TIMELESS ARTISTRY

Sumida Hokusai Museum: For enthusiasts of Japanese art, a visit to this museum is something to definitely look forward to. This museum presents information on Hokusai, a famous ukiyo-e painter from the Edo period, in an easy to understand manner. Visitors unfamiliar with this famous Japanese historic figure and art will also appreciate their visit. My recommendation is the projection at the entrance of the permanent exhibition hall which re-enacts Hokusai's favorite district of Sumida, and to compare his works of yesteryear with more current scenes.

Lunch at Kabuki Maguro: Ryogoku Edo Noren is an area where one can experience the artistry of sumo. A sumo arena is located in the center of this facility. Among the many restaurants, Kabuki Maguro offers an excellent selection of seafood that will satisfy sashimi lovers.

Sumida River Cruise: The Sumida River cruise on a boat named Hotaruna takes about 50 minutes provides views along the shores of Tokyo, as you are lulled by the waves comfortably while enjoying tea and dessert from the spacious sitting area in the modern design boat. Passing under the low bridges of the river brings you closer to the end of the mini-cruise. You can also go out on deck and enjoy the fresh air.

Happo-en: The garden lights were magnificent, and it is a very beautiful garden. I highly recommend it to visitors. Happo-en offers a an urban oasis in the giant capital that is Tokyo. It exudes typical Japanese charm as if taken straight out of a painting.

Happo-en Enjyu: The cuisine was amazing, especially the sushi. The atmosphere was relaxing and sophisticated; a great place for a special occasion. Each dish was perfectly presented and had a good portion. The staff is very attentive and friendly. They speak English, which is helpful if you don't speak Japanese.

JAL domestic flight: JAL flights offer everything you hope and expect.
Punctual departure, friendly and bilingual staff, convenient airports, and easy to access and clean. Even the time before the flight was comfortable.

Lunch at the original Hatsumi Sushi Honten: Hatsumi offers a unique experience in the art of Japanese gastronomy. The sushi master prepares the food in the traditional way, and places the small rolls one by one in front of the customer. All of the ingredients are fresh, and the rice is cooked following a secret family-recipe.

Maruoka Castle: The Maruoka Castle features a unique and endearing charm. It has a fascinating and long history that will delight visitors fond of Japanese history. The castle teems with anecdotes and it also has a number of charms indicating its strength demonstrated throughout history.

Cliffs of Tojinbo: The cliffs of Tojinbo are an absolutely fascinating place to visit. The name Tojinbo came from a Buddhist monk who was betrayed by his peers and pushed off the top of the cliffs. Since then, locals believe that the waves break against the walls; agitated because of the unmeasured anger of the monk. The legend lends the place a fascinating atmosphere to discover, embellished by a landscape of steep cliffs and a raging sea that make it very interesting.

Dinner at hotel: Dinner is served in a quiet, elegant Japanese-style room with perfect service and fine cuisine. The dishes offer good portions and you can enjoy the traditional Japanese dinner without rushing. Everything is exquisite and the selection of drinks features sake from the region.

Awara Onsen (Matsuya Sensen): The Matsuya Sensen ryokan is a mandatory stop for lovers of traditional Japanese hot springs. In addition to the public baths, some rooms are equipped with their own private bath. The view of the garden from the bath is perfect for relaxation. The traditional Japanese stone baths were the most impressive.

Visit to Mikuni-Minato Kitamae street: Mikuni Minato Kitamae street is a perfect place to spend a good part of the day. According to local volunteers, the merchants used to support the economy of the region before the development of the railways. The neighborhood has done a remarkable job of preserving the surrounding buildings in order to perpetuate the stories of the past. I recommend the local specialty of sake manju.

Lunch in Uoshiro: Uoshiro is one of those little restaurants that is always lively. The building exudes a feeling of deep history, and is adorned with old photos of local celebrities who frequented the restaurant. The food is simple, yet delicious, especially the shrimp tempura on rice I had left me full and happy.

Fukui Dinosaur Museum: The Fukui Dinosaur Museum is one of the area's must-see attractions. The museum is considered to be among the top three most important dinosaur museums. It offers bilingual explanations in English and Japanese, making it suitable for children and adults. The museum's exterior architecture was impressive, too. The full-scale models and reproductions are breathtaking. The museum also offers a cafe, restaurant, and workshops for children, along with a place for observing archaeologists at work. In short, a visit here will not disappoint!

Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple: One of the most beautiful places in the region is undoubtedly the temple of Daihonzan Eiheiji. The temple is centered on the teachings of Zen Master Dogen. Visitors are welcome as long as they respect the life of the temple and its monks - photos of the latter are prohibited, for example. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the architecture, the natural backdrop and letting the atmosphere soothe the day, you can also participate in various meditation classes offered by the Temple.

Dinner at hotel: Hakujukan offers elegant and innovative cuisine, with the possibility, depending on the season, of making your own tofu at your table. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, as is the regular menu with meat. The atmosphere is calm, and the dedicated service team and the full meal does not disappoint. Breakfast is Japanese; simple and with a portion suitable for a day of exploring ​​the Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple area.

Hakujukan: Hakujukan is about a five-minute walk from Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple. It is a simple and elegant place, with a warm welcome which even offers discussion and meditation sessions with monks passing through the region. There are ​​restaurants and shops nearby. The rooms are simple but modern and technological with the possibility of controlling lights and heating via voice command. It's perfectly comfortable and the atmosphere soothing.

Ruins of the Asakura clan: The ruins of the Asakura clan allow you to immerse yourself in the stories of yesteryear. One of the most interesting options is to borrow a tablet and experience through its screen a reconstruction of the area. This function allows you to visit on your own with explanations in English.

Visit to the Yokokan garden: Yokokan represents an embodiment of the attention and dedication to nature that the Japanese express during the creation of their gardens. The exceptional architecture of the place struck me emotionally. Nature changes with the seasons, and the colors of autumn, although still timid, bring a peaceful atmosphere ideal for calm walks and contemplation.

Lunch at Yoroppaken (Europe-ken): Yoroppaken's katsudon smothered in sauce will delight fans of Japanese cuisine. Yoroppaken's tonkatsu features thin-sliced pork and prominent taste. This restaurant beloved by locals operates several outlets in Fukui, where the same food can be enjoyed.

Visit to the Takefu Knife Village: In the village of Takefu Knife, artisans come together to create the famous Japanese kitchen knives. Seeing the masters at work, in the din of the workshop, was very satisfying. Most interesting is the chance to make your very own knife. Classes last a few hours or a whole day, and in the end, you will get to take home a great for the kitchen. A truly unique experience!

Paper-making at Echizen Washi Village: Making traditional Japanese paper was a calm and relaxing activity. The creation process, delicate but fast, also allows you to personalize your own paper with flowers and ink, before drying. The Japanese paper you make can be in the form of postcards, coasters or any other creation of your choice. The area around the shop makes for a pleasant visit, with cafes and other traditional paper shops.

Tokyo is must-visit for any trip to Japan. It brings together all aspects to satisfy anyone's curiosity, including temples, shrines, museums, parks, and shopping. You are sure to find what you are looking for.
Fukui is one of the tourist regions of Japan in full-swing development. Renting a car allows for more in-depth exploration, but local trains or buses can get you to most places for various activities. Either one will provide an excellent visit.
Fukui is an unforgettable region; it delivers memorable and unexpected experiences and offers a new aspect of Japan to the traveler eager to see everything. The numerous volunteer guides at each location helped me find my way around. Local cuisine offers dishes unique to the region. You are sure to leave this newly explored region in Japan hoping to return soon.