Have Fun in Fukui

Must Do Experiences

• Wander through the ancient, cedar-lined grounds of Eiheiji Temple to experience authentic Zen Buddhist meditation and architecture.

• Stand face-to-face with massive, lifelike dinosaur skeletons and explore the extensive fossil collections at the world-renowned Fukui Dinosaur Museum.

• Climb the steep wooden stairs of Maruoka Castle to take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from one of Japan's oldest surviving original keeps.

• Savor local Fukui specialties like Echizen soba or sauce katsudon at the eateries near your chosen attractions.

Hidden Gems

• Look for the beautiful, intricate wood joinery in Maruoka Castle's interior, which was built without the use of modern nails.

• Visit the Fukui Dinosaur Museum's outdoor dinosaur excavation site where you can actually watch paleontologists at work during specific seasons.

• Seek out the serene, lesser-known sub-temples and moss gardens tucked away behind the main halls of the sprawling Eiheiji Temple complex.

What Makes it Special

• The flexibility to choose any three facilities from a curated list over a full seven-day period, allowing you to explore Fukui at your own pace.

• Seamless access to three vastly different experiences—spiritual Zen history, prehistoric science, and feudal samurai architecture—all on one convenient pass.

• Significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual admission tickets for these premier Fukui attractions.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring is spectacular for visiting Maruoka Castle when its park is blanketed in blooming cherry blossoms, while autumn offers stunning foliage at Eiheiji Temple. To avoid crowds at the popular Fukui Dinosaur Museum, arrive right at opening time on a weekday morning, especially during the busy summer school holiday season.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the striking contrast of Maruoka Castle's dark wooden keep against the vibrant pink cherry blossoms in spring or the crisp white snow in winter.

• Use a wide-angle lens inside the Fukui Dinosaur Museum's massive central dome to fit the towering T-Rex and Camarasaurus skeletons into a single dramatic shot.

• Respect the strict no-photography zones inside certain sacred meditation halls at Eiheiji Temple, focusing instead on capturing the beautiful exterior cedar forests and stone pathways.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting Eiheiji Temple, maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, as it is an active monastery where monks are engaged in rigorous daily training and meditation. Bow slightly when entering and exiting the temple grounds and castle keeps, and remember that tipping is not practiced in Japan.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Maruoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in early April features beautiful evening illuminations and numerous food stalls lining the castle park.

• Eiheiji Temple hosts special Zen meditation sessions and traditional Buddhist ceremonies during the Obon season in August and the New Year period.

• The Fukui Dinosaur Museum often runs limited-time summer excavation workshops and special interactive fossil-cleaning events for families during the Golden Week and Obon holidays.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Exercise extreme caution when climbing the steep, narrow, and uneven wooden staircases inside Maruoka Castle, holding onto the handrails at all times.

• Watch your step on the polished wooden floors and stone pathways at Eiheiji Temple, which can become quite slippery during rainy or snowy weather.

• Keep a close eye on young children at the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, especially near the interactive exhibits and the multi-level escalator areas.