Kumagawa-juku developed as a post town and trade junction between the Wakasa region and Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. Since ancient times, Wakasa flourished through trade with mainland Asia and other regions, while also sending its own bountiful natural resources south to the capital, fulfilling the duties of a miketsukuni (“food province”) to provide food to the emperor’s court. The traditional townscape of Kumagawa-juku reflects the prosperity and liveliness of the town’s past and is an important historical resource of Fukui Prefecture.

Many travelers staying in Kumagawa-juku have discovered that time passes slowly here. Even now, people are still enchanted by the traditional culture and beautiful natural scenery that blessed this town.

Kumagawa-juku was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1996 and a Japan Heritage Site in 2015.