Where Fresh Seafood Meets Mountain Heritage
Echizen Takefu is a vibrant roadside station perfectly positioned adjacent to the newly opened Echizen Takefu Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, serving as a gateway to the rich natural and cultural treasures of Fukui Prefecture. Nestled in a region famed for its exceptional seafood, the station celebrates the bounty of the Sea of Japan with an array of fresh crab, tuna, and local fish, all available for purchase or enjoyed on-site.
Beyond its culinary highlights, Echizen Takefu thrives as a cultural hub where visitors can savor regional specialties like soba and B-grade favorites such as Volga rice and sauce katsu don, while exploring hands-on experiences with traditional crafts like Echizen washi paper and Echizen cutlery. With BBQ areas, picnic spaces, and seasonal events that bring the community to life, this roadside station offers more than a stop—it’s a destination.
Why Visit
Echizen Takefu roadside station stands out as the only stop near the new Echizen Takefu Shinkansen station where you can savor fresh, day-caught snow crab served in a traditional crab hot pot, a seasonal specialty only available here during winter. Just steps away, local artisans showcase authentic Echizen washi paper-making, offering rare hands-on workshops you won’t find elsewhere. With a dedicated BBQ area for guests to grill seafood and regional produce on-site, it’s a true culinary and cultural destination.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Echizen Takefu roadside station, where kani, fresh fish, and regional soba take center stage.
Kani Dining
かに料理
Specialty
Fresh crab dishes
A dining area specializing in fresh crab, featuring local seafood from the region, served in a welcoming and traditional atmosphere.
Soba Noodle House
そば処
Specialty
Local buckwheat noodles
A cozy restaurant serving handmade soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat, offering a rustic and authentic dining experience.
Burgers & Rice
ボルガライス
Specialty
Fukui Prefecture's B-class gourmet
A casual food stall offering regional B-class cuisine, including hearty burgers and rice dishes with a local twist.
Sauce Pork Cutlet Rice
ソースカツ丼
Specialty
Fukui Prefecture's B-class gourmet
A casual food stall serving a beloved regional dish—pork cutlet rice with rich, savory sauce.
Shopping Highlights
Discover premium local goods and seasonal specialties at Echizen Takefu roadside station’s curated market.
Fresh Seafood Market
鮮魚販売
A market specializing in fresh crab and tuna, sourced directly from local fishermen.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Crab
Local Sweets Boutique
お菓子企画
A specialty shop offering sweets made with local ingredients such as 'Ichihomare' rice and 'Red Shikibu' tomatoes.
Products
Must-Try Item
Red Shikibu Tomato Candy
Fukui Prefecture Souvenir Shop
ふるさと納税返礼品
A shop offering popular return gifts from Fukui Prefecture's hometown tax program, including fresh seafood and local produce.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Crab Gift Set
Featured Products
Experience signature items like fresh kani, tuna, and locally crafted treats made from regional ingredients.
Fresh Crab
かに
Premium fresh crab harvested from the local waters of Echizen, known for its rich flavor and tender meat.
Fresh Tuna
まぐろ
High-quality tuna caught daily from local fisheries, ideal for sashimi or grilling.
Red Shikibu Tomato Candy
紅しきぶトマトキャンディ
Delicious candy made from the sweet and tangy 'Red Shikibu' tomatoes grown in Echizen, offering a unique local flavor.
Ichihomare Rice
いちほまれ米
Premium rice variety grown in Echizen, known for its soft texture and rich aroma.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including BBQ areas, rest zones, and overnight parking at Echizen Takefu roadside station.
Parking
The roadside station offers parking facilities for visitors.
Adjacent to the station and accessible from the main entrance
Restroom
Clean and accessible restrooms are available for visitors.
Throughout the facility, including near the food and shopping areas
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility, including the food and shopping areas
Information Center
An information center is available to assist visitors with local tourism, events, and directions.
Near the main entrance and reception area
Play Area
A designated play area is available for children to enjoy.
Within the facility grounds, near the outdoor seating area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the entrance and information center
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the restroom area, accessible from the main corridor
Insider Tips
Visit during peak season for the freshest catch and plan ahead for limited-time local events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of the day’s fresh crab from the local fishmonger stall, as it is replenished daily and often sells out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter near the entrance and ask for the limited-edition "Red Shikibu Tomato" jam, which is only available during the harvest season from late August to early October.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive by 11:00 AM to secure a spot at the outdoor BBQ area before the 12:00 PM reservation slot fills up; the area is reserved for guests who purchase fresh fish from the in-house seafood counter.
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Bulgarian Rice" at the food hall before 1:00 PM, as it is only served during lunch hours and is prepared daily using locally grown rice.
- Seasonal Product Alert: Purchase the new harvest "Hanaechizen" rice starting August 25th at the main sales counter—this limited-run rice is sold exclusively at Echizen Takefu and is not available elsewhere in the prefecture.
- Cultural Experience Tip: Look for the "Kanamono" (hand-forged knives) demonstration schedule posted near the cultural exhibition corner—workshops are held every Friday and Sunday at 2:00 PM and include a hands-on experience with traditional knife-making tools.
- Parking Strategy: Use the dedicated parking spot located directly in front of the seafood counter if you plan to buy live crab or fresh fish, as this is the only spot with immediate access to the refrigerated storage and on-site processing area.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; canola flowers bloom in late March to April.
Summer (June-August): New rice Hanaechizen sold from mid-August; sea bream and other fresh fish at peak.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn festival events held in September and October; seasonal seafood and produce featured.
Winter (December-February): Prime time for delicious crab, especially December to February.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a BBQ area for families, stroller-friendly paths, and safe, accessible parking. No dedicated play area, but interactive food experiences and seasonal events enhance family appeal.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local specialties like fresh crab, sashimi, soba, and regional B-class foods. High-quality produce and artisanal snacks from local farms and craftspeople elevate the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, vending machines, and open parking. Suitable for short stays, but lacks designated overnight parking zones and quiet areas for extended camping comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near the new Echizen Takefu Shinkansen station with scenic views of surrounding farmland and waterways. Offers photo spots and seasonal beauty, especially during harvest and crab season.