What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Fukui Prefecture is located near the center of Japan with its northern border lying along the Sea of Japan. There are a number of parks and sights of interest in Fukui such as Echizen Coast Quasi-National Park, Tojimbo in Echizen Coast Quasi-National Park, Sotomo in Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park, and the Five Lakes of Mikata and Rainbow Line in Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park. Maruoka Castle (20 minutes by bus from JR Awara Onsen train station) is deemed a National Important Cultural Asset and it is famous for its dungeon built in the Momoyama Era (1573-1603). Important temples in Fukui Prefecture include Heisenji Temple founded in 717, Eiheiji Temple (over 750 years old), and Myotsuji Temple founded in 1270.
