[July to September Edition] A comfortable trip to Fukui, Katsuyama in the summer | Feature Articles on cool sightseeing spots and summer cuisine

How hot is it in summer in Fukui, Katsuyama City ?

In summer (July to September) in Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture , the average daytime high temperature is around 30 to 33°C, and the humidity is high, making the days muggy and humid. However, the mornings and evenings are cooler, which is unique to being near the mountains, and it is slightly more comfortable than in urban areas.

This is also a time when sudden showers and torrential rains are likely to occur, so it's a good idea to bring a folding umbrella and rainwear. In addition to taking precautions against the heat, be sure to adjust your clothing and stay hydrated while enjoying sightseeing.

Summer vacation is especially common from late July to mid-August, and many people visit the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, and Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu). Since you'll be walking outdoors for long periods of time and many summer festivals and outdoor events are held, it's important to prepare for the heat during the day.

Katsuyama has many high altitude areas and waterfronts, and there are spots where the temperature feels 2 to 3 degrees Celsius lower than in urban areas.

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

56 Heisenji, Heisenjicho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0822

"Heisenji" is a base temple for worshiping Hakusan, located at the entrance to the Echizen side of the sacred Mt. Hakusan (altitude 2,702m). In the Middle Ages, it became one of the most influential in the Hokuriku region, and it is said that there were dozens of temples and shrines and thousands of temples in the precincts, which were much larger than the current Hakusan Shrine. However, in the 2nd year of Tensho (1574), the whole mountain was destroyed by fire during the battle against the Ikko Ikki, and most of the things that tell of the past have been lost. However, a full-scale excavation survey that began in 1989 revealed that the remains of the former precincts remain splendidly. The full picture of Heisenji in its glory in the Middle Ages is now being revealed little by little.

Daishizan Seidaiji temple Echizen Great Buddha

911-0811 50-1-1 Katase , Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

The model for the Great Buddha is a seated statue in the Longmen Grottoes on the outskirts of Luoyang, Henan, China, the origin of Buddhism. It is 17 meters tall. It is larger than the Nara Great Buddha (16.2 meters in documents, 14.98 meters in actual measurement). In addition, the halo is 23 meters, and the 3-meter lotus pedestal is placed on a 2-meter stone base, making the total height 28 meters. While the Nara Great Buddha is stocky, the Echizen Great Buddha is characterized by its slender and gentle face and neck. It is made of copper, with a total weight of 200 tons. In addition, 1,281 stone and gold Buddhas are enshrined on the three walls on the left, right, and back of the Great Buddha, and two arhat statues (10.3 meters) and two bodhisattva statues (11.2 meters) are enshrined on each side of the Great Buddha as attendant Buddhas.

What should you wear and bring when traveling to Fukui , Katsuyama in the summer?

Katsuyama City has a high humidity level during summer. When sightseeing, it is essential to wear clothes that are well ventilated and comfortable even if you sweat. In addition to light clothing such as T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, and dresses, it is a good idea to bring a thin jacket to protect yourself from the air conditioning indoors.

When visiting historic shrines and temples such as Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, it is best to wear clothing that does not expose your shoulders or legs. As there are slopes and cobblestones, we recommend comfortable sneakers or non-slip sandals.

A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are must-have items to protect yourself from the sun. In addition, a cooling towel, a portable fan, and a personal bottle will help you beat the heat. It's also a good idea to bring a folding umbrella or rain poncho in case of sudden rain.

Feel the coolness! Recommended sightseeing spots in Katsuyama in summer

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

Surrounded by moss and shade , this shrine boasts a history of about 1,300 years and is one of Katsuyama's most soothing spots. The moss that covers the grounds, the flowing Yusui , and the shade of the trees on the approach to the shrine create a comfortable atmosphere like a natural air conditioner.

Address: 56-63 Heisenji, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Heisenji

Access: 15 minutes by car from Katsuyama Station

Admission fee: Free

[Fukui Katsuyama Tourism Guide] Bus Access

Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu)(Daishizan Seidaiji temple )

The tallest Buddha statue in Japan and the cool, tranquil stone surroundings. The air in the Great Buddha Hall is cool even in summer, making it a comfortable place to be. Surrounded by a quiet and solemn atmosphere, you can forget about the heat and spend some time relaxing.

Address: 50-1-1 Katase , Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture

Access: 10 minutes by car from Katsuyama Station

Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children (as of 2025)

[Fukui Katsuyama Tourism Guide] Bus Access

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

The fully air-conditioned museum is a great ally in the summer! As one of the three largest dinosaur museums in the world, the spacious exhibition space is well-air-conditioned, allowing you to enjoy the dinosaur fossils and video exhibits while staying cool. It is also perfect for summer trips with children. It is expected to be crowded in the summer, so please make a reservation on the website before coming. If you enter the museum a little later, you can avoid the lines outside and enter smoothly.

Address: 51-11 Terao, Muraoka-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

Access: 15 minutes by bus from Katsuyama Station

Admission fee: 730 yen for adults, 260 yen for high school students and younger (permanent exhibition)

[Official] Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Click here to make an admission reservation)

Kuzuryu River River riverbed (Katsuyama Bridge to Benten Bridge area)

A cycling and evening cool down course with a pleasant breeze.

The route along the river is well maintained, and riding an e-bike will make you feel the pleasant river breeze, making it refreshing even in summer. In the evening, the temperature calms down, allowing you to enjoy the coolness and the magnificent views.

Location: Katsuyama Bridge to Benten Bridge area

・Estimated travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour by bicycle

Facilities: Benches, toilets, bicycle parking space available

reservation

The starry sky of Rokuroshi Takaharu

Why not gaze upon the starry sky in a quiet village with little light ? In the Takaharu area of ​​Rokuroshi Plateau, on the Sakai Katsuyama City and Ono City City, countless stars shine in the summer night sky. If the weather is good, you can even see the Amano River. Surrounded by the noiseless silence and night breeze, you will feel a sense of coolness and excitement.

Location: Around Rokuro, Katsuyama Katsuyama City(about 15-20 minutes by car from the center)

・Recommended time: 20:00-22:00 / Best on a sunny day

Roadside Station "Dinosaur Valley Katsuyama" Waterfront Space

This is a popular cooling spot for families, with a fountain and waterway. In the waterside space attached to the Roadside Station, you can cool off by dipping your feet in the water or splashing around in the water. We recommend taking a relaxing break on a bench and enjoying the famous soft serve ice cream. You can also enjoy the scenery of the Kuzuryu River while easing away the summer heat.

Location: 1-17 Matsugasaki, Aradocho , Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture (inside the Roadside Station)

・Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (may vary depending on the season)

Facilities: Benches, footbath area, toilets, and changing rooms available

What you'll want to eat in the summer! Katsuyama's cool gourmet food and local flavors

Echizen Oroshi Soba (Soba Restaurant Matsuya)

When you think of summer in Katsuyama, you think of cold grated daikon radish soba, a specialty of Fukui. This is a classic summer dish of handmade soba noodles made with homemade buckwheat flour and clean water, garnished with plenty of grated daikon radish. The refreshing spiciness will whet your appetite.
There are more than 10 soba restaurants in the city, including Matsuya, a soba restaurant near Heisenji Hakusan Shrine.

・Store name: Soba restaurant Matsuya

Address: 65-7 Heisenji, Heisenji, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Heisenji

・Business hours: 11:00-19:00 (ends when soba runs out)

・Closing days: Irregular

・Notes: Parking and dining available

Jersey Soft Serve Ice Cream (Lovely Farm Milk Chaya)

Rich yet refreshing aftertaste! Please try the classic summer dessert, "soft serve ice cream." Made with freshly squeezed Jersey milk delivered directly from the farm, the soft serve ice cream is rich yet refreshing. A cool gourmet treat you'll want to stop by during your drive or sightseeing.

・Store name: Lovely Farm Milk Teahouse

Address: 85-26-1 Heisenji, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Heisenji

・Business hours: 10:00-17:00

・Closing days: Irregular

・Notes: Outdoor benches available/take-out only

Moss ball cheesecake and matcha latte (ROKUSAI)

The refreshing matcha sweets served in the cool atmosphere of a traditional Japanese house are very popular. The moss-inspired matcha sweets seem to encapsulate the nature of Heisenji. Enjoy a luxurious, cool cafe time with a lightly sweetened matcha latte.

・Store name: ROKUSAI

Address: 56-32 Heisenji, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Heisenji

・Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (last orders 16:30)

Opening days: Thursday to Sunday (closed during winter)

・Notes: Cafe/souvenirs available

Salt-grilled sweetfish (Ayu no Eki Ishida store)

Salt-grilled wild sweetfish slowly grilled over charcoal is crisp on the outside and plump on the inside. The fragrant aroma and moderate saltiness make this a seasonal treat that brings to mind the summer breeze. Sweetfish fishing is open from June, so this is the perfect summer treat.

・Store name: Ayu Station Ishida Bait Store

Address: 1-1 Shikatani-cho , Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Prefecture

・Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (Business period: May to October)

・Closing days: Irregular (may be closed in bad weather, etc.)

When staying in Fukui, we recommend hotels that are conveniently located near tourist spots.

Hotels near the Dinosaur Museum and Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu) are convenient and recommended for sightseeing.

Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama

Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama, located right in front of one of the largest ski slopes in western Japan, is a popular Takaharu resort hotel. There is also a bus for guests from the Dinosaur Museum, so it is easily accessible. Even in summer, the temperature is not too high in the mornings and evenings, making it a comfortable place to stay.

Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama

911-0000 Fukui Prefecture , Katsuyama City, 170-70 Ski Jam Katsuyama

This hotel is attractive for its magnificent view of the Hakusan mountain range. Located at the front of the Ski Jam Katsuyama, you can enjoy the pure white snow world in winter, and mountain biking, Segway riding, barbecues, and other outdoor activities throughout the seasons from spring to autumn. The large Sasayuri hot spring bath is famous for its beauty-enhancing waters, and the sunset view from the open-air bath is a must-see. It is also conveniently located about 10 minutes by car from the Dinosaur Museum.

Hotels near Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama

Hotel Harvest Skijam Katsuyama

Fukui Prefecture > Katsuyama

4.2 /5

Very Good

10 reviews

$133～

Katsuyama New Hotel

Katsuyama New Hotel is close to the Echizen Daibutsu Buddha at Daishizan Seidaiji temple Hakusan Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu) Heisenji Shrine, and Katsuyama Castle Museum, so it is recommended as a base for sightseeing. Dinosaur designs are featured throughout the hotel, making it a popular hotel for families with children who love dinosaurs.

Katsuyama New Hotel

911-0811 2-114 Katase-cho , Katsuyama City , Fukui Prefecture

A 10-minute walk from the hotel is the Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu) and five-story pagoda, said to be the most magnificent in Japan, and nearby is Hakusan Temple, a nationally designated historic site that was founded by the great monk Taicho 1,300 years ago and is now highly regarded as the remains of a "medieval religious city." It is also close to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which inspires the romanticism of a wide range of people, from adults to children. In the nearby mountains is Ski Jam Katsuyama, one of the largest ski resorts in western Japan, and in the winter season the area changes completely, creating the bustle unique to a snowy country.

A trip to Katsuyama in the summer to feel cool and relaxed

Summer in Katsuyama City can be hot and humid, but you can still spend the time comfortably by taking advantage of the coolness of the mountains and waterside areas, air-conditioned facilities, and chilled local cuisine.

If you take care of your clothing and belongings and take precautions against the heat, you should be able to fully enjoy the charms of Katsuyama that are unique to the summer, such as the beautiful moss-covered shrines, cool temples, starry skies and riverbanks at night.

Once you've prepared your sightseeing spots, food, and clothing, all you have to do is head out. This summer, why not try a unique "cool" trip to Fukui, Katsuyama?