Fukui — from Zen to the sea
HOKURIKU: BETWEEN ZEN AND SEA

Fukui — from Zen to the sea

A Journey Unveiling Fukui: Eiheiji Zen Temple, Maruoka Castle, and the Cliffs of the Sea of Japan

  • Duration: 9 hours (starting at 9:00)
  • Price: On request
  • Departure: Departure and return to hotels in Kanazawa

Overview

Fukui is one of Japan's most underrated destinations. The main Zen temple, a castle with one of the oldest surviving towers, moss-covered shrine ruins, and the rugged cliffs of the Sea of Japan remain untouched, far from the usual tourist routes.
 

This journey weaves together three layers—spiritual culture, history, and nature—all in a single day. Discover the origins of Zen at Eiheiji, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Warring States period at Maruoka Castle, and feel the power of the Sea of Japan at Tojinbo.
 

Itinerary: hotel in Kanazawa → Eiheiji → seasonal kaiseki lunch → Maruoka Castle → Tojinbo → hotel in Kanazawa

Key Features

  1. Eiheiji — Founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen, this is the main temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. Today, more than one hundred monks live and train here.
  2. Maruoka Castle — A castle built in 1576. It is one of twelve surviving original donjons in Japan, also known as Kasumigajo.
  3. Tojinbo — A sea cliff, sculpted by waves, with column-like fissures reaching about 25 meters in height. A national landmark recognized as a scenic site and natural monument.

Itinerary

Day 1 — A Day in Fukui — In the Heart of Hokuriku

From Zen to the kiln, into deep Hokuriku

  • 9:00 Departure from the hotel in Kanazawa
    Depart from Kanazawa by car with a private driver and head south to Fukui. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to three themes of the day: Zen, samurai, and the Sea of Japan.
  • 10:30 Eiheiji Temple
    Eiheiji Temple, founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen, is the main temple of the Soto school, upholding a tradition of teaching for nearly 800 years. Surrounded by ancient cedar groves, guests are introduced to the world of Zen.
    “If you wish to participate in a zazen meditation session, departure from the hotel is at 8:30, and the meditation itself, lasting about 50 minutes, begins at 10:00.”
  • 12:00 Maruoka Castle
    Maruoka Castle is one of the twelve remaining original donjons in Japan. Climbing the steep wooden stairs to the top floor, you are treated to breathtaking views of the Fukui plain below, with the distant Hakusan mountains and surrounding peaks visible on the horizon. The donjon, notable for its simple yet sturdy wooden construction, preserves the atmosphere of the Sengoku era and is considered one of the oldest surviving examples of Japanese castle architecture.
  • 13:30 Lunch
    For lunch, try Echizen crab and seasonal seafood—the signature flavors of Fukui. Savor the moment immersed in the rich gastronomic culture of the Sea of Japan.
  • 14:30 Tojinbo
    Feel the sea breeze of the Sea of Japan as you approach the Tojinbo cliffs. The magnificent landscape of columnar rocks, rising about 25 meters high, is a true work of art crafted by nature over centuries. Upon request, you can also enjoy breathtaking views from the sea on a private boat.
  • 16:30 Departure to the hotel
    From Tojinbo to Kanazawa. Enjoy the scenery along the Sea of Japan coast on your way back to the hotel.
  • 18:00 Kanazawa Hotel
    Return to the Kanazawa hotel.

With a view of the Sea of Tojinbo

Heri — Facing the Sea at Tojinbo

There are no barriers at Tojinbo. The columns of rock, about 25 meters high, drop straight into the Sea of Japan. No railings, no ropes—nothing separates you from the edge of the cliff. With each step, the soles of your feet feel the weight of your own body.

These rocks are ancient fire, cooled underground thirteen million years ago. Pyroxene andesite slowly solidified, splitting into five- and six-sided columns. Over incomprehensible ages, the waves carved them. There are only three places in the world with such vast columnar formations—here, on Mount Kumgang on the Korean Peninsula, and on the coast of Norway.

Standing at the edge, the horizon aligns with your eyes. Below, waves crash against the rocks, foaming and retreating. There is nothing here to protect you. Yet it is precisely this absence that reveals Tojinbo. Nature is not only beautiful, but boundless. In the face of such grandeur, all that remains is to pause for a moment in silence. Such is the custom of this place.

Additional options

 

  • Traditional Washi Paper Village
  • Private boat tour of Tojinbo
  • Heisendji Hakusan Shrine
  • Historical walk through Mikuni Minato (Meiji era port town)
  • Stay at Awara Onsen ryokan
  • Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
  • Private tasting of local Fukui sake
  • Sea of Japan, Five Lakes of Mikata, Hakusan – helicopter tour
  • Temple lodging experience (shukubo)

Practical Information

Start time / Duration
9:00 / 9 hours
Included in the price
・Car with a personal driver
・Accompaniment by a private guide
・Entrance tickets

*Please note: meals and additional options are not included in the price of this tour.