Located on the Sea of Japan coast in the historic Hokuriku region, Fukui Prefecture is perhaps less well-known to international travellers than other destinations in Japan, but it boasts a rich spiritual, cultural, artisanal and culinary heritage. From quasi-national parks to beaches, rugged coastlines and historically significant temples, the prefecture offers visitors the opportunity to experience Japan at a slower pace while gaining an insight into the spiritual and cultural traditions that have shaped the country and its people over the centuries.
“Fukui Prefecture is an understated, yet profoundly enriching, destination,” says Sayaka Tsunemi from Fukui Prefectural Government's port promotion division. “It appeals to luxury cruise travellers who are seeking deep and authentic cultural experiences to familiarise themselves with Japan’s spiritual traditions and artisanal heritage.”
One highlight is Eiheiji Temple, which was founded in the 13th century by Zen master Dogen when he brought the principles of Soto Zen Buddhism from China to Japan. Set within an ancient cedar forest, the wooden Eiheiji Temple (which means ‘Temple of Eternal Peace’) is an active training monastery, where hundreds of monks study and practice the teachings of Soto Zen Buddhism every day.
“The temple embodies the concept of harmony between nature, architecture and spiritual discipline,” says Tsunemi. “It offers discerning Western travellers an intimate encounter with Zen as a way of life that can be experienced through silence, ritual and restraint. Even a brief visit leaves a lasting impression of Japan’s inner philosophy.”
Eiheiji Temple, which dates back to the 13th century, is a living monastery where monks and visitors can familiarize themselves with the principles of Soto Zen Buddhism (credit: Daihonzan EIHEIJI)
Elsewhere in Fuki Prefecture, luxury travellers can familiarise themselves with the centuries-old Japanese concept of monozukuri, the driving artistic and philosophical force behind the traditional crafts originating from cities such as Echizen, Sabae and Obama. Notable examples include washi paper, blades, lacquerware and chopsticks.
“Fukui Prefecture has been producing high volumes of traditional handicrafts for longer than any other region in Japan,” says Tsunemi. “There are multiple production sites located within a 10 kilometre radius of one another in the Echizen and Sabae area, which makes it easy and convenient for visitors to explore them together and see the crafts firsthand.”
First produced over 1,500 years ago, Echizen Washi is among Japan’s oldest handmade papers and is prized for its strength, texture and versatility. In Japan, washi has been used for everything from official documents and sacred Buddhist texts to origami, temple lanterns, decorative kites, umbrellas, fine art, sliding screen doors and more. The paper is also now used in contemporary architecture and luxury interiors worldwide.
Cruise guests can watch as artisans make Echizen Washi paper, which was first produced more than 1,300 years ago and is used worldwide
Cruise travellers can also find out about Echizen’s sword and blade-making industry, which started around 700 years ago when a swordsmith began making sickles for local farmers. Echizen Uchihamono (forged cutlery) became the first traditional craft in Japan to be designated as a Traditional Craft Product in 1979 and local artisans continue to forge knives and other tools by hand using traditional techniques. “The blades are revered by chefs and artisans globally because each piece forged with precision, discipline and pride,” explains Tsunemi.
Every Echizen blade is made by hand and designed for a specific purpose, for example cutting noodles or slicing fish
Another handicraft local to Fukui Prefecture is Echizen lacquerware, which has been made in the area now known as Sabae City’s Kawada district for nearly 1,500 years. “The lacquerware has long served imperial and religious institutions,” says Tsunemi. “Its subdued elegance and tactile warmth reflect Japan’s philosophy of beauty through use.”
Artisans in the city of Obama in the Wasaka region of Fukui Prefecture produce a different form of lacquered craft: Wakasa-nuri chopsticks. First made by Sanjuro Matsuura in the late 16th century, the wooden chopsticks are decorated using layers of coloured lacquer combined with materials such as seashells and eggshells, then polished to bring out intricate patterns. The chopsticks became particularly popular to give as gifts and souvenirs during the Edo period (1603-1868), when artisan perfected more than 200 lacquering techniques.
“Today, Wakasa-nuri chopsticks account for more than 80 per cent of the national market share of chopsticks, and cruise visitors can take home their own set as a memento,” says Tsunemi. “The Wakasa region is also home to other attractions, such as Myotsu-ji Temple, whose main hall and three-storey pagoda are designated as National Treasures.”
According to Tsunemi, Fukui’s handicrafts are defined by their enduring beauty and refined utility. “Seeing these pieces being produced in the places they originated gives guests both a chance to understand the skill and mastery of the artisans, as well as an appreciation of how they are keeping traditions alive. They can also try making these crafts themselves during workshops.”
Artisans in Sabae City have been producing Echizen lacquerware for almost 1,500 years, creating items that have functional beauty
In addition to being renowned as the birthplace for many Japanese handicrafts, Fukui prefecture is recognised a globally significant centre for paleontological research. Almost 80 per cent of all dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan were found in Fukui Prefecture and visitors can explore both prehistoric life and the geological forces that shaped the Japanese archipelago at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama City. “The museum provides a sophisticated, intellectually engaging experience that resonates strongly with culturally curious luxury travellers,” says Tsunemi.
Tourists can learn about participate in fossil workshops at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (credit: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum)
Luxury cruise lines wanting to offer their guests a culturally immersive exploration of the Fukui Prefecture can berth their ships at either Fukui Port or Tsuruga Port.
“Fukui Port is free from urban congestion, so it offers a calm and seamless arrival and is ideal for cruise lines wanting to offer refined shore excursions,” says Tsunemi. “The port is ideally located for travellers wanting to visit Eiheiji Temple and the Echizen craft regions.”
Tsuruga Port, meanwhile, is situated in the southern Fukui Prefecture and was a key stop on the Kitamaebune shipping route between the 17th century and early 19th century. The city offers various attractions, including Kehi Shrine, Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, Nihonkai Sakanamachi, Saifukuji temple and Kehi-no-Matsubara, a beachside pine grove with around 16,000 trees.
“As a historic gateway linking Japan with continental Asia, Tsuruga has long served as a crossroads of cultures,” says Tsunemi. “Its rich narratives, combined with easy access to Kyoto and Wakasa, add exceptional storytelling value to cruise itineraries.”
With two ports and a multitude of available shore excursion opportunities to choose from, the Fukui Prefecture is an ideal addition to any luxury cruise itinerary, according to Tsunemi.
“Visiting Fukui Prefecture presents travellers with a rare opportunity to experience spiritual depth, artisanal excellence and Earth’s ancient history – it’s an elegant and intellectually rewarding port of call.”
This is part of an exclusive series of articles showcasing the varied itinerary options for luxury cruise lines sailing in Japan. Read the other three articles to discover the attractions of Aomori and Hakodate in North Japan and explore the shore excursion opportunities on both the Sea of Japan Coast and the Pacific Coast.