Fukui

Fukui Prefecture is located at the westernmost end of the Hokuriku region and has cultivated unique cultures in the two areas historically known as Echizen and Wakasa. It features diverse terrain with rias coastlines facing the Sea of Japan and plains along the Kuzuryu River basin sourced from Mount Haku, with the entire prefecture designated as a heavy snowfall area. Historically, remnants from each era remain vivid, including the Asakura clan's castle town of Ichijodani and Wakasa Bay's Miketsukuni (imperial food province) culture. The prefecture leads the nation in dinosaur fossil excavation volume, with the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum attracting researchers from around the world. In 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen extended to Tsuruga, greatly improving access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Food attractions abound, including winter delicacy Echizen crab, Echizen oroshi soba, and sauce katsudon, all nationally recognized specialties. Traditional industries such as eyeglass frames, Echizen washi paper, and Echizen lacquerware remain strong, giving the prefecture a face as a "manufacturing prefecture."