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.

✨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/...

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...

Squid is a piece that I think must be taken over in order to protect the beautiful Rural Scenery.

💐 The summer cherry blossom viewing spot in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture is here! This time, you can enjoy the "spectacular view of flowers" in summer Here are four carefully selected recommended spots 🌸 Perfect for weekend outings and camera trips ◎ Save it and use 💐 it to plan your next outing (1) Senko no Ie (30-11 Kamitakeda, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: mid to late June 👉 Kominka houses with thatched roofs and Hanashobu weave the original scenery 🏡 of Japan (2) Yuri no Sato Park (21-2-3 Ishizuka, Spring Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: mid to late June 👉 About 150,000 lilies and fantastic Light up 🌙 (4) Mikuni Lavender Farm (123-3 Kado, Mikuni Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: mid-June to early July 👉 About 4000 lavender fields and a pleasant aroma 💜 (3) Ikegami Himawari Park (48 Ikegami, Mikuni Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: late July to mid-August 👉 A superb view 🌻 of the sunflowers spreading on one side shining in the summer sky * The best time to see it is only a guide. Thereare it depends on the weather.

Take a walk near the inn where you are on a business trip at dusk. Descend to the dimly lit shrine Brightly colored fabrics. It was a comfortable space of silence and relief Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture Soja Daijingu Shrine

The Red Dodan Azalea Festival will be held at the Donguri Club Campsite Living with the Forest from Saturday, May 3, 2025 (national holiday) to Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday). This is the only Red Dodan Azalea Festival in Japan. In addition to viewing the Red Dodan azaleas, plants will be available for sale. Red Dodan Azalea Festival Date and Time: Saturday, May 3, 2025 (national holiday) to Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday), 10:00–16:00 Location: Donguri Club Campsite Living with the Forest Mihama Town, Shinjo Inquiries: 0770-32-3330

During the Golden Week period We will inform you about the congestion of parking lots at tourist facilities in the Mikata Five Lakes area during Golden Week. https://www.mikatagoko-kouiki-kankou.jp// The period is Saturday, April 26, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 The status of parking lots at 14 tourist facilities around Mikata Five Lakes is shown as "Very busy", "Somewhat busy", or "Quiet" for your reference.

The “Cycle Around! Digital Stamp Rally in the Three Hokuriku Prefectures 2025” has been held since Saturday, April 26. Ride a bicycle to spots across the three Hokuriku prefectures and enter a lottery to win luxury prizes from each prefecture based on the total points you collect. Event Overview Cycle Around! Digital Stamp Rally in the Three Hokuriku Prefectures 2025 ・Period: Saturday, April 26, 2025 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 ・Spots: 80 locations in Fukui Prefecture, 60 in Ishikawa Prefecture, and 80 in Toyama Prefecture (220 locations in total) ・How to participate: Download the smartphone app “Jitensha NAVITIME” and join from the “Cycle Stamp Rally” page. For details on spots, prizes, and other information, please check the link. In Fukui Prefecture, 44 spots are set in the Reihoku area and 36 in the Reinan area. You can apply for prizes after checking in at five or more spots, so feel free to join even with a rental bicycle. Bring your cyclist friends and join us. https://www.fuku-e.com/wakacycle/feature/hokurikustamprally2025...

On Saturday, April 5th, the annual Mikata Five Lakes Opening, marking the start of the tourist season, took place at Rainbow Line Summit Park and Mihama Town Lake Center, where participants prayed for prosperity and safety.

The snowy scenery of the JR Etsumi North Line "2nd Kuzuryu River Bridge" that crosses the Kuzuryu River from mountain to mountain... (* ́)'*)ノ ❄️⛄️🚃 The red of the bridge and the red of the row cars, which form part of the superb view, stand out ❤️ The Car came in two cars, and the wrapping row Car with the image of the Warring States Period was also the same. The day before, the service was canceled due to heavy snow, so I'm glad 👏✨ I came running The bridge is There is a between Kakigashima and Katsuhara Station, with a total length of about 130 Meter and a height of about 20 Meter. During the Autumn leaves season, a different scenery Unfolds and is said to be 👏🍁 a superb view I'd love to see it in the fall... (๑′ฅฅ‵๑) ・ ・ 📍JR Etsumi Kita Line 29 Heads Ryugawa Bridge Ono City, Fukui Prefecture Fukui Japan

Berry Biyori Event Announcement A collaborative event will be held between Mihama Town’s roadside station Wakasa Mihama Hamabiyori and the adjacent Wakasa Mihama HAMABERRY – Ichigo no Sato Mihama. From Saturday, April 12 to Sunday, April 20, we have planned various activities including serving strawberry items at the Hamabiyori shop and setting up strawberry photo spots. Berry Biyori Period: Saturday, April 12, 2025 – Sunday, April 20, 2025 Location: Roadside Station Wakasa Mihama Hamabiyori Details: April 12 (Saturday) – April 20 (Sunday) ・Receive a Hamaberry gift when using the daycare service ・Strawberry menu items available at the Hamabiyori shop ・Strawberry photo spots installed April 19 (Saturday) – April 20 (Sunday) ・Hamaberry strawberry sampling ・Hamaberry parfait workshop ・Original printed T-shirt workshop April 20 (Sunday) ・Hamaberry bingo tournament For more details, please visit the Roadside Station Wakasa Mihama Hamabiyori website. https://hamabiyori.com//