
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
Explore the serene ruins of a 15th-century samurai castle town, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Japan's Sengoku period.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
Best Time
Unique local events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the serene ruins of a 15th-century samurai castle town, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Japan's Sengoku period.
"A unique excavation site with a captivating samurai past, beautiful streams, and tranquil vibes."

Picnic Potential
Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the tranquil grounds and spend a leisurely day exploring. :sandwich:
Combine with Eiheiji
Easily combine a visit with Eiheiji Temple via bus for a fuller regional experience. :bus:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Samurai Village Imagination
Main Ruin Area
Let your imagination flow through the remnants of a captivating samurai past. A unique excavation site with a rich history.

Restored Buildings
Across the road from main ruins
Experience a more tangible glimpse into the 15th-century castle town with these well-preserved structures.

Koi Feeding
Streams within the ruins
Engage with the beautiful streams and feed the large koi for a small fee. A delightful interactive experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Beyond the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Picnic Potential
Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the tranquil grounds and spend a leisurely day exploring. :sandwich:
Combine with Eiheiji
Easily combine a visit with Eiheiji Temple via bus for a fuller regional experience. :bus:
Check Festival Schedule
Look up their website for awesome festivals like lantern events or firefly viewings. :sparkler:
Feed the Koi
Enjoy feeding the large koi in the streams for just 100 yen. :fish:
Tips
from all over the internet
Picnic Potential
Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the tranquil grounds and spend a leisurely day exploring. :sandwich:
Combine with Eiheiji
Easily combine a visit with Eiheiji Temple via bus for a fuller regional experience. :bus:
Check Festival Schedule
Look up their website for awesome festivals like lantern events or firefly viewings. :sparkler:
Feed the Koi
Enjoy feeding the large koi in the streams for just 100 yen. :fish:
Embrace the Calm
Appreciate the calm, peaceful atmosphere and amazing fresh air. A truly tranquil spot. :leafy_green:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins to be a peaceful and beautiful historical site, particularly appreciating the tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to feed koi. While some feel the ruins themselves are sparse, the restored buildings offer a more tangible connection to the past, and the site is enhanced by seasonal festivals and its natural setting.
"Not really much there so unless you are REALLY into Sengoku period history it's probably not all that interesting. The restored buildings on the other side of the road are a bit more interesting though, and this area is free so not really a lot to lose if you are in the area, but I don't feel like it's essential if you are not near or are pushed for time."
Barry Knight
"Ruin grounds themselves not much to see. Perhaps interesting for historians and purveyors of rocks, otherwise not worth visiting. The surrounding grassy area seemed to have the beginnings of a festival, which was cool though."
Jason
"Seems that they're making this place into something. There's lots of construction/ preservation going on which is a good thing. It really is a beautiful place. Calm, peaceful, amazing fresh air. Very tranquil place to while away some time.
You could easily spend a day here, take a picnic, but we were 'touristing' so we spent a few hours before heading to Eiheiji by bus.
Possibly my favourite place in this area."
Kelvin Webb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are accessible by bus from Fukui Station. It's a scenic route that takes you through the local landscape. Many visitors combine this trip with a visit to Eiheiji Temple, as buses connect the two locations.
Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors, making it convenient if you are traveling by car. This is a good option if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
The restored buildings are located just across the road from the main ruin grounds, making them easily walkable. You can simply cross the street to explore both areas.
Yes, Eiheiji Temple is a popular nearby attraction that many visitors combine with a trip to the ruins. The surrounding area also offers beautiful natural scenery.
While the closest major station is Fukui Station, direct train access to the ruins themselves is limited. Bus transportation from Fukui Station is the most common and recommended method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main ruin grounds are generally free to enter, making it an accessible historical site. However, there might be separate fees for specific exhibitions or the restored buildings across the road.
The opening hours can vary, especially for specific exhibitions or the restored buildings. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on access and hours.
For the general ruin grounds, advance booking is usually not required as it's free. However, for special events or exhibitions, it's advisable to check if pre-booking is recommended or necessary.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized. As the main ruins are free, focus on enjoying the site. For any paid exhibitions, check their official channels for potential group or student rates.
Admission to the main ruin site typically grants access to explore the excavated foundations and the natural surroundings. The restored buildings across the road may offer a more detailed historical experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the excavated foundations of a 15th-century castle town, including residences and gardens. The restored buildings across the road offer a more tangible representation of the past. Don't miss feeding the koi!
You could easily spend a few hours here, especially if you plan to have a picnic or explore the restored buildings. Some visitors suggest a full day if you're deeply interested in Sengoku period history.
Information on official guided tours is limited. However, the site's historical significance is evident, and many visitors enjoy exploring independently, letting their imagination guide them through the samurai village.
Absolutely! The natural setting, the streams, the koi, and the historical remnants offer many picturesque opportunities. The restored buildings also provide excellent backdrops for capturing the essence of the era.
Basic amenities like restrooms are usually available. There might be small shops or food stalls during festivals or special events. It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan a longer visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options directly within the ruins are limited. It's recommended to bring a picnic to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can find more dining choices in nearby Fukui City.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity here! The tranquil grounds provide a lovely setting to enjoy a meal outdoors. Remember to clean up after yourself to preserve the beauty of the site.
Local eateries in the vicinity might offer regional Japanese cuisine. For a wider variety, heading back to Fukui City will provide more options, from casual to more formal dining experiences.
While not guaranteed, there might be small vendors or shops selling snacks and drinks, especially during festival periods or peak tourist seasons. It's safer to bring your own provisions.
Fukui is known for its delicious seafood, especially crab during the winter months. Local soba noodles are also a regional specialty. Exploring restaurants in Fukui City will give you a taste of these local delights.
📸 📸 Photography
The streams with the large koi, the gates to the ruins, the restored buildings, and the overall natural landscape offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the tranquil atmosphere and historical remnants.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone to avoid issues.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric glow. Golden hour can be particularly magical here.
The excavated foundations of residences and gardens, along with the restored samurai village structures, provide excellent historical context for your photographs. The gates are also particularly photogenic.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, would be useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive ruin grounds, while a telephoto can isolate specific historical features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To enhance the experience for younger visitors, try to frame the visit as an adventure into a 'samurai village.' Discussing the lives of people who lived there centuries ago can spark their curiosity. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural setting provides a pleasant environment for a family outing. Remember to check for any seasonal festivals that might offer more engaging activities for children, such as lantern displays or cultural performances.
🚶 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
Consider dedicating ample time to fully absorb the historical context. Researching the Asakura clan and their role in Echizen Province beforehand will significantly enrich your visit. The site's tranquility allows for contemplative exploration, enabling you to truly connect with the past. Look out for any special exhibitions or archaeological findings that might be on display, as these can offer deeper dives into specific aspects of the clan's history and the town's development.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of the Asakura Clan
The strategic location of Ichijodani, nestled in a valley, provided natural defenses, further solidifying the Asakura clan's power. The town was laid out in a grid pattern, a testament to sophisticated urban design for its time. Visitors can walk through the remnants of these streets, imagining the bustling activity that once took place. The discovery of artifacts like pottery, tools, and even remnants of gardens adds depth to the historical narrative, allowing for a more immersive understanding of daily life centuries ago.
While the original structures are largely gone, the restored buildings across the road provide a tangible connection to the past. These reconstructions offer a clearer visualization of how the residences and administrative centers might have looked, complementing the more abstract experience of walking through the open ruins. This dual approach—experiencing the excavated foundations and seeing the reconstructed buildings—makes the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins a uniquely informative historical site.
Experiencing the Tranquility and Natural Beauty
The presence of large koi fish in the streams adds a delightful interactive element. For a small fee, visitors can purchase food and feed these colorful fish, a simple yet engaging activity that appeals to all ages. The streams themselves, with their clear water and surrounding greenery, are picturesque and contribute significantly to the site's aesthetic appeal. It’s a place where history and nature harmoniously coexist, offering a unique sensory experience.
Many reviewers highlight the peaceful ambiance as a major draw, suggesting that spending a few hours here, perhaps with a picnic, allows for a deeper appreciation of the site's restorative qualities. The changing seasons also bring different kinds of beauty, from the fresh greens of spring to the vibrant colors of autumn, making it a destination worth revisiting.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit