuyama basin
Katsuyama basin

Scientists have found many dinosaur fossils here. These include animals like Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus. Other fossils include Nipponosaurus and Koshisaurus. Researchers also found Fukuivenator and Fukuititan. Tambatitanis and an unnamed dromaeosaurid were also discovered. These fossils are displayed at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.

Cultural heritage sites are very important in Fukui. The Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins are a major site.

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

Another significant site is Eihei-ji. This Buddhist temple was founded by Dogen Zenji in 1244. It covers about 33 hectares of land. It provides training and education for monks. Myōtsū-ji is also famous. Its Three-storied Pagoda and Main Hall are National Treasures of Japan.

Myotsuji and pagoda
Myotsuji and pagoda

Visitors can also see the Tōjinbō cliff range along the coast.

Japan Tojinbo02n4592
Japan Tojinbo02n4592

The economy of Fukui is built on several unique industries. Sabae is a global leader in eyewear. It produces 90% of Japan's domestically made glasses. The prefecture is also famous for Echizen papermaking. The Echizen Papermaking Cooperative uses traditional styles. Energy is another major part of the economy. There are 14 nuclear reactors located in Fukui. This is the highest number of any prefecture. Many of these plants are near Wakasa Bay in Tsuruga. They supply power to the Keihanshin metropolitan region.

Demographics show that Fukui is one of the less populated prefectures. As of January 1, 2025, the population was 737,229. In 2015, the population was estimated at 785,508. The prefecture faces an aging and decreasing population. In July 2015, 28.6% of people were over age 65. The population fell by 2.6% between 2010 and 2015. To help this, the government launched a dating website in 2010. It was called the Fukui Marriage-Hunting Café. Couples who marry through the site receive money and gifts. This aims to help increase the population growth.

589 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ 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

+ 35 more

More to explore

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.