"Echizen Shi / Takefu" Fukui-ken by beechie

This is a quiet yet beautiful area of Japan with plenty to do if you are not afraid to mix with the locals! Nanjo is a small farming village located 15 minutes south of Takefu (Echizen) Shi on the local Japan Rail line. Nanjo is a close-nit village spead over a wide area that has a strong soccer/football team of youths and adults. Training takes place ona Monday and Thursday night at 9pm at Nanjo Junior High School. Foreigners are still scarce in the village and you'll find yourself being stared at if you look "different". Just smile, nod or bow and say hello in your best Japanese and 9 times out of 10 you'll get a warm reply.

A good source of food and friendly stares is at the restaurant named Shubo infront of Nanjo JR station. A square meal can be bought for between 700 and 1200 Yen.

Some beautiful areas of Nanjo to visit are the oulying townlands of Okunono and Makidani. Where the scenery can be breathtaking after hiking some of the many trails in these areas.