Just like the Warring States Period? The miraculous ruins of the Ichijodani Asakura clan ruins, the pride of Fukui Prefecture.

  • Fukui
  • Sightseeing
Ruins of the Ichijodani Asakura Clan (photo courtesy of the Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation)

Travel back in time to the Warring States Period in Fukui

The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Site is the ruins of the castle town of the Asakura Clan, which ruled the Echizen Province for more than 100 years during the Warring States Period. The town has been excavated in almost its entirety, from samurai residences, temples, town houses, and artisan residences to roads. The vast 278-hectare area is designated as a special national historic site, four gardens as special places of scenic beauty, and excavated items as important cultural properties.
Karamon gate of the stately ruins of the Ichijodani Asakura clan
It is one of Japan's representative medieval city sites and was recognized as a Japan Heritage Site in 2019. It has also been confirmed that Ichijodani had an orderly townscape like that of Kyoto at that time, and a 200-meter stretch of this townscape, consisting of samurai residences and town houses, has been reconstructed. If you stand in the middle of the street, you can imagine the bustling castle town of the Warring States period.

You can feel the life in those days at the restored samurai residences.

Samurai residences (photo courtesy of Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation)
Samurai residences (photo courtesy of Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation)

Have you ever heard of the wonder of sight, the "Toomi Blocking Method"?

If you visit the restored townscape, there is one thing you should definitely experience. It is called the "Toomi blocking method," which was a protective measure used in the castle towns of that time. By curving the road, it is difficult for the invading enemy to see what is ahead, while you can see them clearly from here.

What does this mean? You may be wondering, "What does it mean? Please take your friends and family to face each other on this path and feel it for yourself!
Restored townscape (Photo provided by Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation)

It is also famous as a filming location!

The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Site has been used as a filming location for TV dramas and commercials, and a location MAP is available at the entrance. Why don't you all feel like a character in the drama or a resident of the castle town?
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Location MAP

Vividly colored Japanese umbrellas suddenly appear as you stroll around.

There is also a photo spot in the townscape of Fukuhara! Please take a nice picture in front of the Japanese umbrella to make your trip memorable!
Wagasa Sky

Cherry blossom viewing in spring

Cherry blossoms are in bloom all around the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins. The best time to see them is usually around mid-April.

Usuzumizakura (thin ink-blossomed cherry blossoms) located right next to the Karamon gate and itozakura (weeping cherry blossoms) bloom here and there around the ruins. It is said that Yoshikage Asakura, the last head of the Echizen Asakura clan, welcomed Ashikaga Yoshiaki (the 15th Muromachi shogun, later Yoshiaki) to Ichijodani and held a banquet to view the itozakura in the Nanyoji Temple grounds.
Weeping cherry blossoms swaying in the wind
We were also able to see a violet flower garden. Why not enjoy viewing the flowers in addition to strolling around the ruins?
Violet carpet

Recommended time required

The ruins are very large, so we recommend that you spend at least one and a half hours walking around. It would be more enjoyable if you visit in combination with the nearby "Fukui Prefectural Museum of Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins". If you visit both museums together, you should allow about three hours to see the two facilities in total.

If you visit Fukui, please visit the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins and experience the history.

Click here for an introduction to the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Site Museum.

Recommended lunches in the vicinity of the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins

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