An industrial center near the Hokuriku coastline north of Biwa-ko, Fukui is primarily oriented around agriculture and textiles. Essentially razed to the ground by bombing in 1945 and a subsequent earthquake in 1948, it is now an almost thoroughly modern city. The capital of the prefecture, Fukui proper offers few attractions for tourists, but it is a convenient base for visiting other attractions in the vicinity. Foremost among Fukui-ken's cultural sites is the Zen Buddhist center at Eihei-ji, a thirty minute's bus ride east of the prefectural capital. Despite being most regularly visited as a tourist site, the temple is an active Buddhist community and it offers programs for anyone interested in experiencing the contemplative, monastic lifestyle.

Along the coast northwest from Fukui city is the scenic landmark of Tojinbo. Most famous as a historic suicide site, the rocky outcroppings jut out of the sea in a series of columns eroded over millenia by the saltwater. Several buses depart daily from Fukui city and boat trips are available from near the site.