3 spots filled with winter’s attractions in Fukui

Facing the Sea of Japan and Wakasa Bay, Fukui prefecture have a magnificent scenery of the Hakusan mountain range. In February, quaint scenery spreads out in tourist spots thanks to lots of snow. The best part of traveling in winter is also savoring fresh seasonal seafood caught in the sea of Japan in addition to enjoying sightseeing. Why not visit Fukui filled with winter’s attractions to get refreshed?

This time, we’re going to introduce our recommended spots around Hotel Fujita Fukui.

A photo spot “Yokokan Garden” to experience something out of the ordinary

A national scenic spot “Yokokan Garden” representing the early to mid-Edo period. It was known as “Osensui” during the Edo Period and the second home of the Matsudaira clan, the ruling feudal lords of Fukui domain in Echizen Province. The Kaiyu style garden (a Japanese garden where circulating walking paths) with over 360 years of history is surrounded by seasonal flower from spring to autumn, but in winter, it’s covered with lots of snow and in silence. In addition, you can freely explore the sukiya-zukuri style (a residence style influenced by teahouse architecture) house where craftsmanship shines. In particular, “Kushigata no ma” is must-visit. When you look out from a window, you can feel as if you were on Yakatabune (Japanese old-fashioned house boat) floating in a large pond in front of the room.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 7:00PM ※It will close at 5:00PM from 6th Nov to the end of Feb. Closed for New Year’s Holidays (28th Dec to 4th Jan)
Address	3-12-1 Hoei, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 15-min walk from the hotel
URL	http://www.fukuisan.jp/en/yokokan/index.html

A luxury Echizen-gani specialty shop “Yanagimachi”

You cannot speak of winter foods in Fukui without talking about ‘Echizen-gani,’ known as the king of winter’s flavor. It’s one of luxury branded snow crabs. Do you know only male snow crabs caught off the Echizen coast are called Echizen-gani? Female are called ‘Seiko-gani,’ and snow crabs just after molting are called ‘Zubo-gani.’ If you want to enjoy these three types of snow crabs to your heart’s content, you should head to a luxury Echizen-gani specialty shop “Yanagimachi.” The chef carefully selects meaty snow crabs out of ones sent directly from the Echizen fishing port every day. Let’s savory various dishes made with fresh snow crabs, such as boiled crabs, grilled crabs, sashimi, crab rice, crab hot-pot, crab shabu-shabu, and more!

Opening Hours	11:30AM – 2:00PM／5:00PM – 10:00PM Closed on Sunday and national holiday
Address	2-12-12 Junka, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 5-min walk from the hotel
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/fukui/A1801/A180101/18000142/

Habutae Mochi of “Muranaka Kansendo” having a silken texture

If you want to buy Fukui’s traditional confectionery, Habutae Mochi, “Muranaka Kansendo” is recommended. It’s a long-established Japanese confectionery store established in 1909. Habutae Mochi is a white and smooth rice cake kneading high quality mochi rice, sugar and starch syrup. Muranaka Kansendo makes it with rice from Fukui, so its dough has a soft texture like Habutae (silk fabric), one of Fukui’s well-know products. The moment you take one bite, its slightly sweet flavor spread in my mouth. It’s a perfect accompaniment with green tea and Zenzai.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 7:00PM　Closed on Tuesday
Address	1 Chome-21-24, Chuo, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 10-min walk from the hotel
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/fukui/A1801/A180101/18003563/