（中高年一人旅・英語で安心の福井ガイド）
福井は北陸新幹線でアクセスしやすく、静かで美しい自然や歴史的スポットが魅力の街です。
特に中高年の一人旅の方には、無理なく回れて、英語でも安心して情報を得られるルートを知っておくと旅がぐっと快適になります。
この固定記事では、福井の主要スポットをまとめ、各観光記事へスムーズにアクセスできるようにしました。
初めて福井を訪れる方も、再訪の方も、このガイドを拠点に旅プランを立てられます。
ーPart of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Stopover Series:ー
- Kehi Shrine in Tsuruga — Hidden Political History Near the Platform
- Fukui City — A Castle Without a Castle
If you are wondering what to do between trains in Fukui, the answer is not a checklist of attractions.
It is a sequence of small observations within walking distance.
For many travelers, Fukui is simply a Hokuriku Shinkansen stopover — a place passed through on the way to Kanazawa or Kyoto.
But if you allow yourself even a short pause, the city begins to reveal something quieter and more grounded than the major tourist capitals.
Welcome to Fukui.
Welcome to Fukui. While many travelers rush between Kyoto and Kanazawa, those who step off the Shinkansen here discover something rare in modern Japan: unspoiled history and a living Zen spirit.
For many travelers, Fukui is simply a Hokuriku Shinkansen stopover on the way to somewhere else.
But if you slow down and step outside the station, the city reveals a quieter rhythm that rarely appears in guidebooks.
As someone who has lived in this region for decades, I believe the true beauty of Fukui isn’t found in crowded tourist spots, but in the quiet layers of time and the resilience of its people.
Here are three essential journeys to help you experience the “real” Japan.
Tsuruga: The Port of Humanity and Hidden History
Tsuruga was once the gateway between Japan and the world. Beyond its famous red gate, it holds a moving history of courage and survival. If you value depth over spectacle, don’t just pass through this station.Places that did not become Instagram-famous.
- Highlight: Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum, Kehi Shrine.
- Read the full guide: Miss One Train and See Hidden Japanese History
💡 Travel Tip: Tsuruga is the perfect base for exploring the Hokuriku region. I recommend staying near the station for easy access. 👉 Check the best hotels in Tsuruga on Booking.com
Eiheiji: A Practical Path to Zen Serenity
Eiheiji is not just a temple; it is a world-renowned center for Zen practice. For first-time visitors, the atmosphere can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it offers a profound sense of peace.
- Highlight: The 230 ceiling paintings and the daily devotion of the monks.
- Read the full guide: Eiheiji Zen Temple: A Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors
💡 Travel Tip: To truly feel the Zen spirit, consider an overnight stay nearby to witness the early morning prayers. 👉 Find serene stays near Eiheiji Temple
Fukui City: The Beauty of a “Castle Without a Castle”
Fukui City tells a unique story of rebirth. Instead of a reconstructed concrete castle, you find the original stone walls integrated into modern life—a testament to the city’s quiet strength.
- Highlight: The ruins of Fukui Castle and the local food scene.
- Read the full guide: Fukui City: A Castle Without a Castle – Why You Should Step Off the Shinkansen
Planning Your Trip to Fukui
The best way to experience Fukui is at your own pace. While the new Hokuriku Shinkansen makes it accessible, the “hidden” spots are best reached by local trains or a rental car.
- Get Your JR Pass: Essential for your Shinkansen journey from Tokyo or Osaka. Order your JR Pass here
- Rent a Car: For those who want to explore the rugged coastline and hidden shrines. Check car rental rates in Fukui
If you are wondering what to do between trains in Fukui, the answer is not a dramatic attraction.
It is a sequence of small encounters — a garden, a reused castle site, a bowl of soba — all within reach of the station.
Slow down, breathe, and let Fukui reveal its stories to you.
💡 Travel Tip:Booking.com