Stroll through the samurai residences and townhouses of the Sengoku castle town; also visit the Asakura Mansion ruins and the Karaemon Gate
About this spot
The ruins of a castle town ruled for 103 years by five generations of the Asakura clan, designated as a Special Historic Site, Special Scenic Site, and Important Cultural Property by the nation - one of Japan's most significant archaeological sites. The Restored Town Street features three-dimensional reconstructions of samurai residences and townhouses based on excavation results. Walking through streets lined with earthen walls brings the daily life of the Sengoku period vividly before your eyes. At the Asakura Mansion ruins, a magnificent Karaemon Gate remains, and together with the hilltop castle behind it, it testifies to the clan's former prosperity. Explore at a leisurely pace this "Japanese Pompeii," which lay buried underground after being destroyed by Oda Nobunaga.
Tips
Using the combined ticket with the museum for the Restored Town Street is economical. The town street is flat and easy to walk, but if you venture to the Asakura Mansion ruins and gardens, wear comfortable shoes as there are gravel paths. Multiple free parking areas are available, and the area around the Karaemon Gate is a popular photo spot.
Best time to visit
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Late afternoon light beautifully illuminates the earthen-walled streets for photography
Access & map
〒910-2153 Kido-no-Uchi Town 28-37, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Model course featuring this spot
Eihei-ji Temple and Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins: Exploring Zen and the Sengoku Period
Fukui
Other courses featuring this place
2026 Echizen Asakura Sengoku Festival One-Day Adventure Course
Restored Street Where the Sengoku-era Castle Town Comes Back to Life
Explore features & model courses
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