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Winter Trip to Fukui: A Journey of Local Delights

Feb. 04. 2025

A journey to Fukui in winter reveals a treasure trove of delights—soothing hot springs, unforgettable culinary experiences, and a charm that stands apart from the bustling tourist hubs of Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. Immerse yourself in the unique rhythm and beauty of this lesser-known gem.

 

Where to stay: Bouyourou

 


 

On the rugged coastline of Fukui Prefecture, where the Sea of Japan meets dramatic cliffs, lies Bouyourou — a culinary ryokan with over 145 years of history. Known as one of Japan’s top destinations for crab lovers, the inn underwent a full renovation in 2021, blending its rich heritage with sleek, modern design.

Winter is the season to visit, when the inn’s interiors offer a stark contrast to the fierce waves crashing outside. The concrete architecture feels anything but cold, enveloping guests in a quiet, welcoming ambiance. Here, time slows as one exquisite crab dish after another is served, celebrating the region’s most prized delicacy–Echizen crab.

Inside, touches of Fukui’s craftsmanship bring subtle warmth to the space, while the open-air baths provide a transformative experience. Imagine soaking in steaming waters as snow falls silently around you—a memory that will linger long after you leave.

 

Where to eat/drink:

Ishidaya ESHIKOTO 

A must-visit for sake enthusiasts, Ishidaya is the flagship store of the renowned sake brewery Kokuryu. Here, you can sample and purchase exclusive, limited-edition sakes available only on-site. Among the highlights is the ESHIKOTO series, brewed with the traditional kimoto method which relies on naturally occurring lactic acid for fermentation. Other offerings include a sparkling sakeand the richly flavored ESHIKOTO Umeshu 13, made with fully ripened golden plums from Fukui. For those eager to explore those flavors, a tasting set of these three varieties is available for ¥2,500.

 

Address: 12-17, Shimojōhōji, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 
Phone: 0776-63-1030
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Fridays(irregular holidays also apply)


Soba Yamaya 

Savor Fukui’s famous soba noodles paired with local ingredients and Kokuryu sake at this new culinary hotspot. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, the interior features  wooden beams repurposed from a traditional farmhouse and offers panoramic views of Eiheiji’s lush nature through the expansive windows. Many highlights include the delicately seasoned Seiko Crab Inari (¥750), a trio of tempura featuring local delights like tilefish and maitake mushrooms (¥1,000), and the refreshing chilled Eiheiji Juwari Soba, made entirely from buckwheat (¥900).

 

Address: 12-3, Shimojōhōji, Eiheiji-machi, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 

Website: soba-yamaya.com

Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order)

Closed: Thursdays

Note: No entry for children under 12


HAREYA 

Since opening in November 2024, this bakery is already making waves with its buttery, crisp croissants. Among the highlights are the pistachio cream and raspberry paste-filled croissants (¥450) and Kurungi (¥650), a trendy Korean-inspired flat croissant treat. The lineup also includes inventive creations like sake lees anpan (sweetened red bean bread) and maitake mushroom focaccia, all incorporating ingredients from the Hokuriku region, including Kokuryu brewery’s sake byproducts.

 

Address: 12-8, Shimojōhōji, Eiheiji-machi, Yoshida-gun

Instagram: @hareya_bakery

Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays


Whether it’s savoring Fukui’s famed Echizen crab at a historic ryokan, sampling exclusive sakes at Kokuryu’s Ishidaya, or enjoying freshly baked treats at HAREYA, Fukui promises experiences as rich and varied as its landscape. Take a moment to pause, indulge, and create memories that will draw you back to this serene corner of Japan.

Photo credit: Shogo Oizumi

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