3 Carefully Selected Hotels in Fukui Prefecture: Must-Stay Japanese-Style Ryokan

🕓 2024/12/26
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  Table of Contents

    1. Kōfū Yuhō Beniya (光風湯圃 べにや)
    2. Echizen Awara Onsen Tsuruya (越前あわら温泉 つるや)
    3. Dentō Ryokan no Nukumori Haiya (伝統旅館のぬくもり 灰屋)


About Fukui

Fukui Prefecture is known for its harmonious blend of stunning natural scenery and rich history and culture. Facing the Sea of Japan, the prefecture offers diverse landscapes, from coastline and mountains to renowned hot spring resorts. These attractions draw numerous visitors from both within Japan and abroad.

In addition, Fukui boasts many cultural landmarks, such as Eiheiji Temple (永平寺) and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (恐竜博物館), where visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s history and natural beauty. The area is also famous for its seafood, including Echizen crab and Wakasa fugu, which continue to captivate travelers.

Below, we introduce three carefully selected luxury hotels that promise a special stay during your visit to Fukui Prefecture.




 

Fukui’s Top 3 Japanese-Style Ryokan

1. Kōfū Yuhō Beniya (光風湯圃 べにや) 

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 ■ The Charms of “Kōfū Yuhō Beniya” 

Kōfū Yuhō Beniya, located in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture, is a venerable hot spring ryokan tracing its roots back to 1884 (Meiji 17). After the original building was lost to a fire in 2018, the property overcame adversity and reopened in July 2021. Its new name, “Kōfū Yuhō” (literally meaning “Light, Wind, and Hot Springs”), reflects the desire for guests to immerse themselves in the soothing blessings of light, wind, and natural hot spring water.

 1. All Rooms Feature Semi-Open-Air Hot Spring Baths 

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Each of the 17 guest rooms is uniquely designed, with every room offering its own semi-open-air bath drawing directly from the onsen source. Guests can savor Awara Onsen’s silky-smooth waters in a private setting, without having to worry about time constraints. Beniya boasts four private hot spring sources, producing 70 liters of water per minute at about 70°C (158°F), ensuring a plentiful supply of fresh onsen water. 

 

 2. Cuisine Showcasing Local Ingredients 

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Meals at Kōfū Yuhō Beniya highlight the region’s freshest produce. In particular, breakfast features dishes such as rice cooked in a traditional cauldron using organic Koshihikari from local farmers, free-range eggs, and handmade tofu—presented to accentuate the natural flavors of each ingredient. From November to March, during the Echizen crab season, guests can select from grilled or boiled crab options, which pair exceptionally well with local sake. 

 

 3. Design Emphasizing Light and Wind 

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True to its name, the interior design of “Kōfū Yuhō Beniya” cleverly incorporates abundant light and refreshing breezes. In the lobby lounge, large windows allow natural sunlight to illuminate the Japanese garden, while gentle winds evoke a sense of each passing season. The spacious guest rooms receive soft, calming light, and their open layout promotes excellent airflow for a comfortable stay.

Additionally, the separate men’s and women’s large communal baths offer views of the surrounding natural scenery through large windows, enabling guests to soak in onsen waters while experiencing the harmonious blend of light and wind. 

 

 4. Collaboration with Local Producers 

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Beniya values its strong ties with the local community, and this commitment is reflected in its sourcing and service. From fresh vegetables and rice purchased directly from nearby farms to handmade tofu, the ryokan showcases the distinctive flavors of Fukui while highlighting the region’s abundance and warm hospitality.

 

 ■ Access Information for “Kōfū Yuhō Beniya”

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2. Echizen Awara Onsen Tsuruya (越前あわら温泉 つるや) 

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 ■ The Appeal of “Echizen Awara Onsen Tsuruya”

Echizen Awara Onsen Tsuruya is a long-established ryokan with over 130 years of history, located in the famous “Awara Onsen” hot spring area of Fukui Prefecture. Renowned for its heartfelt hospitality cultivated through its extensive past, this inn features a quaint, traditional Japanese ambiance, surrounded by a picturesque garden.

 1. A Ryokan with 130 Years of History and Tradition 

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Situated in the Awara Onsen district of Fukui Prefecture, Tsuruya boasts a heritage spanning more than 130 years. Throughout its long history, the ryokan has nurtured a classic style of hospitality, offering guests a uniquely memorable stay. The building’s interior exudes a nostalgic charm that reflects eras from the Showa period to the present Reiwa period, allowing visitors to experience the essence of old Japan.

 

 2. Beautiful Japanese Garden and Serene Natural Surroundings 

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Within the property, you’ll find a meticulously maintained Japanese garden that soothes visitors with its seasonal transformations. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom; summer brings lush greenery; autumn unveils vibrant foliage; and winter offers a tranquil snow-covered scene. Guests can admire the garden from various spots throughout the facility, providing a peaceful, reflective setting.

 

 3. A Variety of Hot Spring Facilities for Relaxation 

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Tsuruya offers multiple onsen options where guests can experience the high-quality waters of Awara Onsen. The expansive main bath and charming open-air baths feature hot springs flowing directly from the source. The sodium-calcium chloride spring is known for being gentle on the skin and warming the body thoroughly. Especially in the open-air bath, guests can relax in the soothing atmosphere of natural surroundings and rising steam.

 

 4. Luxurious Cuisine Showcasing the Flavors of Echizen 

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Tsuruya’s seasonal kaiseki cuisine highlights the bounty of Fukui’s sea and mountains. Fresh Echizen crab, premium Wakasa beef, and locally grown vegetables are carefully selected and skillfully prepared. Each dish is crafted with attention to detail, beautifully presented, and delights all five senses. In particular, the winter Echizen crab course is a popular choice among repeat customers.

 

 5. Heartfelt Hospitality and Comfortable Guest Rooms 

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One of Tsuruya’s architectural highlights is its tea room–inspired and traditional restaurant–style design, conceived by the late master sukiya carpenter Masaya Hirata from Osaka. This design incorporates fine woods throughout, creating a refined atmosphere with a distinctive charm.

Each guest room has its own unique character, blending sophisticated beauty with a dignified Japanese aesthetic. Notably, the brand-new “Sōkaku” suite, completed in March 2024 (Reiwa 6), spans 100 square meters, featuring a luxurious layout with high-quality furnishings and a separate living room for ultimate relaxation. Additionally, the semi-open-air bath in this suite is fed by natural hot spring water directly from the source, allowing guests to indulge in the onsen at any time.

 

 ■ Access Information for “Echizen Awara Onsen Tsuruya”

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3. Dentō Ryokan no Nukumori Haiya (伝統旅館のぬくもり 灰屋) 

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 ■ The Appeal of “Dentō Ryokan no Nukumori Haiya”

Nestled amid the abundant natural beauty of Awara City in Fukui Prefecture, this historic ryokan boasts a legacy of over a hundred years. Despite being situated in the heart of the Awara Onsen area, it offers a tranquil and serene environment, welcoming guests with its elegant traditional Japanese architecture and meticulously maintained garden.

 1. A Century-Old Legacy and Tradition 

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Founded in the Meiji era, Haiya has a history that spans more than one hundred years. Its buildings exude a timeless charm, allowing visitors to experience the classic atmosphere of a Japanese ryokan preserved from the Showa period to modern times. The heartfelt hospitality, unchanged over the decades, resonates deeply with guests who stay here.

 

 2. Relaxing Hot Springs for a Delightful Bathing Experience 

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At Haiya, guests can immerse themselves in the restorative waters of Awara Onsen’s natural hot springs. In addition to a spacious main bath and open-air baths, the ryokan offers private baths that have proven popular with those seeking a more personal experience. The hot springs, reputed to have skin-beautifying properties, consistently receive high praise from visitors.

 

 3. A Garden Showcasing Seasonal Beauty 

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Within the ryokan’s grounds lies a meticulously cared-for Japanese garden, where cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vivid autumn leaves, and tranquil snowscapes in winter create an ever-changing spectacle. Well-maintained walking paths weave through the garden, making it ideal for morning and evening strolls or simply enjoying the peaceful flow of time.

 

 4. Kaiseki Cuisine Showcasing Local Ingredients 

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Haiya’s meals center around kaiseki cuisine that highlights seasonal produce from Fukui Prefecture. Dishes featuring fresh Echizen crab, seafood freshly caught from Wakasa Bay, and specialty Fukui soba noodles captivate visitors with their exquisite flavors. Each dish, painstakingly crafted by the head chef, delights not only the palate but also the eyes—turning every meal into a special occasion. In particular, winter brings a coveted Echizen crab course that remains popular among returning guests.

 

 5. Inviting Guest Rooms with Traditional Charm 

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While upholding a classic Japanese aesthetic, the guest rooms at Haiya seamlessly incorporate modern comforts.

Among these options, “Fujinoya” stands out for its spacious design and refined Japanese decor, enabling guests to feel at one with nature while enjoying a peaceful stay.

The Shōfūan Special Suite “Shiun,” situated in a separate area, showcases dignified Japanese architecture adorned with tasteful interiors and luxurious amenities. Tucked away within the ryokan’s expansive grounds, “Shiun” offers a retreat-like experience, complete with a private open-air bath. From there, guests can gaze upon the garden’s breathtaking scenery—truly a sight to behold.

 

 ■ Access Information for “Dentō Ryokan no Nukumori Haiya” 

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