Nice to meet you! We are Fukui Prefecture DMO Sakai Tourism Bureau. Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture is a charming area where rich nature, beautiful landscapes, and history and culture intersect. Sakai City lies in northern Fukui Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. In our Cool Japan video, we will introduce Sakai City’s recommended sightseeing spots, local specialties, and historical background in detail. We appreciate your interest! ■■■ Access Rail and car travel provide convenient access to Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen has improved access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. From JR Awara-Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Main Line, buses run to various locations around the city, making it easy to reach sightseeing spots. You can also drive via the Hokuriku Expressway, using Kanazu I.C. or Maruoka I.C. ■■■ Nature and Scenery Sakai City offers many beautiful natural landscapes. The most famous is Tojinbo. Tojinbo is a series of sheer cliffs jutting into the Sea of Japan; formed over more than 10,000 years, its dramatic scenery overwhelms visitors. Nearby is Mikuni Port, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. ■■■ History and Culture Sakai City is also rich in history and culture. During the Edo period, Mikuni prospered as a port for Kitamae-bune trading ships. The historic townscape of Mikuni Minato remains preserved today, and a stroll there evokes the atmosphere of the Edo era. The Mikuni Festival, held every May, features ornate floats parading through the streets and draws many visitors. ■■■ Local Specialties and Gourmet Food Sakai City offers many delicious dishes made with local ingredients. Especially famous is Echizen crab. In winter, visitors flock to savor freshly caught Echizen crab. Also exceptional are Mikuni Port’s sweet shrimp, Fukui-grown Koshihikari rice, Wakasa beef, and Echizen soba, allowing you to fully enjoy local flavors. ■■■ Sightseeing Spots Sakai City has plenty of attractions beyond its history and nature. Below are popular sights in Sakai City with their highlights. ■ Tojinbo Tojinbo, one of Fukui Prefecture’s premier attractions, has served as the filming location for many dramas. Facing the Sea of Japan, the cliffs rise more than 20 meters high and extend roughly one kilometer, presenting overwhelming natural beauty. Such extensive columnar jointing is rare worldwide and is listed among the world’s three great columnar formations. The sight of cliffs over 20 meters tall in succession is worth seeing. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise—the cliffs glowing in the sunset are unforgettable. ■ Mikuni Minato This historic port town prospered in the Edo period as a Kitamae-bune port. The nostalgic old streets remain, offering a pleasant historical stroll. Notable sights include the former Kishina family residence, the former Morita Bank head office, and Mikuni Shrine. You can also taste fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and Mikuni’s spicy soba topped with grated karami daikon (hot radish). ■ Maruoka Castle Also called Kasumi-ga-jo, Maruoka Castle is famous for having one of Japan’s oldest surviving main keeps. Built in 1576, it still stands today and is designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and a National Important Cultural Property. In spring, cherry trees around the castle bloom beautifully, and the site is selected among Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots for hanami. ■ Shibamasa World A large family-oriented amusement park spanning 560,000 square meters. It features one of the country’s largest dinosaur attractions and an indoor play area called Kids Paradise, making it a theme park you can enjoy all day. In summer, it operates one of Japan’s largest resort pools and offers limited-time night pools. Golf, barbecue, and other year-round activities are also available. ■ Echizen Matsushima Aquarium This aquarium facing the Sea of Japan is popular for its dolphin and sea lion shows. It offers hands-on feeding experiences and overnight aquarium stays among many activities. With exhibits of various marine life, it entertains both children and adults. ■■■ Summary of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, blends natural beauty, rich history and culture, and delicious local specialties into a compelling destination. We will continue sharing more information about its many attractions, and we hope you will visit Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture!

Shinko Festival of the Gion Festival. Hoyt while carrying a Mikoshi portable shrine! Hoyt!! Scene of shouting was like a symbol of summer in Kyoto.

Inside the venue of the Gion Festival Gari smoke from the stalls rises into the sky The smoke is illuminated by the lights. It was like Yamaboko was standing on the stage of Gion. Combined with the overflowing enthusiasm of people An indescribable live feeling is created The whole venue became a fantastic view.

"Senjokaku Pavilion" in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture The shadows stretching out were very beautiful

"Senjokaku Pavilion" in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture The shadows stretching out were very beautiful

"Beyond Time" Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Photograph of the 9th generation of Otorii Gate near the end of repairs A historical building called Otorii Gate that has been passed down through the ages

"Itsukushima Shrine / Five-story pagoda" in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture I love the staircase in the foreground because it is tasteful

AQUA VILLAGE - Private Campsite in Nishi-Izu A private campsite limited to one group per day located in the Nature that can only be approached by boat, between the sea and the mountains. Restrooms available because it is completely reserved, so you don't have to worry about your Mr./Ms.. In addition to veteran campers who are not satisfied with ordinary camping, Cooking area, Toilet, and baths are also Maintenance, so even camping beginners and women can Use with peace of mind. ■Address Tako, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Sagaki Kuniyoshi Castle 1. A formidable fortress that held back the seemingly impregnable Asakura forces 2. A “stone-walled castle” revealed by archaeological excavation 3. Seasonal colors of the castle ruins and the stunning views of Wakasa visible from the site Kuniyoshi Castle was a mountain fortress located in Sagaki in the eastern part of Mihama Town. During the Sengoku period it served as a border castle protecting Wakasa Province and Tsuruga Province. It is said that Awaya Ecchu‑no‑Kami Katsuhisa, a senior retainer of the Takeda family who governed Wakasa, rebuilt the old castle in Koji 2 (1556). The castle’s fame was made by the “Siege of Kuniyoshi,” which began in Eiroku 6 (1563) when the Asakura clan from Echizen attacked and were repelled. From that year until the fall of the Asakura in Tensho 1 (1573), Asakura forces launched attacks almost annually, but the Awaya-led defenders held inside Kuniyoshi Castle and never lost it. An old tale by the local samurai Tanabe Handaifu Yasutsugu, who took part in the defense, spread as the war chronicle Kuniyoshi Siege Record. Incidentally, the castle had been called Sakaki Castle at the time, but the popularity of the Kuniyoshi Siege Record fixed the name Kuniyoshi Castle. In Genki 1 (1570), the castle welcomed Oda Nobunaga and his 30,000-strong army on the march to attack the Asakura. According to the Kuniyoshi Siege Record, Nobunaga entered Kuniyoshi Castle with Kinoshita Tokichiro Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Akechi Mitsuhide—the subject of this year’s historical drama—and met with Katsuhisa and the local samurai who had endured the siege, praising their efforts. Later, in Tensho 11 (1583), Kimura Hitachi no suke, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, became castellan and developed a castle town. This marked the origin of the current Sakaki Settlement, which prospered in the Edo period as a post station on the Tango Highway. The townscape still preserves strong traces of that era. The castle was abolished in Kan’ei 11 (1635) early in the Edo period when Sakai Tadakatsu replaced the Kyogoku clan as lord of Obama Domain, and the Sakaki Town Magistrate Office was built on the south side of the ruins. On that site the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum opened in Heisei 21 (2009). Designated a town historic site in Showa 58 (1983), Kuniyoshi Castle’s ruins are a local historical asset. Excavations that began in fiscal 2000 aimed to preserve and utilize the Sengoku‑period mountain fortress that had seemingly survived the fierce Asakura assaults. The investigations, however, overturned the existing image of the castle when they uncovered large groups of foundation stones for buildings, stone walls showing traces of deliberate collapse in which the upper halves had been systematically removed and the lower halves buried, giant foundation and facing stones at the northwest gate of the hilltop main bailey, and building remains on the southern corner mound of the main bailey that may have been a keep. These features appear to reflect major renovations by Kimura Hitachi no suke to assert the new lord’s power, although no documentary records described them. The excavations thus revealed the “truth” for the first time. In Heisei 29 (2017) the castle was selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation. In spring the castle town of Sagaki and the ruins are brightened by cherry blossoms and blooming shaga irises; in summer by masses of hangesho (plants whose leaves turn pale); in autumn by the maple leaves at Shourenji and Tokusho‑ji Temple; and in winter by a blanket of white, welcoming many visitors through the seasons. A promenade leads to the main bailey, but the winding switchback slope seems endless, giving a real sense of the castle’s former impregnability. Yet once you finally reach the main bailey, the majestic nature of Wakasa and the beautiful scenery greet you and make you forget the effort it took to get there. Sagaki Kuniyoshi Castle Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata‑gun, Fukui Prefecture Contact Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum (Tel. 0770-32-0050)

Goryokaku. It's ⭐️ really a great shape It's a 🌸 view I've always wanted to see This year, it was also staged in 👓⌚️🎀👟⚽️ a popular anime movie

The photo shows Rinnoji Temple located in Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. It is a historic temple that was founded in 1441 by the 11th generation of the Date clan in Yangkawa, Date County Date City, Fukushima Prefecture, and moved to its current location in the 7th year of Keicho 1602 after the opening of Sendai by Date Masamune in the Edo period.

Shinshu Kankōchi Suwa!!! Around Suwa lies the Kirigamine Highlands, where gentle rolling terrain stretches from Kurumayama to Washigamine. In late June, alpine plants such as azaleas (Renge tsutsuji), daylilies (Nikkō kisuge), and scabious (Matsumushi-sō) paint the green meadows in vibrant colors. You can also enjoy sweeping views of Japan’s famous peaks, including Mt. Fuji, the Japanese Alps, and the Yatsugatake Range. The area generates strong updrafts favorable for glider flight, and Kirigamine is known as the birthplace of gliding in Japan. Kirigamine contains the “Three Great Kirigamine Wetlands.” Together, Kurumayama, Yashimagahara Wetland, and Ikeno Kurumi Odoriba Wetland host more than 400 subalpine plant species year-round. They are designated a National Natural Monument and are wetlands rare even on a global scale. In early summer you can see the renge azaleas in bloom, their vivid orange flowers at their most beautiful. In summer, as in the photo, the Nikkō kisuge daylilies come into full bloom 🌼. Most of the photos were kindly provided by staff at our Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center. This year the blossoms may appear a little earlier than usual. Thanks to local Kirigamine caretakers, deer damage seems reduced, so this could be an exceptional season. Why not breathe in the clear, nature-filled highland air of Suwa and visit to refresh your body and mind? ※ The photos are from 2023.

A cave shrine called Cheonangawara. As shown in the photo, the custom of piling up stones began many years ago, and the stones on one side give you a sense of history.

Aoshima Shrine in Miyazaki Prefecture. It has a history of about 1200 years. In ancient times, the entire island was considered a sacred area, and the general public could not enter the island until the middle of the Edo period. It is a beautiful place with both the sky and the sea.

Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine in Omiya in Saitama Jade. It is customary to make the First Pilgrimage to the Shrine here every year. There is a long line for fortune telling and prayer. Fortune tellers who were unlucky will improve their luck by tying them.

Hydrangea field illuminated by the morning sun This can be taken in Jade prefecture It is × sea of clouds ×sunrise the rising sun. At this Period, a rare sea of clouds appeared 🤤

no season is offseason for Japan. In summer there are so many thing to see and do here in Kawagoe. Kawagoe is a historical town known as coedo or little edo. It is a edo period warehouse district. Tokinokane or the bell tower which is the landmark of Kawagoe can be seen nicely. This couple was enjoying the traditional and historical city in a traditional fashion. The old style house and bell tower in the background makes the atmosphere more beautiful.

Nachi Taisha Triple Pagoda and Nachi Waterfall 2021.12.25 It is this "Nachi Falls" where a number of stream overlap in the main stream that stream from the Mt. Undori in the depths of Mt. Nachi, and finally fall as if cutting through the virgin forest. The water column is 133 meters high, the Choshi mouth is 13 meters wide, and the depth of the Waterfall basin is 10 meters, making it one of the three famous waterfalls in Japan. There are three cuts in the bedrock of Choshiguchi, and it is also called the "Three Streaks Falls" because it begins to fall in three streaks.

Nachi Falls 2021.12.25 It is this "Nachi Falls" where a number of stream overlap in the main stream that stream from the Mt. Undori in the depths of Mt. Nachi, and finally fall as if cutting through the virgin forest. The water column is 133 meters high, the Choshi mouth is 13 meters wide, and the depth of the Waterfall basin is 10 meters, making it one of the three famous waterfalls in Japan. There are three cuts in the bedrock of Choshiguchi, and it is also called the "Three Streaks Falls" because it begins to fall in three streaks.

TDS/Fantasy Springs Rapunzel's area, lanterns are beautiful 😊 at night I want to see it in the daytime next time.

Nishi-Izu Crystal View Hotel - Japanese and Western Plus Alpha Hot Spring Sanmai A resort-full crystal bath that combines a Japanese cypress bath with a stylish sensibility and the warmth of a hot spring. Standing in the lobby, you can hear live piano music while being surrounded by the splendid spirit of southern Europe. And the smiles of all the employees who serve customers are wonderful. We also accept day trips. ■Address 2102-1 Ukusu, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka ■ Phone 0570-048-780

Dogashima Hot Spring Hotel - Dogashima's only private fountainhead inn Nagisa's white building is built in a villa-style daisy style, and the rooms offer views of Suruga Bay, Sehama Coast and Sanshiro Island. The Private fountainhead that we are proud of is the only alkaline simple Hot Spring in Dogashima with spring quality, and is also known as "makeup hot spring for beautiful skin". Gari can relax and refresh yourself by soaking in the "Nagisa Open-Air Bath" where you can hear the noise of the sea and the large public bath "Aurora no Yu", and enjoy dishes using plenty of Fresh Izu seafood. We also accept day trips. ■Address 2960 Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka ■ Phone 0558-52-0275

Hidden hot spring by the seaside Clear streams-Built on the most seaside in Nishi-Izu, tongue drums with Hot Spring and beach cuisine while enjoying the spectacular view The Onsen Ryokan stands on the seaside Cove in front of the Sanshiro Island, which can be said to be the symbol of Dogashima. In addition to the open-air bath by the waves, you can enjoy the Sunset and sea scenery from each room and the large public bath, and the inn also boasts iso kaiseki meals. Boasting a superb view of Sanshiro Island and the sea seen from the Hot Spring, the bath is also available for day trips. Use the large public bath facing Suruga Bay and the open-air bath of Nagisa. For female customers, special bathing clothes are available. ■Address 2941 Nishishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka ■ Phone 0558-52-1118

Supreme Heavenly Pleasure - Superb Scenery and Sincere Hospitality While enjoying the superb location and exquisite cuisine, healing the mind and body, and spending a luxurious time, it is a space where you can enjoy a Adult holiday. ■Address 2962 Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka ■ Phone 0558-52-1234

Dogashima New Ginsui - Superb view of Ao, relaxation of hot water, deliciousness of Nishi-Izu It is a Japanese-style resort inn located in Dogashima Hot Spring, one of the one of the most scenic spots on the Izu Peninsula. You can see the beautiful Rias coast from all over the Inside the Museum, and the Sunset sinking into Suruga Bay is one of the most spectacular. The cuisine is an iso cuisine that incorporates fresh mountain and sea foods from Nishi-Izu. The sumptuous breakfast buffet at the observation dining is also Popular. Day trips are also available, and in the open large public bath with an open view, the superb view of Dogashima Unfolds through the glass, and you can experience bathing that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Bathing in a bath with a superb view is the real thrill of traveling that cannot be experienced in everyday life. Healing the fatigue of the trip in a relaxed manner. ■Address 2977-1 Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka ■ Phone 0558-52-2211

Mibusawa Fudo Falls A beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 17 meters that plunges in a straight line. Revered as sacred water since ancient times, it has long served as a place for ascetic training and ritual purification. The Fudo Myoo statue standing to the left of the falls is said to have been invited from Naritasan in Shimousa Province in Kyōhō 18 (1733). Along with the waterfall, it drew the devotion of many people, and festivals once attracted large numbers of worshippers from nearby villages. A rainmaking legend is also associated with the site. The two stone Buddhist figures standing in front of the Fudo Myoo statue are Kongara Doji (left) and Seitaka Doji (right). They were erected in Shōwa 9 (1934) to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the statue’s enshrinement. At the same time, a silkworm-dedication deity (Kintama-hime), a stone monument inscribed with a poem by Matsuo Taseko, and a commemorative monument engraved by Chizan Kitahara were also installed. A gift of Senior Fifth Rank: a poem by Matsuo Taseko Manse mo taenu nagare ya Mibusawa no Taki no shiraito kurikaeshitsu (The river’s flow goes on through the ages; the white threads of Mibusawa Falls repeat themselves) Details for Mibusawa Fudo Falls Parking A few cars can park on the roadside shoulder Toilets None Other It is about a five-minute walk along a footpath from the parking area. Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)

Nishitenjo Highlands - A refreshing Highlands with an elevation of 750m This is a spacious meadow that you can't believe is Izu. Dairy cows graze in the clear air, the greenery of Kumazasa, the mountains of Amagi and Suruga Bay, and on a clear day, you can see the Southern Alps and Mt. Fuji. From early to mid-April, you can see the Mamekawa cherry blossoms along the roadside that goes up to the Highlands, and the mame cherry blossoms blooming all over the Highlands from mid to late April. ■Address Ukusu, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Koganezaki - Recognized as one of the 100 Strange Rock Views of Japan Koganezaki is a scenic spot known for its wonderful views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji, and for its beautiful rock faces that shine golden in the Sunset. The entire cape is a park, and There are Promenade, Lawn square, Observation decks, Mt. Fuji view Spot "Fujimi Hill", and the literary monument of Yukio Mishima. This golden rock surface was dyed by high-temperature hot spring water and geothermal heat, and was designated as a natural monument of Shizuoka Prefecture in 1988 Showa 63. The Strange Rock, which looks exactly like a horse's head, has recently been adored by the nickname "Horse Rock". There is also a rumor that "the person who stopped by to pray for the victory of the horse race won big"? Ema depicting horse rock is sold at "Koganesuto". ■Address 3566-7 Ukusu, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Dogashima - The most scenic spot on the Izu West Coast Among the Izu Peninsula, Dogashima is known as a scenic spot. Standing here, you can see how great and unique Squid the Artist of Nature is. Dogashima is lined with a variety of strange rocks and scenic spots, and there are many spectacular Spots such as Tensodo, Sanshiro Island, and Tomboro. When you look out to sea, you'll be greeted by strangely shaped islands and rocks, and you can enjoy a small boat trip full of adventure on a boat that sails between them. In addition, the Sunset over Suruga Bay is so beautiful that you will be speechless. ■Address Dogashima, Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Tensodo - Dogashima's biggest attraction The Tensodo is made of white tuff, and a sea erosion tunnel is formed underneath like a beehive. Restrooms available to this cave are the east, south, and west entrances, and the tour boat enters from this south exit and proceeds to the skylight with a round ceiling in the center, and a band of light shines from the ceiling to the sea surface in the dark cave, and you can see a mysterious scene. This Tensodo can also be seen from above the Restrooms available Tensodo on the Course of Dogashima Promenade. ■Address Dogashima, Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka