Home » Sakura Splendour: A Noble Journey Through Fukui’s Hidden Cherry Blossom Sanctuaries 4 days

Discovering Hokuriku’s Most Distinguished Cherry Blossom Havens

Sakura Splendour: A Noble Journey Through Fukui’s Hidden Cherry Blossom Sanctuaries 4 days

Meeting Point: Tokyo Station or Tsuruga Station

Finish Point: Fukui Station or Tokyo Station

Recommended Season: Spring

Duration: 4 days

Tour Code: FKI0001

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Tour Highlights

A Cherry Blossom Journey through Tsuruga, Wakasa and Fukui – Areas Garnering Attention with the Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension to Tsuruga.

Enjoy the journey from Tsuruga to the Mikata Five Lakes, featuring the magnificent ‘Mountain Cherry Blossoms of Miko’, a symbolic landmark of the Mikata region.

The cherry blossoms blooming amidst historical settings are a must-see, including those at the Ichijodani Asakura Ruins and Maruoka Castle, which features a keep designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Message from Tour Planner

With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture emerges as an exquisite new destination, mere hours from the Greater Tokyo area. Whilst perhaps less frequented by international visitors, this remarkable region harbours some of Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom viewing locations, earning its rightful place as the premier “Sakura Prefecture” of the Hokuriku region.

The initial phase of your journey explores the Wakasa region, where you’ll encounter the breathtaking Miko Mountain Cherry Blossoms—a thousand cherry trees gracefully adorning the landscape surrounding the Mikata Five Lakes, where mountains meet the sea in perfect harmony. The journey continues through the historic streets of Obama, where time seems to stand still, offering a glimpse into Japan’s preserved past.

The latter half of your expedition ventures into Fukui and Echizen, unveiling the region’s most prestigious cherry blossom sites. Here, amidst the splendour of spring, you’ll witness the majestic Benten Cherry Tree, standing proudly along the Kuzuryu River with the snow-capped Hakusan mountain range as its backdrop. Further along your journey, the enchanting cherry blossoms of Ichijodani create an artistic contrast with the ancient karamon gate, whilst the centuries-old singular cherry tree of Ajimano commands attention in the heart of a traditional schoolyard, each offering its own unique narrative in the tapestry of Fukui’s natural heritage.

Each of these carefully selected locations offers an exceptional perspective on Japan’s celebrated cherry blossom season, far from the well-trodden tourist paths. This exclusive journey presents an opportunity to discover the understated elegance of Fukui Prefecture through the lens of its most magnificent cherry blossom viewing locations.

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Recommended Program

Commencing in Tsuruga: A Historic Port City Renewed

Your distinguished journey begins in Tsuruga, a city garnering renewed attention with the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. This historic port once flourished as Japan’s gateway to the continent, and today reveals itself as an unexpected haven for cherry blossom enthusiasts. Your exploration commences at the magnificent Kanazaki Shrine, where 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees create an ethereal spring tableau.

Your extended sojourn in Tsuruga encompasses a wealth of historical treasures: the distinguished red-brick warehouses and preserved Victorian-era mansions of the historic port district, the timeless Museum Street with its authentic period architecture, and the remarkable Tsuruga Museum, which chronicles the extraordinary legacy of Chiune Sugihara, whose “Visas for Life” provided sanctuary to thousands of Jewish refugees.

Kanazaki Palace, a favourite cherry blossom viewing spot for Tsuruga residents (image).
The former Tsuruga Port Station station building. Tsuruga is once again a railway hub.
Tsuruga Museum, introducing Sempo Sugihara, known for his ‘Visa for Life’.
The Tsuruga Museum also introduces the history of the port of Tsuruga.

The Magnificent Vistas of Mikata Five Lakes and Beyond

From your elegant base in Tsuruga, venture forth to the previously less accessible yet sublimely beautiful Mikata Five Lakes region and Wakasa area. Here, the piece de resistance is the Mountain Cherry Blossoms of Miko, locally celebrated as the “Thousand Cherry Trees.” This spectacular display paints the mountainside in delicate pink hues, creating an extraordinary vista where land meets sea. Your journey continues through the enchanting town of Obama, whose streets still whisper tales of its prosperity as a vital point along the historic Mackerel Road, now enhanced by the gentle beauty of spring blossoms.

Mikata Five Lakes seen from the Rainbow Line Summit Performance (image).
Representative of Mikata’s cherry blossoms, Miko’s mountain cherry (image).
Miko’s mountain cherry blossoms contrast wonderfully with the greenery (image).

The Pinnacle of Fukui’s Cherry Blossom Heritage: Echizen’s Hidden Gems

The Echizen region presents the crown jewels of Fukui’s cherry blossom offerings. Beginning in the Ajimano district of Echizen City, your route weaves through the historic Ichijodani Asakura Ruins and onwards to Echizen-Ono, where a castle seemingly floating in the heavens surveys the cherry blossom-adorned landscape below.

Katsuyama town’s renowned Benten Cherry Trees create a magnificent spectacle along the Kuzuryu River. Here, the snow-capped Hakusan mountain range provides a majestic backdrop to an avenue of cherry trees extending to the Takinami River. This harmonious blend of historic architecture and natural beauty exemplifies the exceptional character of Fukui’s cherry blossom season.

For a uniquely intimate experience, we’ve arranged a journey aboard the charming Echizen Railway from Katsuyama Station to Yasuda Station, affectionately known as the “Cherry Blossom Station.” As you traverse this local railway line, savour the enchanting views of cherry trees lining the Kuzuryu River through your carriage window.

Echizen City’s cherry blossom viewing spot Manyo no Sato (image)
The single cherry tree at Ajimano Primary School is also open to the public only at this time of year (image).
Benten cherry blossom in Katsuyama with the Hakusan mountain range in the background (image).
Cherry blossoms at the stately Ichijodani Asakura clan site (image).
Samurai house restored at the Ichijodani Asakura clan site.
Cherry blossom journey on the Echizen Railway from Katsuyama Station to Yasuda Station surrounded by cherry blossoms.　
(Image.)

Maruoka Castle: A Crown Jewel Among Japan’s Original Castles

In northern Fukui, within Sakai City, stands Maruoka Castle—the sole surviving original castle tower in the Hokuriku region and one of only twelve original castle keeps remaining in Japan. Constructed in 1626 by a nephew of Oda Nobunaga’s general, Shibata Katsuie, this architectural marvel features a unique two-tier, three-story structure.

The castle’s allure is magnificently enhanced by approximately 400 cherry trees encircling its grounds, creating one of Fukui’s most distinguished cherry blossom viewing locations. This hidden gem has become a cherished sanctuary not only for local residents but for discerning visitors seeking authentic Japanese cultural experiences away from more frequented tourist destinations.

This carefully curated journey through Fukui’s cherry blossom season offers privileged access to some of Japan’s most exquisite yet undiscovered spring vistas, providing an exclusive perspective on the nation’s celebrated hanami tradition.

Maruoka Castle, one of the 12 existing castle towers, is one of Fukui’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots (image).
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Itinerary

4 Days

City

Schedule

Meal
Included

Day 1

Tsuruga Station / Old Tsuruga Port / Kanezakigu / Kehi Jingu / Tsuruga

■Tour of Tsuruga.

■Visit the area around the former Tsuruga Port, which once flourished as a gateway to the continent. Visit Tsuruga Port, where many Jewish refugees landed on the Sugihara Sempo ‘Visa for Life’, the Tsuruga Museum Tsuruga Museum and the former Tsuruga Port Station, which are a reminder of those days.

■You will also visit Kanazaki Shrine, with its 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot for Tsuruga residents, and Kebi Jingu Shrine, known for its match-making cherry blossoms.

Accommodation：Tsuruga（2 nights）

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D

Day 2

Tsuruga / Mikata Five Lakes / Miko Mountain cherry blossoms / Obama / Tsuruga

■All day, enjoy a tour of Mikata and Wakasa’s cherry blossoms.

■First, visit the rare Varve Museum on the banks of Lake Mikata.

■Afterwards, drive along the Mikatagoko Rainbow Line, which offers spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and the Mikata Five Lakes. Visit the Rainbow Line Summit Park.

■Stop off at Mikata’s most famous cherry blossom spot, the mountain cherry blossoms of Miko, and then head to the town of Obama on the banks of Lake Mikata.

■In Obama, enjoy a walk in Obama Park, where the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and Sancho-machi, where the old townscape remains.

Accommodation：Tsuruga

B

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Day 3

Tsuruga / Cherry Blossom Village, Ajimano / Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins / Echizen Ono / Katsuyama / Hota / Fukui

■In the morning, visit the Ajimano area, known as the Echizen cherry blossom village. Visit Manyo no Sato, Jofukuji Temple and the single cherry tree at Ajimano Primary School.

■Afterwards, visit the ruins of the Ichijodani Asakura clan, known for the cherry blossoms that bloom on the ruins.

■In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Katsuyama, known for the ‘Bentenzakura’ rows of cherry blossom trees along the banks of the Kuzuryu River.

■After arriving in Katsuyama, you will admire the ‘Bentenzakura’ rows of cherry blossom trees.

■Afterwards, enjoy a train journey from Katsuyama Station to Yasuda Station, a local train station known for its cherry blossoms, on the Echizen Railway.

■After the visit, return to your hotel in Fukui.

Accommodation：Fukui

B

L

D

Day 4

Fukui / Maruoka Castle / Fukui Station

■In the morning, visit Maruoka Castle, one of the ‘12 existing castle towers’ and one of Fukui’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots.

B

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What’s Included

・Hotel in Tsuruga and Fukui
・Private guide for 4 days
・Transportation in the itinerary
・Meal：Breakfast 3 / Lunch 1 / Dinner 2
・Entrance fee at the spots in the itinerary

What’s NOT Included

・Round-trip transportation to Meeting and Finish point
・Tips for guides, drivers and others
・All fee for free time

Explanation of marks in the itinerary and approximate times

Explanation of marks in the itinerary:

Move

Plane:

Bus:

Car:

Train:

Ship:

Ropeway:

Walking:

Helicopter:

Meal

Breakfast:

B

Lunch:

L

Dinner:

D

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Travel Conditions

Minimum Number of guests

1 person

Meeting point

Tokyo Station or Tsuruga Station

Meals

Breakfast 3 / Lunch 1 / Dinner 2

Guide

Included

Important Notes
  • Unless otherwise specified, the tour will be conducted in English.
  • In case of itinerary revisions, our terms and conditions will apply. Please note the following points in paticular:
    　・The itinerary may change due to circumstances beyond our control.
    　・Accommodations in designeated cities is subject to availability.
    　・The order of the itinerary may change.
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