In Kono in Minami-Echizen Town, a summer fireworks festival is held every year. The dynamic sound that reverberates off the mountains is breathtaking!

You should definitely see the flowers on rainy days at Seumo Park! It is the droplets that have gathered on the lotus leaves. Lotus leaves are highly water-repellent, so they collect water neatly. The rainwater floating on the lotus leaves sparkles like a work of art.

From Saturday, October 18, the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum presents Castle Collection 2025 – Autumn: Colors of the Castle. Across Japan, surviving tenshu (main keeps) and reconstructed tenshu serve as castle symbols. At castles without a tenshu, yagura (watchtowers) and gates mark their identity. Enjoy various “castle forms” from papercraft and plastic models to figures and confectionery boxes. Castle Collection 2025 – Autumn: Colors of the Castle Exhibition period: Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Thursday, December 26, 2025 Note: November 15 and 16 are Kansai Culture Days, when admission is free. Venue: Learning Room and Entrance Hall, Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (through the end of November) 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (December onward) Closed: Every Monday (if a public holiday, closed the following day) 25-2 Sakaki, Mihama Town, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission: Adults 100 yen, children 50 yen (junior high school age and younger) Group discount applies for groups of 20 or more.

The pink lotus in the second photo and the white lotus in the third photo are actually the same lotus! This variety is called kosanshoku, and its buds and early blooms look pink as in the first photo, but by the third to fourth day they change from pink to white! https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19388/...

Yashagaike sits on the border between Minami-Echizen, Fukui Prefecture and Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture. From a little higher up, doesn’t it look like some kind of shape? 💕 The view of Yashagaike from a short climb above the pond gives you a slightly special feeling. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19456/...

“Kogane no Ume” is one of Minami-Echizen Town’s specialties. Because “Kogane no Ume” ripens later than other plums, it takes about one more month before it is ready to harvest. The green fruit turns yellow and fills the air with a sweet, fruity scent that makes you want to take a deep breath. They are sold at the Roadside Station Minami Echizen Sankairi during the harvest season.

Commemorative photo of a solo traveler A scene from Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, at Kuzuryuko Station on the JR Etsumi Kita Line. I am traveling alone using the Blue Spring 18 ticket, and as a commemoration of coming here, I took a selfie using the mirror on the platform.

A child who is scared when his favorite dinosaur becomes life-size! Even so, it was 😂 very cool to see them have the courage to stand up to it

My child likes dinosaurs, so I Outbound a trip to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Fukui Prefecture. I was scared that my favorite dinosaur would become life-size! I took a picture 📷 of them running frantically from the dinosaurs

Cherry blossom-lined streets can be found everywhere in Minami-Echizen! We also offer bicycle rentals, so why not take a relaxed ride along the country roads? We look forward to welcoming you around April.

The “Kaiko Fest 2025” digital stamp rally campaign runs from Wednesday, October 1, 2025, through Sunday, November 30, 2025. Collect digital stamps by visiting sightseeing spots and attractions around the Mikata Goko area for a chance to win accommodation vouchers and local specialties from Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in a drawing! Brochures for the stamp rally are available at the participating sightseeing spots and attractions where digital stamps are placed, so please join us. “Kaiko Fest 2025” Digital Stamp Rally Campaign ■ Event period: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 ■ Prizes Five winners will be drawn to receive a 20,000-yen pair accommodation subsidy voucher for Wakasa and Mihama accommodations (eligible to apply after collecting five or more stamps). Ten winners will be drawn to receive a 10,000-yen accommodation subsidy voucher for Wakasa and Mihama accommodations (eligible to apply after collecting five or more stamps). Fifty winners will be drawn to receive a 2,000-yen Wakasa and Mihama shopping voucher (eligible to apply after collecting three or more stamps). Fifty winners will be drawn to receive a 3,000-yen assortment of Wakasa and Mihama local specialties (eligible to apply after collecting three or more stamps). ■ Inquiries: Mikata Goko Regional Tourism Council (Wakasa Town Tourism and Community Development Division) TEL (0770) 32-45-9111 https://platinumaps.jp/d/wakasa-mikatagoko?sr=1390...

“Sea glass” refers to fragments of glass you can find along seashores and the shores of large lakes. Their unique muted tones and delicate beauty feel like gifts from the sea. Accessories made with that sea glass are sold at “Dotto Kitamae,” located on the grounds of the Kitamaebune Shipowners’ House Ukon Family Museum! When light passes through, sea glass shines with a distinctive glow—why not add it to your new-life wardrobe for a stylish touch?

Ukon Family Museum of Kitamaebune Shipowners — Hina Dolls These dolls were a gift in Taisho 6 (1917) to Fukuko, the eldest daughter of the 11th head of the family, Mr. Gitaro, and his wife. They are on display for a limited time; for details please check the Minami-Echizen Town tourism information site.

We are holding a meet-and-greet for people who have moved back to Mihama Town through a UI turn relocation. Join us for a sightseeing boat cruise and an informal meal to chat about life after moving here. Mihama UIj Turn Relocation Meet-and-Greet at Lake Center Date and Time: Saturday, October 11, 2025 16:00–16:50 Sightseeing boat tour around the Mikata Five Lakes 17:00–19:00 Dinner and social gathering Location: Mihama Town Lake Center: 24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town (tel 0770-47-5960) Those wishing to board the sightseeing boat should meet at 15:45. Those attending only the social gathering should meet at 17:00. Participation Fees: Boat tour + social gathering 2,000 JPY (tax included) + 1,000 JPY (tax included) Social gathering only 2,000 JPY (tax included) Child rates: Social gathering 500 JPY (tax included); Boat tour 1,000 JPY (tax included) Eligibility: People who have relocated to Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture (UIJ turn) Mihama UIj Turn Relocation Meet-and-Greet at Lake Center Application Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiQFekMDcixANKjmEawH3820nd-zx7nkk1Y145d8wnkELCqw/viewform...

On Monday, November 24 (substitute holiday), we will welcome Chris Glenn, a radio DJ and talent who also serves as a director of the Japan Castle Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation), to host a guided tour of the Kuniyoshi Castle ruins. Enjoy a different perspective on the Kuniyoshi Castle ruins through the eyes of Chris Glenn. A guided tour of the Kuniyoshi Castle ruins from the viewpoint of a castle-loving radio DJ Date and time: Saturday, November 24, 2025 (substitute holiday) 1:30 PM–3:30 PM Meeting place: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Fee: Free (advance registration required) (Call or fax between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on open days) This event will proceed in light rain. Please wear comfortable clothing and well-broken-in shoes suitable for walking. On the day of the event only, participants may enter the museum free of charge.

The annual "Connect Our Hometown with Beacon Fires at Kuniyoshi Castle" will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This year we will link Kuniyoshi Castle’s main bailey and the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum. Take this chance to experience a medieval method of communication. Participants in the day’s events will receive free admission to the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum. Connect Our Hometown with Beacon Fires at Kuniyoshi Castle Gather at 10:00 on Sunday, October 19, 2025 Ignition at Kuniyoshi Castle site main bailey at 11:00 AM Ignition at Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum around 11:40 AM *The event will proceed in light rain.*

Autumn Lake Festa — Opening the tour boat deck on Urami River! — (October 11, 12, 13) From Saturday, October 11 to Monday, October 13, 2025, we will hold the Autumn Lake Festa. We will begin operating the Mikata Five Lakes Nature Cruise, which opens the tour boat deck from Urami River. You can experience with all your senses scenery like a jungle, with sheer rock faces and dense primeval forest close at hand. One of the highlights of the Mikata Five Lakes Nature Cruise is the Urami River, which links Kugushi Lake and Suigetsu Lake. This historic canal was artificially excavated about 360 years ago as flood control after an earthquake. The jungle-like sight of towering rock faces and lush primeval forest viewed from the tour boat deck is breathtaking. Autumn Lake Festa Overview Dates: Saturday, October 11; Sunday, October 12; Monday (national holiday), October 13, 2025 Fare: Adults: ¥1,980; Elementary school students: ¥990; Preschool children: Free Departure times: Grieve (capacity: 20) 9:30, 10:45, 13:00, 14:15, 15:30 Kuut (capacity: 25) 10:00, 11:15, 13:30, 14:45, 16:00 Cruise duration: Approximately 50 minutes Special offer: Passengers will receive Harukamaru’s buri katsu (yellowtail cutlet) while supplies last! Present the distributed flyer to receive a discount on the fare. Special events: On the 11th only, a quiz contest by the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team (same-day registration, first 20 people each session, held at 10:00 and 14:00) In the evening there will be a Newcomers’ Exchange (advance reservation required, 17:00–19:00, 25 people, participation fee ¥3,000 includes a boarding ticket※ and food and drink) ※The 16:00 sailing will operate as an exclusive service for Exchange participants. [Apply here] ⇛ https://forms.gle/Dtmf1uxzyCqeZ8zS9...

The heat has cooled down, and it’s about time for outdoor picnics🌸 . When that time comes, I recommend the bread and baked sweets from Karion (Hanasato-ne)! They offer classic breads like anpan and melon pan, plus seasonal breads, so you’ll have a hard time choosing which one to pick💦 Their gateau au chocolat is moist inside, richly chocolatey, and more substantial than it looks😍 . Karion’s breads and sweets are also sold at the Roadside Station Minami Echizen Sanka-ri in Minami-Echizen town, Shikisai, and the Honey Nanjo store!

Winter in Fukui brings many cloudy, rainy, and snowy days, and the sky is often leaden. That makes a sunny break all the more precious! A winter sunset seen after a long time looks especially beautiful against the clear air.

The Nakamura family built great wealth as owners of cargo-buying ships. The Nakamura House is a large mansion of a Kitamaebune shipowner, featuring a distinctive estate layout and a three-story guestroom wing. It has been open to the public since April 2024. Can you feel the history and romance of the Kitamaebune captains who endured and thrived on the majestic Sea of Japan?

The flyer for the “Waves of Light Project in Suishohama,” held at Suishohama from Saturday, September 27 to Monday, September 29, has arrived!! This is an evening event, so please watch your step when you come. Event Overview Waves of Light Project in Suishohama (Dates) Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Monday, September 29, 2025 (Time) 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (sunset expected at 5:46 PM) (Venue) Suishohama Beach, in front of Parking Lot No. 2 (About 200 meters of shoreline will be lit by lights) Special lighting called “Hololight” will create a breathtaking illuminated shoreline. Blue lights will play with the waves to produce a unique, otherworldly scene. This autumn, indulge in a sublime mindfulness experience of light and waves that you can only enjoy at Suishohama. *The event may be canceled without notice due to sudden severe weather or other unavoidable circumstances. If canceled, we will announce it on the town website. Contact Mihama Town Tourism and Visitor Promotion Division TEL: 0770-32-6705 MAIL: kanko@town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp https://www.town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp/soshiki/11/14780.html...

Because soba breaks more easily than other noodles, it came to be eaten on the night before New Year’s Eve as a way of symbolically cutting off the misfortunes of the past year. In the Imajo area, families make soba at home at the end of the year to serve as their year-crossing noodles.

In the Kono Area, narcissus flowers bloom across the slopes facing the Echizen Coast in winter. How about enjoying the elegant narcissus with its pleasant fragrance?

Itadori-juku in Imajo offers a charming retro atmosphere! This site contains the remains of a checkpoint that once marked the entrance to the Hokkokukaido. By establishing the checkpoint, it served an important role in regulating travelers on the road.✨ Nearby stand four traditional houses with thatched roofs built in the kogashira style, and they are certified under Fukui Prefecture’s Traditional House Recognition System. If you’re curious, visit and you might enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere.

The soba in Imajo district of Minami-Echizen Town is superb. Come and taste the fragrant, exquisite soba for yourself!

Ripe astringent persimmons are exquisite♪ You might even eat some as you harvest if you get hungry...

Horticulture LABO no Oka offers time and space where visitors can deepen their understanding of horticulture while enjoying it through hands-on experiences of learning, creating, and eating. Full of excitement! Summer LABO news! The experience menu for October to December is packed with seasonal workshops you can only try at this time of year, including “Smoketree Autumn Garnet,” “Christmas Bûche de Noël,” and “New Year’s kadomatsu (pine gate) making.” There are also drop-in experiences that require no reservation, so please stop by when you visit Mihama. Horticulture LABO no Oka https://www.pref.fukui.lg.jp/doc/noushi/engeitaikensisetsu/event.html... Address: 35-32-1 Kugushi, Mihama Town Phone: 0770-47-6162 Hours: 9:30–17:00 Closed: Mondays (if a public holiday, the next weekday)

Autumn tradition: persimmon harvesting! Using a bamboo-handled scissor pole made for harvesting, each persimmon is picked one by one. That skill is a craftsman’s art! The technique of a mother who has harvested persimmons for 50 years is truly impressive ✨😍

First-ever on the Sea of Japan side! Light Wave Project at Suishohama Beach Step away from the bustle of everyday life and find a moment of calm at Suishohama Beach, celebrated as one of Japan’s Top 88 Beaches. We present the Sea of Japan’s inaugural "Light Wave Project at Suishohama." Watch the sky shift from the moving gradations of the setting sun to an otherworldly shoreline where the special lighting system "Hololight" makes the waves glow blue. This sequence of artful moments gently awakens your senses and draws you into a space of wave sounds, sea breeze, and light. It is a truly mindful, healing time to center yourself in the here and now. Regain inner calm and sink into the dreamlike art as Suishohama’s stunning sunset and the blue-lit waves combine to create a miraculously beautiful scene. Experience it for yourself. Event Overview Light Wave Project at Suishohama (Dates) Saturday, September 27 to Monday, September 29, 2025 (Time) 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (sunset expected at 5:46 PM) (Venue) Suishohama Beach, in front of Parking Lot No. 2 (approximately 200 meters of shoreline will be illuminated) Program Details 〇 Breathtaking shoreline illumination using the special lighting system "Hololight" : Blue light plays with the waves to create a uniquely fantastical sight. 〇 Attractive food trucks on site : Warm drinks and light meals will enrich the long autumn evenings. 〇 Lantern-lit, cozy dining area : Relax and enjoy food while gazing at the enchanting scenery. 〇 Gentle ground-level decorative lighting : Lights installed along viewing areas such as bridge walkways will help illuminate your footing. Notes and Requests for Visitors To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone, please observe the following. 〇 The sea at night is very dangerous. Please enjoy the event only from the designated viewing areas. We cannot accept responsibility for actions or accidents that occur outside these areas. 〇 There are no seats provided at the venue. Please bring chairs or picnic mats if needed. 〇 Coastal areas can be poorly lit at night. For safety, we strongly recommend bringing a flashlight. 〇 Parking is limited. Please share spaces considerately with others. 〇 We are not responsible for accidents or thefts that occur in the parking area. 〇 This event relies on natural phenomena; depending on weather and wave conditions, the sunset or glowing waves may be difficult to see. 〇 In the event of sudden severe weather or other unavoidable circumstances, the event may be canceled without prior notice. Cancellations will be announced on the town website. This autumn, savor an unparalleled mindfulness experience woven from light and waves that you can enjoy only at Suishohama. Inquiries Mihama Town Tourism and Visitor Promotion Division TEL: 0770-32-6705 MAIL: kanko@town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp https://www.town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp/soshiki/11/14780.html...

There are many scenic spots on the way up to Yashagaike. As you climb, enjoy the sound of the river and the birdsong!