If you would like to enjoy a personalized tour with a guide that loves the history and culture of his country and wishes to share his knowledge with visitors, then I highly urge you to quickly book with Takuya! He will share so many details of the sites he will take you to, which truly makes the experience so much more meaningful, i.e. lifestyles of warlords that protected treasured castles, the thought behind the architecture and decoration
The Largest Dinosaur Museum in the World
Eiheiji Temple
Tojinbo Cliffs Sight Seeing Boat
Fukui, Dinosaurus, Home of Zen, and Dynamic Cliff along Sea of Japan
Who would have thought that Fukui is home to the largest dinosaur museum in the world? At the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, you can see life-sized dinosaur models, uncover fossils yourself, and learn why this region is a treasure trove of prehistoric discoveries.
Experience the essence of Zen Buddhism at Eiheiji Temple, the spiritual center of the Sōtō School of Zen. Here, you’ll witness the intense training of Unsui monks, who dedicate their lives to reaching enlightenment through discipline and meditation.
Feel the thrill as you stand at the edge of Tojinbo Cliffs, a dramatic and almost terrifying geological wonder formed over millions of years. You can gaze down from the towering cliffs or take a boat cruise to see the rugged formations up close, even passing through the narrow rock channels.
For food lovers, Fukui is a paradise. Indulge in the seasonal delicacy Echizen Crab, known for its rich, sweet flavor. Pair it with a variety of locally brewed sake for an authentic taste of the region. Don’t forget to try Echizen Oroshi Soba, a refreshing buckwheat noodle dish topped with freshly grated spicy daikon radish.
Located less than two hours from Kyoto and Osaka, Fukui offers an escape from the crowds, allowing you to explore Japan’s authentic history, nature, and cuisine at a relaxed pace.
Highlights
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaurs Museum -A Journey into Prehistoric Wonders
Eiheiji Temple (with Zazen experience depending on availability) – The Head Temple of the Soto School of Zen, a Sanctuary of Peace and Dignity
Tojinbo Cliffs – A Breathtaking Masterpiece of Nature’s Power
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Please see My Rates page for more information
Over night stay in Fukui highly recommended
Departure time
9AM
Meeting point
To be determined with guests
Availability
Throughout year (Except the period of New Year Holiday)
Duration
8-9 hours
Group size
Min. 1 person (up to 4 Pax.) (Inquire the guide rate for the guests over 5. )
Included
Guide fee
Not included
Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Entrance fees etc.
The expenses of the Tour Guide (The same as the guests)
What to bring
To be determined with guests
Number & type of staff for tour
Award winning National Licensed Tour Guide Interpreter in English
Recommended Sample Itineraries
Day 1:
- Ride „Thunderbird Ltd. Express“ from Osaka/Kyoto etc. to Tsuruga, and tranfer to Shinkansen for Fukui for total of about 110 min. (shorter for Kyoto departure)
- Visit „Maruoka Castle“, one of 12 surviving castle with original main tower
- Tojinbo Cliff and boat cruise along the cliff
- Enjoy delicious „Oroshi Soba“ noodle or sea foods „Echizen Crab“ (Seasonal)
- Visit “Yokokan Garden”, the former villa of the feudal lord of Fukui
Day 2:
- Visit „Eiheiji Temple“ and experience Zazen
- Visit „Fukui Prefectural Dinasaur Museum“ to learn about dinosaur
- Ride, Shinkansen and „Thunderbird Ltd. Express“ back for Osaka/Kyoto
See What My Previous Guests Say
If you want a tour guide who will provide a catered, thoughtful, intentional, experience then I recommend Takuya. He is fluent in English, but what is most special is his open mindedness and intelligence. He is comfortable discussing complex issues of culture and history and receives questions with grace. He has a good sense of what locations, including (and especially!) if they are off “the beaten path”.
Do yourself a favor when visiting Japan and hire Takuya as a personal guide. We visited Japan on three occasions and every time we hired Takuya and had a wonderful time. We visited beautilful places off the beaten path, away from the very touristic areas. He really takes into account your personal interests when organising a trip and comes up with great ideas himself at the same time. Do not hesitate to hire him, you will not regret it!
Check Out My Other Private Tours of Japan
Fukui Private Tour: Japan’s Best-Kept Secret
Most visitors to Japan never make it to Fukui — and that is exactly what makes a Fukui private tour so rewarding. Located less than two hours from Kyoto by limited express train, Fukui Prefecture offers a combination of world-class attractions, authentic Japanese culture, and unhurried landscapes that few international travelers ever experience. As your licensed guide, I bring you directly into the heart of this extraordinary prefecture — with none of the crowds and all of the depth.
A private tour of Fukui is not simply a day trip. It is an immersion into a side of Japan that guidebooks rarely cover: dinosaur fossils buried in the hillsides, one of the most revered Zen temples in the country, dramatic coastal cliffs above the Sea of Japan, and local cuisine that ranks among the finest in the region. I design every itinerary around your interests and pace, so no two tours are ever the same.
What to Expect on a Fukui Private Tour
Fukui offers a remarkable range of experiences within a single day. Here are the highlights I recommend most frequently:
- Fukui Dinosaur Museum — The largest dinosaur museum in the world, home to 44 full skeletal reconstructions and fossils excavated right here in Fukui. Exceptional for families and history enthusiasts alike.
- Eiheiji Temple — Founded in 1244, this active Sōtō Zen monastery set deep in a cedar forest is one of the most spiritually significant sites in Japan. The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else.
- Tojinbo Cliffs — Dramatic basalt columns rising from the Sea of Japan, extending for over one kilometer along the Echizen coastline. The view from the clifftop is unforgettable.
- Ichijodani Asakura Ruins — The only remaining medieval Japanese township ruins, where samurai and commoners once lived side by side. A UNESCO candidate site and a rare window into feudal Japan.
- Local cuisine — Echizen crab (in season), freshly grated daikon soba, locally brewed sake, and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. I know exactly where to eat.
Why Choose a Private Guide for Fukui
Fukui is not well-served by English signage or tourist infrastructure. Without a guide, navigating the connections between Fukui City, Katsuyama, Eiheiji, and the coast requires significant planning and often results in missed opportunities. On a fukui private tour with me, I handle every transfer, every timing decision, and every reservation — so you arrive at each location relaxed and informed.
I also provide the context that transforms a visit into an experience. The history of Eiheiji Temple, the significance of the Asakura clan ruins, the geology behind Tojinbo — these are stories I tell with care, drawing on decades of guiding experience across Japan.
Fukui is typically offered as a full-day private tour from Osaka or Kyoto. It can also be combined with nearby destinations such as Hikone and Nagahama for a multi-destination itinerary. Have a look at the FAQ page for details on how booking works, or contact me directly to begin planning your Fukui tour.
Read what past guests have said about their experience on my TripAdvisor page(opens in a new tab).
