The pass even covers lines up to the Hokuriku area, so we decided—let’s go eat crab in Fukui!

After researching the itinerary, we chose a place called “Raden,” right in front of Fukui Station.

And what we ordered wasn’t the famous Echizen Crab… but rather a Seiko Crab Bowl Set, overflowing with female snow crab.

It was an absolutely delicious meal, packed with crab, and surprisingly affordable (at least compared to Echizen Crab)!

What is Seiko Crab?

While Echizen Crab refers to male snow crabs, Seiko Crab is the term for female snow crabs.

In other areas, they’re sometimes called Sekogani or Kobako Crab.

An Echizen Crab typically costs about 15,000 to 20,000 yen per crab, whereas Seiko Crab is about a third of the size, costing roughly 2,000 to 4,000 yen—making it much more budget-friendly.

↓ In the photo below, the crab on the bottom is likely Echizen, while the one on top is the female Seiko Crab.

今日はがちな越前ガニいただいたのでありがたくいただきます。むちゃおいしそう！この雌もでかいけど雄がハンパない。今日は雄のみいただきます。 pic.twitter.com/7jAVzOJ7Wr

— たっくん＠天然さんかも？ (@Takutora) December 12, 2021

What makes Seiko Crab special is its rich eggs—called uchiko (immature eggs) and sotoko (fully matured eggs about to be laid)—which give it a wonderfully dense flavor and texture that locals in Fukui absolutely love.

But since Seiko Crab season is limited for conservation reasons—from November 6 to the end of December—it’s even harder to come by than Echizen Crab.

(Source:
・Price & taste differences between male and female Echizen Crab | *link broken*
・Seiko Crab | Echizen Kani Narumae)

Our trip happened to line up perfectly with this short Seiko Crab season… so naturally, we had to try it!

Arriving in Fukui — just a one-minute walk to Raden

We took the shinkansen from Hakata to Shin-Osaka with the unlimited pass, then transferred to the limited express Thunderbird to reach Fukui Station.

If you’re at Fukui Station, of course you have to take a picture with the dinosaur statues.
I wanted to visit the Dinosaur Museum and more if we’d had time… next time for sure!

From the west exit with the dinosaurs, it’s just a one-minute walk to the left—Raden is right there.

The seasonal Seiko Crab Bowl Set is 4,800 yen. It’s not exactly cheap—but compared to Echizen Crab, it’s a steal. Reservations required.
(Photo taken November 29, 2021)

We were seated at a counter lined with elegant ceramic ware. There are tables in the back too.

Seiko Crab meat, rich roe, and miso overflowing in this bowl set

Here it is—the Seiko Crab Bowl Set! Those two crab shells piled on top make quite an impact.

It’s absolutely loaded with chunks of Seiko Crab meat, shredded meat, plus the uchiko and sotoko roe on top of rice. What a sight.

We stacked up the shells from two people—four crabs in total. It felt like they were all watching us!

The crab meat is sweet and full of classic crab flavor—so good.
The uchiko mixed with crab miso is intensely savory and is truly the highlight of eating Seiko Crab.

The sotoko gives a fun popping texture. Try dipping it in crab vinegar or eating it together with the meat and uchiko.

The staff suggested pouring the crab vinegar over it, but personally I preferred dipping each bite into the vinegar myself.

If you pour it over everything, the vinegar flavor can get pretty strong (still delicious though). Eating the different parts on their own really lets you savor the pure crab taste.

It’s fun to switch back and forth—sometimes with vinegar, sometimes without.

The rice portion isn’t that big, so it was gone in no time.
I found myself leaving little bits of each part to prolong the farewell.

It was truly delicious. Seiko Crab is the best.

One last note

I’m sure there are many other great crab restaurants in Fukui City and throughout Fukui Prefecture, but if you’re looking for something near Fukui Station, Raden is absolutely the best choice.

Echizen Crab season runs from November 8 to the end of March, while Seiko Crab is only from November 8 to the end of December (it may vary, so check with the restaurant).
If your timing lines up, definitely give it a try!

Although it’s a bit of a distance from Fukui Station, Tojinbo is located on the outskirts of Sakai City in Fukui.

While most people travel there by car, I decided to take the train and bus instead.

Since I couldn’t find any website clearly explaining how to get to Tojinbo from Fukui Station, I’d like to share the route for future travelers. Of course, I also took plenty of photos!

Although Tojinbo has a reputation as a “suicide spot,” I found it to be a bustling and scenic destination filled with tourists. The gloomy image was quickly dispelled!

Taking the Train and Bus from Fukui Station to Tojinbo

From Fukui Station, take the Echizen Railway to Mikuni Station. Since it’s nearly the entire line, the ride takes about 50 minutes.

You could get off at the final stop, Mikuni Port Station, but be aware that there’s no taxi service and little else around. Mikuni Station, however, has a bus stop, some shops, and taxis available.

Here’s the bus schedule outside Mikuni Station. Take the No. 84 bus bound for Tojinbo.

Buses come about once an hour, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance. (→ Keifuku Bus Route Info)

Here comes the bus to Tojinbo!

Other than myself, there was only one couple on the bus—likely tourists as well.

It seems that most visitors come by car or tour bus.

After getting off at the bus stop, walk down a pathway resembling a shrine approach to reach Tojinbo.

Along the way, you’ll find restaurants and souvenir shops—definitely the vibe of a tourist destination. As expected, seafood dominates the food options.

There was even this eye-catching shop. But what’s up with the phone number “Hi! Troubled”? Maybe something like “No Worries” would make more sense…

Here’s what it looks like on the map. Even if they warn against snacking while walking, it’s hard to resist.

Soon the view opens up—and you’ve arrived at your destination!

This is Tojinbo…!

This is where it’s located on the map.

A Stunning View of the Sea of Japan and Steep Cliffs

There were sightseeing boat hawkers, many elderly tourists, and a lively atmosphere—completely different from the somber image I had before arriving. It was just a normal tourist spot!

That said, it’s true that several people take their lives here every year, and there are signs for suicide prevention. Visiting at night might be genuinely scary…

Before you is the Sea of Japan, and across the water is Oshima Island with its iconic bridge—a breathtaking view.

Tojinbo is famous for its sheer cliffs.

These cliffs are made up of columnar joints of andesite rock—a geological formation that’s rare even on a global scale. They’re designated a Natural Monument of Japan.

Sightseeing boats depart from the cove-like areas carved into the cliffs.

If you want to experience being surrounded by cliffs on three sides, the boat ride is a must. I didn’t have time this visit, but I’d love to ride next time.

As expected of a popular filming location, even during my visit, a crew was filming something.

Guards were stationed to keep people out of the shot, so I couldn’t get close.

Maybe they were shooting a scene where a detective corners the suspect. Why does the suspect always flee to a dead-end cliff anyway?

Tojinbo Retro Collection

As a bonus, here’s a collection of retro finds spotted on the way back from Tojinbo.

Check out the delightfully retro “Tojinbo Tower.”

I missed the return bus, and there were no taxis in sight despite being a tourist area, so I had to walk 40 minutes to Mikuni Port Station.

Along the way, I saw something in a parking lot that really shouldn’t still be there…

The entrance looked ancient—definitely a relic from the Showa era.

This one’s tagline reads “Endless Sky and Sea,” followed by a random “I’m Tojinbo.” And the other guy? A friend?

After walking endlessly down roads with no sidewalks, I finally reached Mikuni Port Station. It was a long trek…

Since you’ll be walking along narrow roadside shoulders with no sidewalks, I don’t recommend walking. (Though I doubt many would try.) Either wait for the bus or find a way to call a taxi.

In the end, Tojinbo is definitely a place best reached by car.

Visit Tojinbo — One of Japan’s Most Breathtaking Scenic Spots

If you want to see stunning ocean cliffs and experience a touch of Japan’s Showa-era nostalgia, Tojinbo is absolutely worth a visit!