Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins

The Ichijodani Asakura Clan Historic Ruins (一乗谷朝倉氏遺跡, Ichijōdani Asakurashi Iseki) in Fukui Prefecture are the remains of a once-flourishing samurai castle town from Japan’s Muromachi period. Once the seat of the powerful Asakura Clan, Ichijodani served as a major political, military, and cultural hub, with over 10,000 residents at its peak. In 1573, the town was burned to the ground by Oda Nobunaga during his campaign to unify Japan. Today, a 200-meter stretch of the original townscape has been meticulously reconstructed. Visitors can walk through authentic samurai residences, merchant shops, and artisan homes, some furnished with lifelike mannequins to vividly portray daily life in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Beyond the reconstructed area, the surrounding valley is open for exploration and dotted with historical remnants, including the foundations of temples, stone gates, landscaped gardens, and the former site of the Asakura lords’ residence. A restored entrance gate marks the location of the old castle compound. For deeper insight, the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum—opened in 2022 near Ichijodani Station—offers an immersive experience. The museum features well-preserved artifacts, a detailed diorama of the original town, and a recreated section of the clan’s residence. Highlights include Japan’s oldest known flower bed and the remains of a historic riverside dock, offering a rare glimpse into both the refined culture and strategic design of this lost samurai city.