Ichijodani Asakura Ruins

Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins are Sengoku-period ruins (a Japanese castle site) located in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture. They are the remains of the Asakura clan, a Sengoku daimyo family that ruled Echizen Province for 103 years across five generations. The site consists of Ichijodani Castle and the surrounding castle town, collectively known as the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins. Samurai residences, temples, townhouses, craftsmen’s quarters, and even roads have been excavated and reconstructed in a form very close to the original townscape, and the site is designated as an Important Cultural Property, Special Historic Site, and Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government, making it a prestigious sightseeing destination. Because the reconstruction is highly faithful, you can even see things like toilets from that era. There are both paid guides and free guides in the central area, and in the reconstructed townscape, you can also rent a virtual guide device (paid) that uses a tablet to display CG reconstructions of the buildings. At Asakura Ippuku Tea, you can enjoy matcha (paid) along with wagashi for a refined break. During the festival in August, you can also witness powerful matchlock gun smoke demonstrations. To reach the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, take a bus from Fukui Station for about 30 minutes.