Culture
Fukui Castle in Spring
Takako SakamotoBeautiful cherry blossoms decorating Fukui Castle Ruins in spring. If you are lucky, you can view them with snow-capped mountains in the background!
Fukui Castle is a flatland-style castle located in what is now the city of Fukui, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. During the Edo period, it was the headquarters of a branch of the Matsudaira clan, who were hereditary daimyō of Fukui domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. Wikipedia
/136.2207698822,36.065535237208,9/397x132?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiamFwYW50cmF2ZWxtYXBzIiwiYSI6ImNqbXBtOXYxbDB5Z3ozbHFrazJuYWMwOGYifQ.v15fy_mcFWtgopmz8PhwqA)
Beautiful cherry blossoms decorating Fukui Castle Ruins in spring. If you are lucky, you can view them with snow-capped mountains in the background!
If asked where the best spot for viewing cherry blossoms is in Fukui, most people would say the Asuwa Riverside, since it was chosen as one of the '100 best cherry blossom viewing spots' in Japan. However, I somehow like the cherry blossoms at the Fukui Castle ruins. Fukui Castle, once a large, magnificent castle, was once the residence of the Matsudaira clan of Echizen. The local people of Fukui love this place to enjoy cherry blossoms. In late April, when the cherry blossoms were already falling, I went to see them here at night. The falling cherry blossoms were dancing on the surface of the water in the moat. They were beautiful. Looking at their last dance, I wondered if the life of flowers and human life as well, might sparkle most brilliantly just before they die.
Fukui Castle is one of the most famous and popular places for cherry blossom viewing in Fukui City. Since I moved to Fukui I have visited here several times but it has never been crowded.
Yuki Hideyasu was the first lord of the Fukui Clan. The second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, he could have been heir and Shogun one day.
'Lights in the Moat' at Fukui Castle Ruins: Annual summer illumination event in Fukui City. Lanterns illuminate the whole grounds, with live music, food, games
In Fukui in central Japan, APA Hotel Katamachi is business hotel that makes up for its distance from the station by being comfortable and very affordable.
Japanese Kappo Cuisine 'Take' in Fukui is famous for its fresh seafood, serving only natural blowfish (not farmed). Its rich taste melts in your mouth.
A good old Japanese oden restaurant Ishida-Ya is located in front of JR Fukui Station's West Exit. This casual drinking place serves tasty dishes at reasonable prices!
Miyazaki Chicken Restaurant/Bar, 'Kidoriya' in Katamachi, Fukui. Sent directly from Miyazaki, the chicken called 'Jitokko' is served in many ways, broiled, boiled, grilled, etc. You can also enjoy various menu items cooked with Fukui's fresh fish & vegetables.
Yokokan Garden (養浩館庭園, Yōkōkan Teien) is a traditional Japanese garden established in the Edo period (1603 - 1868). The Yokokan villa inside the garden was a former residence by the Fukui Matsudaira Clan.
Fujishima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Fukui, Japan. In the former Modern system of ranked Shinto Shrines, it was a special shrine. Its main festival is held annually on August 25. [Wikipedia]
Shougenji Temple (聖玄寺, Shōugenji) is the head temple of Gugan Shinshu, which was founded in Fukui as a new sect of Jodo Shinshu in the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912).