Have been to Echizen several times before, but never during Golden Week. Nishiyama Park is quite large, with a lot to do whether it’s a festival season or not. There’s a gorgeous fountain, many trails and footpaths that you can take, and gorgeous views of the entire prefecture from a children’s park atop the hill. There is a small zoo at the top of the hill that is free to be public (though a 100yen donation is suggested and highly appreciated), and there are several primates, birds, and most prominently, a Red Panda (or Lesser Panda) exhibit complete with a walk through enclosure, family tree, and breeding program information. The park itself was beautiful because we happened to visit during the Azalea Festival, with entire hillsides covered in beautiful flowers, lanterns, and of course many vendor booths selling traditional Japanese street food, as well as many Azalea flavored confections. A gorgeous stop if you’re traveling around Echizen!