Fukui, Japan

An industrial center near the Hokuriku coastline north of Biwa-ko, Fukui is primarily oriented around agriculture and textiles. Essentially razed to the ground by bombing in 1945 and a subsequent earthquake in 1948, it is now an almost thoroughly modern city. The capital of the prefecture, Fukui proper offers few attractions for tourists, but it is a convenient base for visiting other attractions in the vicinity. Foremost among Fukui-ken's cultural sites is the Zen Buddhist center at Eihei-ji, a thirty minute's bus ride east of the prefectural capital. Despite being most regularly visited as a tourist site, the temple is an active Buddhist community and it offers programs for anyone interested in experiencing the contemplative, monastic lifestyle. Along the coast northwest from Fukui city is the scenic landmark of Tojinbo. Most famous as a historic suicide site, the rocky outcroppings jut out of the sea in a series of columns eroded over millenia by the saltwater. Several buses depart daily from Fukui city and boat trips are available from near the site. is a city (Special city) located in the Hokuriku region within the Chûbu region of Japan, which is on Honshû island. It is the largest city and capital of Fukui Prefecture. The city is located to the north of Lake Biwa, on the coast of the Sea of Japan. As of October 1 2006, the city has an estimated population of 271,417 and the density of 506.21 persons per km². The total area is 536.17 km², although most of the population lives in a small central area; by area the city is mostly agricultural plains and mountainous areas. The city was incorporated under its present name on April 1, 1889, although it had been an important city in the region for at least 1000 years before that, serving as the capital of Echizen province during the Edo period (1603-1868). Fukui-shi was devastated by Allied bombing in 1945, and again by a major earthquake in 1948. The city has regained its energy and vitality. Hence, the city's official symbol-the phoenix. The JR (Japan Railways) Hokuriku shinkansen (bullet train) line from Kyoto through Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama, and Nagano to Tokyo is far along in construction and will be completed in the next few years.