Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Update
Japan’s oldest flower bed now features a glass viewing deck.
Cover photo: A glass deck encircles the historic flower bed of the Asakura Residence, Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, Fukui, Japan (2025). Photo by Danny With Love.
Fukui’s Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins (一乗谷朝倉氏遺跡) in Fukui Prefecture is the largest site of medieval ruins in Japan. At its peak in the Sengoku (Warring States) period, Ichijodani Castle Town was the third-largest city in the country. Rediscovered in 1967, it’s one of only six sites to receive a rare triple national designation as a Special Historic Site, Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and an Important Cultural Property. Now, visitors can better admire Japan’s oldest flower bed thanks to a new glass viewing deck!
New Glass Deck at the Asakura Residence
The historic site now features a new glass viewing deck that provides comfortable access around the Asakura Residence. The deck encircles the lord’s garden, called Japan’s oldest flower bed. Measuring 150 square meters (1,615 square feet), the deck’s shape follows the excavated floorplan of the residence.
Begun in 2011 and completed in March, 2025, the project marks Japan’s first use of glass to protect an outdoor cultural asset. The glass is non-slip and the deck includes wheelchair access.
Japan’s Oldest Flower Bed
The glass deck allows visitors to enjoy a full 360-degree view of the historic flower bed. Records suggest the garden once featured seven species of flowers, arranged so that one would always be in bloom throughout the year.
Tourists can learn more about the ruins at the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum (opened 2022), which includes detailed dioramas and a life-size reconstruction of the Asakura Residence. The replica garden is decorated with flowers made from local Echizen washi paper! Note: the garden may be covered by a temporary stage for events.
Access
For the best experience, I recommend spending a full day in Ichijodani, including the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum, Restored Townscape, and Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins.
The Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum costs 700 yen or about 4.50 USD. It’s open from 9:00 to 17:00 (5:00 PM), every day except Monday. A costume experience is available by reservation (500 yen ~ 3.50 USD) and bicycle rentals are also available (500 yen with 1,500 yen deposit ~ 3.50 USD with 10 USD deposit).
The Ichijodani Restored Townscape costs 330 yen or about 2.5 USD. It’s open from 9:00 to 17:00 (5:00 PM) every day and the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins are free to enter and always open to the public.
Fukui Reporter Disclaimer
As part of the Fukui Reporter program, I am tasked with participating in local events and publicly promoting the prefecture. This is a volunteer position that allows me free entrance to a selection of museums throughout the area, including the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum. The opinions I share are my own.
