Katsuyama, Ohno

Recommendations for Katsuyama and Ohno

Sightseeing:

• Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum: Located in Katsuyama, this museum is a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts. Explore the extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, exhibits, and interactive displays that provide insight into the region's rich paleontological heritage.
• Echizen Ono Castle: Take a trip to Ono City and visit Echizen Ono Castle. This well-preserved castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and a chance to learn about the history and culture of the region.
• Okuetsu Caves: Explore the limestone caves in Katsuyama City, such as the Tojokurashi Cave and Sennin Cave. These caves showcase impressive stalactite formations and offer guided tours for visitors.

Dining:

• Echizen Crab Cuisine: Indulge in the local delicacy of Echizen snow crab. Many restaurants in the area offer a variety of crab dishes, including grilled crab, crab hot pot, and crab sashimi.
• Echizen Soba: Enjoy a bowl of Echizen soba noodles, made from locally sourced buckwheat flour. You can find soba restaurants throughout the region, offering hot and cold soba dishes.

Lodging:

• Ryokans: Experience traditional Japanese hospitality by staying in a ryokan, such as those located in Katsuyama or Ohno. These inns often feature comfortable rooms, hot spring baths, and delicious kaiseki meals.
• Hotels and Guesthouses: If you prefer more modern accommodations, you can find hotels and guesthouses in Katsuyama and Ohno that offer comfortable rooms and convenient amenities.

Hot Springs:

• Katsuyama Onsen: Relax and unwind in the hot springs of Katsuyama. Many ryokans in the area offer hot spring baths, both indoor and outdoor, where you can enjoy the therapeutic waters.
• Ohno Onsen: Ohno City is known for its hot springs as well. Explore the local onsens and experience the soothing and rejuvenating effects of the mineral-rich waters.

Activities:

• Fossil Digs: Join a guided fossil dig experience in Katsuyama and search for your own fossil treasures. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum offers opportunities for visitors to participate in fossil excavation activities.
• Pottery Workshops: Ohno is famous for its Ohno-yaki pottery. Consider participating in pottery workshops, where you can learn pottery techniques and create your own unique ceramic pieces.

Souvenirs:

• Dinosaur-themed Merchandise: Visit the gift shops at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and find a variety of dinosaur-themed souvenirs, including toys, T-shirts, and fossils replicas.
• Ohno-yaki Pottery: Ohno-yaki pottery makes for beautiful and unique souvenirs. Look for ceramic bowls, tea sets, or decorative items with distinctive Ohno-yaki designs.
• Echizen Crab Snacks: Bring home some Echizen snow crab-flavored snacks, such as crackers or snacks made with crab essence, available in local shops.

These recommendations should provide you with an enjoyable experience while exploring Katsuyama and Ohno. Enjoy your trip and have a wonderful time discovering the local attractions, cuisine, and crafts!

Specialties and Local Foods:

• Echizen Gani (Echizen Snow Crab): Echizen is renowned for its snow crab, known for its sweet and delicate flavor. Look for dishes like grilled crab, crab sashimi, and hot pot preparations.
• Echizen Soba: Enjoy Echizen soba noodles, made from locally sourced buckwheat flour. The noodles have a rich flavor and a satisfying texture. Try them in hot or cold preparations.
• Echizen Oroshi Soba: This specialty dish features Echizen soba noodles served with grated daikon radish and a dipping sauce. The combination of flavors is refreshing and delightful.
• Echizen Ono Beef: Echizen Ono Beef is a local wagyu beef variety known for its marbling and tenderness. Savor it in dishes like steak, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu for an exceptional dining experience.

Highly Rated Restaurants:

1. Katsuyama Crab Restaurant Kaniya: This popular restaurant in Katsuyama specializes in Echizen snow crab. It offers a wide range of crab dishes, including grilled crab, crab hot pot, and sushi.
2. Shuzenji Soba: Located in Katsuyama, this restaurant is known for its delicious Echizen soba noodles. Enjoy their various soba dishes, including hot and cold preparations.
3. Yoshidaya: Situated in Ohno, Yoshidaya is a well-regarded restaurant serving a variety of traditional Japanese dishes. Their menu includes local specialties and seasonal ingredients.
4. Oryouri Hiroba Fukui: Located in Katsuyama, this restaurant offers a diverse selection of local and regional dishes, including Echizen Ono Beef. Enjoy the flavors of Fukui Prefecture in a cozy atmosphere.

Souvenirs:

1. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum Merchandise: Visit the gift shop at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and find a range of dinosaur-themed souvenirs, including toys, T-shirts, books, and fossils replicas.
2. Echizen Soba Noodles: Purchase packages of locally produced Echizen soba noodles to enjoy the taste of the region at home. They make for a unique and delicious souvenir.
3. Echizen Lacquerware: Echizen is known for its lacquerware, featuring intricate designs and fine craftsmanship. Look for lacquer bowls, trays, chopsticks, or other lacquerware items as elegant souvenirs.
4. Pottery and Ceramics: Explore local pottery studios and shops in Katsuyama and Ohno. You can find beautiful ceramics, including bowls, tea sets, and vases, created by local artisans.
5. Echizen Crab Snacks: Bring home some Echizen snow crab-flavored snacks, such as crackers or snacks made with crab essence. They are available in local shops and make for tasty souvenirs.

These recommendations should enhance your experience while exploring Katsuyama and Ohno. Enjoy your trip, savor the local specialties, and find unique souvenirs to remember your journey!

Festivals and Events by Season:

• Spring (March to May):

  • Katsuyama Sakura Festival: Held in April, this festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms in Katsuyama City. Visitors can enjoy hanami (flower viewing) picnics under the cherry trees, traditional performances, and food stalls.
  • Yoshino River Koinobori Festival: Taking place in May, this event decorates the Yoshino River with colorful koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) in various sizes. It symbolizes children's health and growth and creates a vibrant atmosphere.

• Summer (June to August):

  • Ohno Lantern Festival: Celebrated in August, this festival takes place in Ohno City and features beautifully illuminated lanterns lining the streets. Traditional performances, music, and dance events are also held during the festival.
  • Mikuni Summer Festival: While not in Katsuyama or Ohno, this festival in nearby Mikuni Town is worth mentioning. Held in July, it includes parades, fireworks, and lively street performances.

• Fall (September to November):

  • Katsuyama Fossil Festival: Taking place in September, this festival celebrates the rich paleontological heritage of Katsuyama. Visitors can participate in fossil digs, exhibitions, and educational workshops about the region's dinosaur fossils.
  • Echizen Ono Castle Autumn Festival: While not in Katsuyama or Ohno, this festival held in Echizen City is worth visiting. Held in October, it features parades, historical reenactments, and cultural performances within the premises of Echizen Ono Castle.

• Winter (December to February):

  • Snow Lantern Festival: Held in February, this event takes place in Katsuyama City. It features beautifully carved snow lanterns, creating a magical ambiance. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances and food stalls.
  • Mikuni Onsen Winter Festival: While not in Katsuyama or Ohno, this festival in Mikuni Town is worth visiting. Held in February, it offers various winter activities such as snow slides, ice sculptures, and hot spring footbaths.

Special Features:

1. Katsuyama:

   Katsuyama is home to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the largest dinosaur museums in the world. It houses an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, exhibits, and interactive displays, making it a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts.

2. Ohno City:

   Ohno City is known for its traditional craft of Ohno-yaki pottery. Visitors can explore pottery studios and shops, and even try their hand at creating their own pottery pieces.

3. Natural Landscapes:

   The region is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including scenic mountains, rivers, and hiking trails. Mount Hakusan, one of Japan's three sacred mountains, is also located nearby, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.

Remember to check the specific dates and details of each festival and event closer to your travel dates, as schedules may vary from year to year. Enjoy your sightseeing in Katsuyama and Ohno!

Climate and Temperature by Season:

• Spring (March to May):

  Spring in Katsuyama and Ohno is mild and gradually becomes warmer. In March, temperatures range from 4°C to 13°C (39°F to 55°F), while in May, they typically range from 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F). Spring is a beautiful time to visit, with cherry blossoms blooming and creating picturesque landscapes. Katsuyama is famous for its dinosaur fossils and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, where you can explore exhibitions showcasing these ancient creatures.

• Rainy Season (June to mid-July):

  During the rainy season, known as "Tsuyu" in Japanese, Katsuyama and Ohno experience increased rainfall and higher humidity. This period typically occurs from June to mid-July. Temperatures range from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F). It's advisable to pack rain gear and be prepared for occasional showers during this time. Despite the rain, you can visit the scenic Katsuyama Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Summer (mid-July to August):

  Summers in Katsuyama and Ohno are warm and humid. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). The region offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and exploring nature. You can visit the Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park, which encompasses stunning coastlines and mountainous areas.

• Fall (September to November):

  Fall in Katsuyama and Ohno brings comfortable temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. September sees temperatures ranging from 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F), gradually cooling down as the season progresses. By November, temperatures range from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). Fall is a great time to visit the Echizen Ono Castle, a historic castle with a rich samurai history, and enjoy the vibrant colors of the surrounding forests.

• Winter (December to February):

  Winters in Katsuyama and Ohno are cold, with some areas experiencing snowfall. December and January are the coldest months, with temperatures averaging around 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F). The region offers winter charm with activities such as skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts like Ski Jam Katsuyama. You can also visit the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, which houses fascinating dinosaur exhibits and is a popular attraction throughout the year.

Special Features:

Katsuyama:

Katsuyama is home to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the largest dinosaur museums in the world, offering a remarkable collection of fossils and interactive exhibits. It's a great place to learn about the region's paleontological history.

Ohno City:

Ohno City is famous for its scenic beauty, including the picturesque Kuzuryu River, which is renowned for its clear waters and is popular for fishing and water activities.