Yashagaike shows different faces depending on the season. The deep greens of spring and summer are lovely, but how about the fiery autumn foliage? From the trailhead on the Fukui Prefecture side, it takes about two hours to reach Yashagaike. Try climbing at various times of the year!

"Akariyanse" Around October, it takes place centered on Ukon House, the Kitamaebune Shipowners' Residence. The event lights up the area around Ukon House with LED candles and andon lanterns. The fantastic lights decorate Kono Kitamaebune Shipowners' Street, letting visitors enjoy an atmosphere different from usual.

🚩 Program Overview (Awara Hot Spring/Local Sake Pairing Experience) ■ Contents: Sake course by a proprietress who is qualified as a sake master 　　　　Toast with a welcome drink (sparkling Sake "Landlady's AWA") 　　　　Tasting 3 kinds of local sake built into Fukui Prefecture 　　　　Pairing experience with Local cuisine 　　　　Use of sake vessels of traditional crafts such as Echizen pottery and Echizen lacquerware ■ Held in: Local Sake Brewery Kondo (1 501 Hot Spring, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture) 　　　　　　　Echizen Railway "Awara Yunomachi Station" Get off and walk for about 2 minutes ■Implementation Time: 14:00~15:00 (Opening 10 minutes before) ・Duration: Approximately 1 hour ≪ schedule≫ 14:00 Start of the experience Welcome Toast with a drink 　　 　　　　　　Explanation of Sake / How to drink Sake / Sake tasting / Pairing experience 　　15:00 End / Dismissal　　　 ■ Number of participants: Minimum 4 people, capacity 12 people (will be closed as soon as the capacity is reached) 🚩 Special Terms and Conditions for Fees and Monitors Regular participation fee: 6,000 yen (tax included) / 1 person ▶ Special price for this limited monitor: 2,000 yen / 1 person ■ Conditions for participating in the monitor: (1) Posting the Scene of the experience on social media, etc. (2) Cooperate with a simple questionnaire after participation. * Basically, people under the age of 20 and Car are not Subject to participate 🚩 How to apply (payment is cash only on the day) Google Forms or Email kanko-k@awara.info 🚩 Held in Events Held in "October Festival" at Awara Hot Spring Yunomachi Square (2 minutes walk from the venue) 15:00~21:00 🔄 Cancellation Policy Up to 3 days in advance: 30% of the Fee 2-1 day ago: 50% Same-day or no-show cancellation: 100%

Our official character "Yumeguri Gonzo" We are entering Yuru Verse 2025. It seems that you can vote every day, so please vote for us! ■ Awara City Official Character "Yumeguri Gonzo" ■ Nature and Hot Spring Town, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture The character "Yuzuru Brothers" was born from the "spirit of hospitality". yellowtail a tub of hot water on his head, he runs around in a yukata all year round for Awara PR. He is a little laid-back, but he is the best of the brothers, and the one who always Summary everyone is the third son, "Yu Patrol Gonzo". Search for "Yuru Verse 2025"

Kitamaebune Shipowners’ Street runs along the Shiokaze Line. Here stands the Ukon House, a Kitamaebune shipowner’s residence designated as a Japan Heritage site. The building I’m introducing this time is the Western-style house a few steps up from the Ukon House. What view opens up from the second-floor veranda? That’s a surprise to enjoy when you visit. . When you come to the Ukon House, be sure to climb up to the Western-style house on Kitamaebune Shipowners’ Street for a different experience—the unique scenery you can only see here awaits you. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/64468/...

Fukui Prefecture is the birthplace of Koshihikari rice! Fertile land, nutrient-rich water flowing down from the surrounding mountains, and the large day–night temperature differences in the mountainous areas all make this region suitable for growing Koshihikari, and Minami-Echizen Town is exactly such a place.

The Echizen-Wakasa Castle Festival 2025 will be held again this year on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26, 2025! The venues are in Obama City, home to Obama Castle and Goseyama Castle. This is the largest castle-related event in Fukui Prefecture, bringing together castle enthusiasts and organizations from inside and outside the prefecture. From Mihama Town, the Sakaki-Kunikiyo Castle exhibit will be on display! In addition, four routes are offered as coordinated tours under the “Historical Exploration Bus Tours” program. These will be full days of conversation with local curators, so please be sure to apply. Echizen-Wakasa Castle Festival 2025 Date Saturday, October 25 to Sunday, October 26, 2025 Venue ・JA Fukui Prefecture, Obama Branch └ Booths by castle organizations and sales of limited goods such as castle stamps (goshuin) ・Obama City Comprehensive Welfare Center (Sun Sun Home Obama) └ Keynote lectures and talk sessions ・Wakasa History Museum, Fukui Prefectural Museum └ Hands-on booths and panel exhibits For details, please see the linked page. https://fukushiro.com/etizenwakasa_oshirofes2025/...

Products made in Minami-Echizen Town are being enjoyed in Zanzibar! Heshiko from Sahei, a guesthouse in Minami-Echizen Town, crossed the sea to reach Japanese restaurant Masaru in Zanzibar☆ Heshiko is a fermented food made by salting mackerel and curing it in rice bran for more than a year. You can use it not only for ochazuke, rice balls, and sushi, but also in pasta and pizza, or as a filling for fried rice—there are many ways to enjoy it! https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/35084/...

The sea is great, but the mountains are also worth visiting! Minami-Echizen Town has the sea, of course, and also rivers and waterfalls☆ Even at this time of year the river water is very cold and feels wonderful♪ Refresh yourself while soaking in the negative ions.

The fireworks festival in Echizen City, called “Old Takefu,” is a source of local pride. The fireworks take many shapes, and you can truly appreciate them in photos. They represent the fireworks master’s crowning achievement. Perhaps it’s the viewer’s state of mind, but impressions and preferences change with how you watch. Right now, I prefer thin, flowing trails.

Ichijo Falls in Fukui Prefecture. This is a place deep in the mountains, where you can find flowers, flowers, and cobwebs everywhere. Ichijo Falls in the middle of summer is very thin, but even so, the hydrangeas, which have become unbearable in this year's heat, have become dry and have been webbed by spiders everywhere. Nature is not only beautiful, but I don't want to lose it.

When I went to Ichijo Falls in Fukui Prefecture, I saw summer hydrangeas. In Japan, where summer began early, the hydrangeas, which had been beautiful, were turned into carakaras and ephemeral appearances.

Asakura Ruins in Fukui Prefecture. This is the place just past the Kara Gate. There was a road like this. I wonder if I can peek, walk, and peek into that era.

In Fukui Prefecture, the Takefu Fireworks that used to be held in the old Takefu draw local pride every year on the same day of Obon. Although the city merged and became Echizen City, this fireworks festival remains something the people of Takefu boast about. The fireworks reflected in the Hino River were not only beautiful but somehow wistful.

It’s been hot lately 😵 On days like this, I recommend the “Hasu Soft Serve”❗️ The soft serve, faintly green from lotus powder, isn’t overly sweet and becomes something you suddenly crave during this hot season☆ You can enjoy the Hasu Soft Serve at Hoyattei inside Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi! Location: 919-0203 39-2-2 Makidani, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/80061/...

🌊Echizen Coast🌊 The Echizen Coast is perfect for a driving getaway. In the Kono district of Minami-Echizen Town, you can watch the sun sink beyond the horizon. Come and enjoy a weekend drive yourself☆

Would you like to eat lotus while admiring the lotus flowers? We recommend the local specialty “hasu udon,” a subtly green noodle made with lotus leaf. It has a faint lotus aroma, thin noodles, and a nice chew. Even if the heat has left you a bit drained this summer, you can slurp it down with ease!

○○ Hana Hasu Park ○○ In summer, about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a calm and elegant landscape. The park features walking paths, an observation deck, and rest areas, and many visitors come each year for the annual Hasu Festival. You can also enjoy lotus-based gourmet dishes and local specialties. Address 64-41 Nakagoya, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture 919-0214

A mysterious, legendary pond lies tucked in the mountains, reached by a trekking course rich in nature. Sitting at about 1,100 meters above sea level, the pond is remarkably clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it. Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage both shine here, offering a different face each season. The hiking path is well maintained, and viewpoints along the way offer sweeping views of the Echizen mountain range. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19456/...

Imajō-juku is a post town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Its stone-paved streets and rows of white-walled houses evoke history and offer a tranquil ambiance. It holds high cultural value and has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Hands-on tourism is plentiful, including soba noodle-making experiences and guided town walks. Nearby you will find a museum, cafés, and lodging in renovated traditional houses, where you can enjoy a graceful time steeped in history. Access A five-minute walk from Happy Line Fukui Imajō Station / a 10-minute drive from the Hokuriku Expressway Imajō IC https://www.minamiechizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/imajojuku-guidemap-en.pdf...

Bokumaisen Shipowners Street⚓ Bokumaisen Shipowners Street is a historic lane centered on the Ukon and Nakamura families, who amassed great wealth as coastal cargo ship owners. Eleven cities and towns with connections to the Bokumaisen shipping tradition have been designated a Japan Heritage site.👏 In Minami-Echizen Town’s Kono area, the cultural properties that form the Japan Heritage story include the Ukon House, the Former Ukon Residence Western-Style House, and the Nakamura Residence. Each residence is open to the public. Inside the Ukon House, exhibits recreate merchant life and display materials that introduce the trade routes of the time, creating a space history lovers will relish. Perched on the hill behind the main house, the Former Ukon Residence Western-Style House was built as the Ukon family’s villa and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. You can spot modern touches throughout the building. The Nakamura Residence is a large-scale shipowner estate featuring a distinctive layout and a three-story tatami room. Every building shows careful craftsmanship, and each offers a different architectural style to explore. Enjoy the unique landscape shaped by the lifestyle and livelihoods of Kono in Minami-Echizen Town. You can feel the romantic history of the Bokumaisen shipowners who bravely made their living on the vast Sea of Japan. Address: 2-15 Kono, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture TEL: 0778-48-2196 Opening hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Wednesdays and December 29–January 3 Access By car (From the Kansai and Chukyo regions) ・About 20 minutes via Route 305 from the Hokuriku Expressway Nanjo Smart I.C. ・About 40 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway Tsuruga I.C., head north on Route 8, take the Echizen–Kono Shiokaze Line, then Route 305. (From Ishikawa and Fukui) ・About 20 minutes via Route 305 from the Hokuriku Expressway Nanjo Smart I.C. ・About 30 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway Takefu I.C., head south on Route 8, then take Route 305 from the Sakurabashi intersection. By train From Happy Line Takefu Station or Echizen Railway Takefu Station, take the Fukutetsu Bus Ojiho–Kono Line for about 40 minutes, or a taxi for about 30 minutes.

If you are coming by car, the Hokuriku Expressway’s Nanjo Smart IC is about a five-minute drive away, making access from the highway extremely convenient. From Nagoya and Osaka it takes about two to three hours by car or train, making day trips ideal. You can also use the Hapiline Fukui Imadate Line stations Imadzo Station and Nanjo Station, which make rail travel from the Kansai and Chukyo areas comfortable and convenient. We also sell a one-way taxi ticket to the destination for 500 yen. At Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi and Hapiline Imajo Station you can rent electric bicycles, so a relaxed cycling tour around Minami-Echizen Town is a popular way to sightsee.

Minamiechizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture, located almost in the center of Fukui Prefecture, is a town where sea, mountains, and countryside blend together and where history and culture live on. The town covers about 344 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 9,000 people (as of May 2025), offering abundant nature and a peaceful way of life. Minamiechizen was formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nanjo Town, Imajo Town, and Kono Village, and each area contributes its own character and attractions. Stretching north to south, Minamiechizen presents a variety of living landscapes, from coastal settlements to mountain farming villages, each rooted in its own culture and customs. Along the coastline you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sea of Japan, and inland you can see satoyama landscapes woven from mountains and clear streams! Minamiechizen is also known as a region that preserves Japan’s original rural scenery, where you can experience a lifestyle in harmony with nature as it changes through the four seasons. In the tranquil rice-growing areas, agricultural experiences such as rice planting and harvesting are popular and delight many visitors.

Mihama Station (originally named Kawaraichi Station at opening) began operation when the Obama Line opened in the Taisho era. Over time, the area in front of the station changed through development. At the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum, photos—mainly from the Showa period—look back at Mihama Station’s appearance. Scenes in front of Mihama Station Exhibition period: Saturday, July 19, 2025–Monday, October 13, 2025 (public holiday) Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing) Venue: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum rest space, 25-2 Sakaki, Mihama Town Closed: Every Monday and the day after public holidays Admission: Adults 100 yen; Children 50 yen (junior high school students and younger). Group discount applies for 20 or more people. Inquiries: Tel. 0770-32-0050

Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum is holding its "Summer Vacation Workshop" again this year! Why not learn about the history of Kuniyoshi Castle by making a Kuniyoshi Castle papercraft and an original castle red-seal stamp? Summer Vacation Workshop 2025 1. Let’s make a Kuniyoshi Castle papercraft Date and Time: July 27 (Sun), August 3 (Sun), August 10 (Sun), August 11 (Mon, public holiday), August 17 (Sun) Morning sessions from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Capacity: 3 families/groups per session (children up to junior high must be accompanied by a guardian) Materials Fee: 500 yen (one kit per group) Bring: Scissors, craft knife, cutting mat (if available) 2. Make your own original castle red-seal stamp Date and Time: July 26 (Sat) to August 31 (Sun), 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Note: Offered every day during the above period except museum closed days Eligibility and Fee: Open to all museum visitors! Materials Fee: 100 yen (one backing sheet) Bring: Nothing (feel free to come empty-handed!) Registration: Accepted anytime Note: Registration accepted until 4:30 PM Common Information for 1 and 2 Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, 25-2 Sakaki, Mihama Town Closed: Every Monday Admission: Adults 100 yen, Children 50 yen (junior high school and younger)※Group discount for 20 or more people Inquiries: Phone 0770-32-0050

✨The Lotus Festival is now on✨ The Lotus Festival runs at Hanahasu Park in Minami-Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture through Monday, August 11 (national holiday). It’s about a five-minute drive from Nanjo Interchange. If you visit the Nanjo Service Area or Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi, please stop by 🚙 At Hanahasu Park you can see about 130 varieties of lotus. On sunny days they appear large and vibrant, while on rainy days they take on a dreamy, otherworldly mood; their look also changes by time of day. Come see them on different days!!! The large lotus flowers and leaves are striking and well worth seeing 👀 Various events are held in the park mainly on weekends! We look forward to your visit!!! 〇 For details, see the Minami-Echizen Town tourism information site 〇 🔍 The 33rd Lotus Festival Period: Saturday, June 28 – Monday, August 11 (national holiday) Venue: Hanahasu Park (64-41 Nakagoya, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture) Inquiries: Minami-Echizen Town Tourism and Community Development Division (TEL: 0778-47-8002) Minami-Echizen Town Tourism Federation https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/80061/...

Electric-propelled Sightseeing Boat (Mihama Town Lake Center) This sightseeing boat operates on Mikata Five Lakes, a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention, and uses no heavy oil or similar fuels to protect the environment. Power generated by the facility’s solar panels is stored in onboard lithium-ion secondary batteries (about 300 kWh) to run the vessel. The boat is very quiet, and the leisurely 50-minute cruise across calm waters lets you enjoy the rich nature of Mikata Five Lakes. The basic route departs from Lake Kugushi, passes through the Urami River, and circles Lake Suigetsu on an approximately 50-minute course. Onboard guides introduce points of interest and explain how the sightseeing boat works, making it a place for learning about nature and energy. Operating Schedule 1st departure / 9:30–10:20 2nd departure / 10:45–11:35 3rd departure / 13:00–13:50 4th departure / 14:15–15:05 5th departure / 15:30–16:20 Fares Adults (junior high school and older) 1,980 yen (tax included) Children (elementary school) 990 yen (tax included) Preschool children Free Reservations Mihama Town Lake Center TEL 0770-47-5960 Address 24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture https://mihama-lakecenter.com/home/...

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Minamiechizen Town Tourism Federation. Minamiechizen Town in Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture, sits almost at the geographic center of Fukui Prefecture. The town blends sea, mountains, and countryside, and its history and culture are still alive. Formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nanjo Town, Imajo Town, and Kono Village, the area preserves many distinctive local charms. Along the coast you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, while inland the satoyama landscape unfolds with mountains and clear streams. Minamiechizen Town is also known for preserving a picture of traditional Japan, where seasonal nature and everyday life live in harmony. In the peaceful rice fields visitors can try agricultural experiences such as rice planting and harvesting, which are popular with many tourists. Access to Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture By car it takes about five minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway’s Nanjo Smart Interchange, making access from the highway extremely convenient. You can also use the JR Hokuriku Main Line at Imajo Station and Nanjou Station, making rail travel from the Kansai and Chukyo regions comfortable. From Nagoya or Osaka it takes about two to three hours by car or train, so a day trip is ideal. At Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi you can rent electric bicycles, making a relaxed cycling tour of Minamiechizen Town a popular option. About Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Minamiechizen Town belongs to Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture. Its area is about 344 square kilometers and its population is around 9,000 (as of May 2025), offering rich nature and a tranquil lifestyle. Stretching north to south, the town ranges from coastal settlements to mountain farming villages, each with distinct cultures and customs. Local residents actively engage in tourism, agriculture, and crafts, drawing attention from many visitors. Historical background of Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture From ancient through medieval and early modern times, Minamiechizen Town developed as an important hub for transportation and logistics. The Imajo area prospered as a post town on the Hokkokukaido during the Edo period, welcoming many travelers and merchants. Stone-paved streets and latticed houses remain, recalling the bustle of those days. The Kono area flourished as a port for Kitamae ships plying the Sea of Japan, and buildings that reflect the wealthy merchants’ lifestyles still stand. These historical assets are preserved today as the town’s cultural properties. Popular sightseeing spots in Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Hanahasu Park In summer about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a serene and elegant scene. The park features walking paths, an observation deck, and rest areas, and the annual Hasu Festival draws many visitors. You can also enjoy lotus-themed gourmet items and local specialties. Imajo-shuku Post Town This post town preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. Stone-paved streets and white-walled houses evoke history and offer a peaceful ambiance. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it has high cultural value. Hands-on experiences like soba noodle making and guided town walks are available. Nearby you will find museums, cafés, and accommodations in renovated traditional houses where you can enjoy a refined stay soaked in history. Kitamae Ship Owner's House Ukonke The Ukonke residence, once home to a wealthy Kitamae ship merchant in the Edo period, is open to the public. Inside, exhibits recreate merchant life and present materials about historic trade routes, creating a must-see space for history enthusiasts. Yashaga-ike This mountain lake carries a mysterious legend and sits at the end of a nature-rich trekking route. Located at about 1,100 meters elevation, the lake is clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it. Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage are beautiful, offering different scenery each season. The trail is well maintained, and lookout spots along the way offer panoramic views of Echizen’s mountain ranges. Roadside station in Minamiechizen Town Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi represents the town and is a large complex combining a tourist information center, local product shops, restaurants, and rest areas. Conveniently accessible from both the expressway and local roads, the station includes an indoor kids’ area, a dog run, and EV charging stations, and is popular with many visitors. Fresh vegetables and fruits from local farms and Minamiechizen-specific souvenirs are also on sale. Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minamiechizen Town Imajo Soba (oroshi soba) A classic Fukui specialty. Served with grated daikon and broth, its light, refreshing flavor is perfect for hot seasons. Beni-sashi Ume A specialty plum grown in the Kono area, it balances sweet and tart flavors and is popular as umeboshi or plum wine and other processed products. Harvest experiences and plum-based cooking classes are held, and these activities are valued as food education. Events and festivals in Minamiechizen Town Kono Ume Festival Held every June, this local festival celebrates the plum harvest. You can enjoy plum-picking experiences and purchases of local processed goods, and food trucks also set up, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Imajo Soba Festival A celebration of soba where soba shops from inside and outside the town serve their dishes so visitors can compare Imajo Soba’s variety of flavors. Soba-making demonstrations and workshops introduce and promote the town’s food culture. Kono Summer Festival Typically held in late July at Korakujo Beach, this festival is a summer highlight for Minamiechizen Town. The finale lights up the night sky and sea with around 5,600 fireworks, drawing many visitors. Stalls and festival games line the area, making it a perfect event for summer memories. Tourist information for Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Minamiechizen Town charms visitors with its historic streets and abundant nature. We will continue to share plenty of information that brings the town’s seasonal landscapes, rooted food culture, and warm local hospitality to life, so you can carry Minamiechizen Town with you into tomorrow! Thank you very much!!

Mihama Town Lake Center presents a special summer evening event, the Fireworks Cruise. This luxurious cruise lets you relax on the deck of a battery-powered tour boat and enjoy the fireworks from the Summer Festa Mihama 2025 in a quiet, comfortable setting. Fireworks Cruise Date and Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025 ・Doors open 7:00 PM ・Departure 7:45 PM ・Fireworks start 8:00 PM ・Expected finish around 8:30 PM What the cruise offers ・A battery-powered tour boat for a quiet, low-vibration, comfortable cruise ・Up-close viewing of powerful fireworks from the deck ・A chance to enjoy a clear night sky and stars ・Includes an original cake and a drink from Five Lakes Café Capacity and Fees ・About 20 participants aged elementary school and up (lottery if applications exceed capacity) ・Adults: 5,000 yen ・Elementary school students: 2,500 yen (must be accompanied by a guardian) Application Period ・Saturday, June 28, 2025 to Sunday, July 13, 2025 ・Apply via the dedicated form (if you cannot access the form, please contact us directly) https://forms.gle/S4wSU7w29DT4HBga6... ※Lottery results will be announced to successful applicants only after the application period ends. Notes ・The cruise is scheduled to end at around 8:30 PM. ・Only beverages (including alcohol) may be brought on board. Contact Mihama Town Lake Center Address: 24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town Phone: 0770-47-5960

Mihama Town Energy and Environment Education Experience Center “Kiipas” will hold a summer holiday program from Monday, July 21 to Wednesday, August 6. Participation is free, so please join us! See the flyer for details. Please use the application form below. Mihama Town Energy and Environment Education Experience Center “Kiipas” Address: 62-1 Nyuu, Mihama Town Phone: 0770-39-1116 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sa_qrn7VglV90mV-tZQ6dn3y8M4wg23W5LToNIwW1yM/viewform?edit_requested=true...