Fukui Prefecture, located on the Japan Sea side of central Honshu, represents a naturally rich prefecture surrounded by beautiful Wakasa Bay coastlines and Echizen mountains. While having no World Heritage sites, it's known for important national treasure buildings and Japan's oldest dinosaur fossil discovery site.

Myotsuji Temple, ancient Shingon temple in Obama City, has main hall and three-story pagoda designated as national treasures. The main hall, built in 1258, represents Kamakura period esoteric Buddhist architecture, housing Heian period wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai statue with attendant figures. The three-story pagoda, built in 1270, features beautiful balanced proportions beloved as Wakasa region landmark. Both structures preserve precious cultural properties conveying Kamakura period Buddhist architectural essence.

Tojinbo, representative Echizen coast scenic spot, features columnar joint cliffs designated as national natural monument extending approximately 1 kilometer. Spectacular scenery overlooking Japan Sea from approximately 25-meter cliffs is particularly known for beautiful sunsets. Sightseeing boat views allow experiencing sea cliff power up close.

Eiheiji Temple, Soto Zen head temple founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen, represents Zen sacred ground. Vast precincts house over 70 buildings where approximately 200 unsui (training monks) continue strict practice today. Sanshokaku ceiling featuring 230 seasonal paintings, dharma hall, and Buddha hall's dignified building groups guide visitors into tranquil worlds. Zazen meditation experiences introduce many to Zen spirit.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama City ranks among world's three great dinosaur museums, displaying 44 complete dinosaur skeletons and over 1,000 specimens. Fukui Prefecture represents Japan's first dinosaur fossil discovery region, with numerous dinosaurs named after Fukui including Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus. Museum surroundings offer fossil excavation experiences, introducing children through adults to paleontology.

Wakasa Bay, called "Nara with sea" for numerous remaining cultural properties, particularly prospered with Obama City as ancient Kyoto food supply base "miketsukuni." Wakasa lacquered chopsticks comprise about 80% national share as traditional crafts combining beautiful patterns with practicality.

Fukui food culture prominently features Echizen crab nationally. Brands differ by landing port, particularly male snow crabs landed at Echizen Port ranked as premium "Echizen crab." November through March fishing seasons attract numerous tourists seeking crab cuisine.

Sauce katsu-don also enjoys popularity as Fukui's representative B-grade gourmet. Thin pork cutlets with sauce over rice, with numerous sauce katsu-don shops citywide in Fukui. Echizen soba also represents Fukui specialty, with "oroshi soba" featuring grated radish and bonito flakes as representative style.

Heshiko, traditional Fukui preserved food of fermented mackerel in rice bran, offers distinctive flavors through fermentation. Fresh Wakasa Bay mackerel is salt-cured then aged in rice bran beds over one year. Delicious eaten directly or grilled, with excellent sake pairing.