福井県 Fukui
Hi, everyone! 2nd Term is starting this week after the summer break and we are delighted to have our students back here at YGC. Speaking of a summer vacation, let us introduce a hidden-popular destination spot, Fukui Prefecture.
Fukui is located in the mid-northern part of the Honshu Island facing the Sea of Japan. Now, what comes to your mind when you hear Fukui? Compared with Tokyo’s contemporary symbol of the “Skytree,” it may be challenging to come up with a distinct symbol of the prefecture. However, Fukui has a wide variety of attractions for people with myriad interests.
Typically, history buffs may be fond of the Echizen Ono Castle and Kumagawa Inn. The tower of the Echizen Ono Castle, which enchantedly stands from the cloud-covered sky, is also referred to as “Castle in the Sky” as it seems to appear hovering over the clouds. Such scenery is only visible under the variant conditions of suitable humidity, temperature, and wind velocity, and you would be lucky if you could even see it. If you are enticed, we would suggest visiting the website of the Fukui Prefecture to further feast your eyes on the photo gallery of the “Castle in the Sky.”
If gazing at the magnificent scenery is the main purpose of your trip, we recommend visiting the Tojimbo and Kehi no Matsubara. Tojimbo is renowned for its steep basaltic cliff where is often used in the climax of a suspense drama, in a predictable scene of the main character cornering the criminal to the edge. We would not recommend Tojimbo for people with acrophobia, but the view overlooking the sea from the edge of the cliff is so breathtaking that it is designated as a national treasure. Additionally, Kehi no Matsubara is selected as one of the top three renowned pine groves along with Miho no Matsubara and Niji no Matsubara in Shizuoka and Saga prefectures, respectively.
On a final note, what is our YGC column without the mentioning of prefectural delicacies? Seafood from the Wakasa Bay is fresh and appetizing, and from finest ingredients such as the Japanese pufferfish and Echizen crab to traditional dish of salted mackerel pickled in sake lees called “Heshiko,” Fukui has a lot of offer! It truly is amazing to learn that there are many exceptional dishes we hardly come across even within Japan.
Who knows what other surprises you may encounter? You might just have to visit Fukui and find out for yourself!
