Go on an adventure in southern Fukui — a lush environment that remains one of Japan’s hidden gems.
Destination: Hokuriku Area (Fukui)
Highlights: Various points of interest
Duration: One day
Travel package type: Local optional activities
Type of experience: Outdoor activities
English language assistance: Available
Trip type: Small group
Recommended season for this vacation package: Year-round
Fukui has it all, including rugged coastlines, lush mountain forests, and a culture steeped in ancient craftsmanship. Its nature scenes alone are stunning and unforgettable. Stretching out before your eyes is a clear blue ocean. With its breathtaking beauty, it isn't hard to see why the area is famous for its delicious fish. Along the coast, which is the largest scale rias coastline on the Japan Sea side, you can see many beautiful scenes and nostalgic townscapes in Japan. Some of these have been preserved by human hands and passed down through the years.
Fukui is also a land of great abundance. The prefecture was once the supplier of food to the Imperial Court since the Asuka and Nara Periods. Their salt and marine products were brought to the capital, supporting the city's food culture.
Even in ancient times, the Reinan Area was the center of activity. It was the hub connecting sea routes from the continent to the land routes leading to the capital. Its strategic location has led to the rise of ports, castle towns, and inn towns. When you visit, be sure to enjoy the nostalgic townscape and beautiful nature to the fullest.
With its coastal areas and rich ocean produce, Fukui was once the region that provided seafood to the imperial court. Even today, it is known for its excellent mackerel that you can enjoy with other seafood at shops and restaurants anywhere in the region.
Fukui has a lot to offer the curious traveler. From various outdoor activities to beautiful destinations, you'll get a glimpse of the region's rich history and scenic spots.
One of the best ways to enjoy adventure travel in Fukui's Reinan area is by engaging in various activities. Go on an adventure that will take you through the region's beautiful nature spots. Explore bike trails that offer breathtaking views. Hike up Sanjusangen-zan and Wakasa-Komagatake to see spectacular mountain vistas. Fukui has a lot for any traveler to see, do, and enjoy.
If you love the outdoors, you can take an electric bike and see three lakes of Mikata Five Lakes. This route takes you to see Lake Miakata, Lake Suga, and Lake Suigetsu. While the trail has some slopes, it is basically flat, making it safe for first-time bikers or those a little concerned about their physical strength.
As you bike the trail, you can enjoy local nature sights and see the lifestyle of the people around the lake. Sample the local gourmet food and sightsee places like Mihama Town and Wakasa Town. If you have enough time, you can also stop by some local shops, like Umeboshi, or a nearby Japanese wine cellar.
Address: PAMCO (start and end point of the tour) 64-9-1 Umiyama, Wakasa-cho, Mikata kaminaka-gun, Fukui 919-1461
How to get to PAMCO: From Tsuruga Station, take the Obama Line to Mikata Station. Then take the local bus bound for "Tsunekami" (20 minutes) and get off at "Umiyama" bus stop. Then it takes about a minute of walking to get to PAMCO.
*Please note that there are about 5 buses a day.
Take some time off and enjoy what nature has to offer when you hike the Satoyama Trail. Start at Wakasa-Kumagawa-juku and hike a total of 11 kilometers to Wakasa Komagatake. See other beautiful sights along the way, including the historical townscape of Kumagawa-juku. Explore the remains of Kumagawa Castle. On the observation deck, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of nature scenes and charming historical remains. It's possible to enjoy a hike through beech forests and Komagatake in all seasons.
Rest from your climb and enjoy sandwiches and coffee. You’ll go to Rainbow Line next, go on a drive, and enjoy spectacular views of the Mikato Five Lakes and the Japan Sea. Take the cable car to visit Summit Park, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the five lakes. When the weather is good, the view of Echizen Cape and Hakusan (Mt. Hakusan) is very beautiful.
Address: Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikatakaminaka-gun, Fukui 919-1532
How to get to Kumagawa-juku: From Tsuruga Station, take the Obama Line to Kaminaka Station. Make your way to the Kaminaka Bus Station and take the Wakae Line to the Wakasa Kumagawa Bus Station.
From Kumagawa-juku, which has preserved its historic roads since 1598, you can hop on a gravel bike and cycle down an old trail. This trail takes you past Lake Myojin and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain bikers. You will bike through a full-fledged gravel road till you arrive at the old forest park, where you can enjoy flowers in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, and autumn leaves in the fall.
Pass through the park, and you’ll arrive at the trailhead for Wakasa Komagatake. Hike the Kumagawa trail for about an hour to reach the summit of Wagasa-Komagatake. You'll see beautiful beech forests and spectacular views of the Japan Sea and Lake Biwa. From the summit, you will walk along a ridge of beech and maple trees. Take some photos and enjoy the stunning views before returning to Kumagawa-juku on your gravel bikes.
Cyclists bringing their bikes to Japan can get an extra checked baggage allowance for their sports equipment when they take Japan Airlines.
Address: Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikatakaminaka-gun, Fukui 919-1532
How to get to Kumagawa-juku: From Tsuruga Station, take the Obama Line to Kaminaka Station. Make your way to the Kaminaka Bus Station and take the Wakae Line to the Wakasa Kumagawa Bus Station.
Aside from cycling and trekking activities for outdoor enthusiasts, Fukui has beautiful sightseeing spots you shouldn't miss.
Established in 1589, Kumagawa-juku was where travelers could take a break from their long trips between Kyoto and the Wakasa region in southern Fukui. It arose on the Sabakaido Road along the Kitagawa River and became a shipping area for transporting goods. Wakasa provided fresh, high-quality seafood to the imperial court in Kyoto for many years.
Through the years, Kumagawa-juku has preserved its traditional townscape. In 2015, it was certified as a Japanese Heritage Site -” Wakasa Province (A Cultural Heritage Linking the Sea to the Ancient Capital).” You will also find a museum that preserves and displays various documents and objects related to the history of Kumagawa-juku and the Saba Kaido network of its trade routes.
Address: Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikatakaminaka-gun, Fukui 919-1532
How to get to Kumagawa-juku: From Tsuruga Station, take the Obama Line to Kaminaka Station. Make your way to the Kaminaka Bus Station and take the Wakae Line to the Wakasa Kumagawa Bus Station.
Along the Rainbow Line, an 11-kilometer road running through the mountains, is the Rainbow Line Summit Park, located at the top of Mt. Baijodake. It’s a two-minute cable car ride from the Rainbow Line parking area and is the only place that allows you to see all the Five Mikata Lakes all at once. As you gaze out into the views, you may notice that each lake has a different shade of blue due to its varying salinity concentrations and water depths.
The Rainbow Summit Park is also called the “Terrace of the Sky” because of its five terraces. You can view the lakes from any of the park’s five terraces. There is a cozy building available for use on rainy and windy days, providing a relaxing space to unwind even during inclement weather. Each terrace offers various attractions, such as sofas and foot baths. The park also has a rose garden, which blooms from mid-May to mid-June and mid-October to mid-November. You’ll also find Wago Shrine and various cafes. You'll find shops where visitors can buy “wish plates” — small pottery dishes where you can write your wish and throw down the mountain for a Tengu to grant your wish.
Address: 75-2-6 Hiruga, Mihama-cho, Mikata-gun, Fukui 919-1126
Opening hours:
• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from March to November
• 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM from December to February
How to get to Rainbow Line Summit Park: Take a train from Tsuruga Station to Kiyama or Mikata Station and take a cab to the Rainbow Line Summit Park.
One of the largest seafood markets on the Sea of Japan coast, Nihonkai Sakanmachi has over 50 shops to explore. You’ll also find shops that sell mentaiko seasoned cod roe, dried seafood, green tea, and soft-serve ice cream, besides fresh seafood.
Wakasa Bay near Tsuruga City has a rias coastline and is a rich fishing ground where you can try Echizen crab. It is a lively place where you can witness shops selling fresh catches from Tsuruga Port. You’ll get to see and experience the energetic place filled with the sellers’ voices.
If you want your meal with fresh seafood or piping hot, check out the different restaurants the market has to offer. They serve various dishes, and you can have them there or to-go. You’ll find several seafood delicacies, including grilled fish, fresh sashimi, or sushi. Some restaurants also serve other items, including katsu-don pork cutlet bowls and ramen.
Address: 1-1531 Wakaba-chō, Tsuruga, Fukui 914-0125
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to get to Nihonkai Sakanamachi: From Tsuruga Station, ride the city bus to the Nihonkai Sakanamachi Stop and walk a little to get to the market.
If you’re flying in through Tokyo, take the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to Komatsu Airport. Take the airport limousine bus to Fukui Station and hop on the train to Tsuruga Station.
If you’re flying into Osaka International Airport, you just have to take the bus to Kyoto Station and then the train to Tsuruga Station.
Booking with JAL Vacation Packages helps you build your trip the way you want to. It’s an easy and hassle-free way of booking your trip and arranging your tours. You can buy international and domestic tickets with hotel and adventure travel activities. You can even rent a car aside from your flight and accommodations.
Packed with culture, history, and stunning nature scenes, Fukui is one place you shouldn’t miss. Take some time to explore its ancient cities and panoramic vistas. Indulge in the best experiences and the most delectable dishes in an experience you will never forget.
Book your adventure through Fukui with JAL Vacation Packages.
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