Fukui Prefecture is located in the Hokuriku region along the coast of the Sea of Japan, offering a blend of history and nature. Eiheiji Temple is the head temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, a thousand-year-old temple full of Zen atmosphere. Tōjinbō is a rare world-class columnar cliff formation, with a dramatic and majestic coastline. The rape blossoms along the Echizen coast are stunning in spring, as are the sunsets. Awara Onsen is a renowned hot spring in Hokuriku. In terms of cuisine, Echizen crab (a premium winter crab species with sweet and tender meat) is considered the finest; Echizen Washi paper craftsmanship is exquisite; Fukui ramen (soy sauce and pork bone broth), mackerel sushi, Echizen beef, and pumpkin dishes offer unique flavours.