Fukui
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Tojinbo
What is Tojinbo? Tojinbo is a dramatic stretch of rugged sea cliffs located on the coast of Fukui Prefecture, Japan. These steep, pillar-like rock formations rise sharply from the Sea of Japan and are the result of rare geological activity—only a few similar formations exist worldwide. The cliffs extend for over one kilometer and reach…
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Eiheiji Temple
What is Eiheiji Temple? Eiheiji Temple (永平寺) is one of the two main temples of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Located in the forested mountains of Fukui Prefecture, it was founded by the revered Zen master Dōgen in 1244 as a training monastery. To this day, Eiheiji remains an active center of…
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Sabae
What is Sabae, Japan? Sabae is a small city located in Fukui Prefecture, along Japan’s western coast. With a population of around 68,000, it’s best known not for its size or location—but for its global impact in one very specific field: eyewear. Nearly all of Japan’s domestically produced eyeglass frames are made here, earning it…
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Mikata Five Lakes
What is Mikata Five Lakes? Mikata Five Lakes, or “Mikatagoko” (三方五湖), refers to five interconnected lakes nestled between the mountains and the Sea of Japan in Fukui Prefecture. This scenic region is designated as a quasi-national park and is known for its unique mix of saltwater, freshwater, and brackish lakes—each with its own ecosystem and…
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Obama Japan
What is Obama, Japan? Located in Fukui Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, Obama is a small coastal city known for its historic connection to traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. Despite its modest size, it gained global attention due to its shared name with former U.S. President Barack Obama—an association the locals proudly embraced. Obama…
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Eiheiji Temple, Fukui | Beautiful natural environment and practicing monks
Eiheiji, ‘The Temple of Eternal Peace’, is one of the two most important temples of the Soto Zen School. It is located deep in the mountains near the northwest coast of Japan, not far from the city of Fukui.