3 must-buy delicacy and Japanese sweets unique to Fukui’s long-established shops in ‘PRISM FUKUI’ directly connected to JR Fukui Sta.

Have you ever been to a shopping complex directly connected to JR Fukui Station, ‘PRISM FUKUI’? There are various shops and restaurants offering Fukui’s local dishes such as Echizen Oroshi Soba (soba noodles with grated daikon radish) and Sauce Katsudon (pork cutlet dipped in sauce on rice). In particular, travelers should pay attention to a great variety of items unique to Fukui from sweets to traditional crafts. Besides, its location is also attractive because those who don’t have enough time to look for souvenirs because of a day trip can easily stop by here. This time, we selected 3 traditional ‘food’ items that have been popular in Fukui prefecture for a long time from among ones being sold in ‘PRISM FUKUI.’

The phantom delicacy that was banned from production during the war due to its luxury -“Dried Sea Urchin” with the rich sweetness of short-spined sea urchin and an ocean smell

Having been produced since the late1800s on the beach of Fukui prefecture that faces the Sea of Japan rich in seafood, “Dried Sea Urchin (干うに)” is a luxurious delicacy. When luxurious items were regulated because of the Pacific War, Dried Sea Urchin was banned from production, too. Since then, it had not been produced and said to be a phantom item. After more than 500 years, in 2012, “Tentatsu (天たつ)” that is known as Japan’s oldest sea urchin merchant with 216 years of history started to produce dried sea urchin with the traditional method orally handed down. They visit the sea urchin production areas throughout Japan and carefully select short-spined sea urchins. These sea urchins are lightly boiled with salt and dried while being turned over until its texture becomes fluffy. First of all, you should eat it without seasoning. The rich flavor of the sea and the sweetness and Umami of sea urchins fill your mouth every time you bite. We also recommend that you eat it with cheese or while drinking wine or champagne.

The oldest confection in Fukui prefecture -“Kenkera” with the adorable twisted shape and the simple flavor of soybeans and starch syrup

Reference from Tabelog “Kijudo“

Located near ‘Echizen Ono Castle’ in the east part of Fukui prefecture, the long-established confectionery shop “Kijudo (亀寿堂)” was founded in 1887. Speaking of Kijudo, “Kenkera (けんけら)” that has been produced for over 100 years is famous. It’s an adorable confection with a twisted shape, which is made by kneading starch syrup, sugar and sesame into soybean powder from this area. By the way, it doesn’t contain additives at all. 5 craftsmen make all of Kenkera by their hands. The moment you bite it, the savory flavor of soybeans, the gentle sweetness of the starch syrup and the smell of sesame explode in your mouth. In addition, you’re sure to become addicted to its crunchy texture. Moreover, its reasonable price is also attractive: 380 yen per bag.

Offered only from November to March! -Fukui’s winter feature “Red Bean Jelly” with the elegant sweetness of high-class brown sugar and the fresh texture of agar

Reference Table Trip “冬になると食べたくなる福井県冬期限定えがわの「水羊かん“

Most of Japanese people eat “Red Bean Jelly (Mizu Yokan, 水羊かん) after cooling in summer, but in Fukui prefecture, it’s known as a Japanese confection to eat while getting under the kotatsu in winter. This custom is historical and seems to be continuing from the early 1900s. Thus, there are lots of shops selling various types of Red Bean Jelly in Fukui prefecture. From among them, you should try Red Bean Jelly offered by “Egawa (えがわ)” leading Fukui, which started to produce and sell it in 1950 as a Red Bean Jelly specialty shop. Their confection is made from only 4 ingredients: agar and sweet red bean paste, rough sugar and high-class brown sugar from Okinawa prefecture. Because they don’t use other ingredients, you can feel the original flavor of ingredients. When you open a box, glossy and fresh Red Bean Jelly appears. Let’s eat it after cutting with the attached wooden spatula! Its texture is soft and the elegant sweetness of brown sugar spreads gently.

Opening Hours	Souvenir Floor 8:30AM – 7:00PM／Supermarket 10:00AM – 8:00PM／Other Shops 5:40AM – 11:30PM Open all year round
Address	1-1-25 Chuo, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 7-minute walk from Hotel Fujita Fukui
URL	https://www.prism-fukui.com/