The Best of Winter in Fukui

Festivals, food, and much more

Austen McBain Mar 27, 2016 - 1 min read

Taking advantage of Fukui's deep snows, visitors come from far and wide to hit the slopes at Katsuyama Ski Jam, the biggest and most popular ski resort in the prefecture

Fields of winter-blooming daffodils stretch as far as the eye can see on the coast of Echizen. These flowers, which brave the cold winter wind to bloom, are said to represent the resilience of the people of Fukui and are a longstanding symbol of the prefecture

Snow lanterns light up the streets during the Ono City Snow Festival. The Festival also includes a rare winter fireworks display, as well as an abundance of delicious local food

When it comes to food, winter in Fukui means the most delicous seafood of the year. Although Echizen Crab tends to steal the spotlight, the prefecture is also known for its fresh and delicious shrimp, blowfish, and more

Visitors marvel at the "Miraie" winter holiday illumination in Tsuruga City. With its location near the Tsuruga Railway Museum and the newly renovated Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse, this attraction makes the perfect end to a fun-filled day in Tsuruga City

Flames roar at the grand finale of the Sagicho Festival in Katsuyama City, a yearly celebration to mark the end of winter and beckon spring to the land. Before the fiery finale of this unique festival, groups of performers in red kimonos entertain guests by dancing and playing traditional Japanese instruments in various places around the city

One of the joys of living in Fukui lies in taking advantage of the ever-changing seasons and what they bring to the region. Although the prefecture certainly has plenty to offer when it comes to spring sakura blossoms, fall colors, and beautiful summer beaches, it certainly doesn't skimp on winter either!

With lots of snow and several ski resorts, beautiful nature, delicious fresh-caught seafood from the Sea of Japan, and lively festivals to warm you up even on the coldest of days, Fukui is a great place to experience winter in Japan.

Austen McBain @austen.mcbain

Originally from Indiana in the American Midwest, I currently live and work in Fukui Prefecture. I love both the big cities and the countryside of Japan, and enjoy both urban and nature photography. I've traveled fairly extensively around Japan, all the way from Amami Island to Sapporo. I've espe...