Aizu is the western region of Fukushima Prefecture. Aizu Wakamatsu City is a center of the region and as the city names themselves as "Samurai City", the area shows the samurai tradition at the landmarks such as Tsuruga Castle and Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai residence). It also has been a town of merchants with beautiful storehouses. Ouchi-juku is an old post town which is famous with its traditional thatched buildings that line its main street.
Fukui Prefecture is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Eihei-ji Temple a leading Zen temple established in 1244. The temple complex consists of over 70 buildings and structures connected by walkways. Fukui is the center of dinosaur research in Japan with the country's largest excavation site. Fukui Dinosaur Museum is Japan's best museum of its kind. The best season for Fukui's special taste "Echizen crab" is Nov. 6 - Mar. 20.