Eiheiji Zen Buddhist Head Temple and Fukui City Castle Town 1-Day Tour

Meet your guide outside the Shinkansen ticket gates, in front of the information center marked by three large sumo wrestler figures. Look for a Snow Monkey Resorts tour tag.

Arrive at Fukui Station, where guests joining from Fukui meet the group at the large Fukuiraptor dinosaur skeleton near the East Exit. Fukui Prefecture is the site of Japan's largest dinosaur archaeological dig and has several species named after the region. The group walks around the station to take in the collection of dinosaur statues and artwork before moving on.

Walk to the Fukui Castle ruins, known for their well-preserved original stone walls, a moat, and an Edo-period style bridge faithfully reconstructed from historical records. Unusually, the prefectural government office and police headquarters occupy the castle grounds today. Nearby, a shrine that has gained recent attention for its rows of hanging origami cranes at the entrance is a short walk away.

Travel to the Asuwa area of the city, where historical records date the settlement back to before the 700s. Visit Zuigenji Temple, which houses two original rooms from Fukui Castle — private chambers where the domain's daimyo conducted business and slept. One room is preserved exactly as it was during the Edo period, retaining its original decorative details and color work.

Enjoy a lunch break near Katamachi, close to Fukui Station. Your guide will suggest local restaurants. Fukui City is known for Echizen soba noodles and katsu, a local-style fried pork cutlet.

Arrive at Eiheiji Temple, one of the two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism, founded in the 1200s. The temple complex is built into a forested mountainside, and many of its cedar trees and original structures are estimated to be around 680 years old.

Board the train from Fukui Station back to Kanazawa. 

Arrive back at Kanazawa Station, where the tour concludes. Your guide will be available to assist with dinner recommendations or onward travel questions.