Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins in Fukui Prefecture preserve the remains of a once-thriving castle town that served as the political and cultural center of the Asakura clan for over 100 years during Japan's Warring States period. The settlement flourished from 1471 to 1573 under five generations of the Asakura family, who ruled the Echizen Province and created a sophisticated urban community that rivaled Kyoto in its cultural refinement. The site met its end in 1573 when Oda Nobunaga attacked and burned the town, leaving it buried and forgotten for nearly 400 years until excavations began in 1967.
The ruins are recognized as a Special Historic Site, one of Japan's most important archaeological locations, spanning approximately 278 hectares along a mountain valley. The site offers an exceptionally well-preserved glimpse into medieval Japanese urban planning, with excavations revealing the foundations of samurai residences, merchant houses, temples, and craftsmen's workshops. Over 200 buildings have been identified through archaeological work. The town's layout demonstrates the sophisticated infrastructure of the period, including water supply systems, roads, and defensive structures that protected the valley settlement.
Visitors can explore multiple reconstructed areas that bring the castle town back to life. The Fukugen Machinami district features full-scale recreations of samurai and merchant houses based on archaeological evidence, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and gardens. The Asakura Yoshikage Residence site shows the foundations of the clan lord's palace complex, surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens that have been carefully restored.
Walking paths connect the various excavation sites, allowing visitors to trace the original street patterns and understand the town's sophisticated urban design. The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Museum displays thousands of artifacts recovered from the site, including ceramics, coins, weapons, and everyday items that illuminate daily life in medieval Japan.
The ruins are located approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Fukui city center. From JR Fukui Station, visitors can take the Keifuku Bus bound for Ichijodani, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around ¥770 one way. The bus stops directly at the site entrance. For those driving, the site is accessible via National Route 158, with free parking available. Admission to the outdoor ruins and reconstructed town areas costs ¥330 for adults, while a combined ticket including the museum is ¥500.
