The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will host the 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and the collaborative exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" starting Saturday, July 18th. This collaborative exhibition involves the Tsuruga Municipal Museum, Takefu Public Hall Memorial Museum, and Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, and it highlights the major renovations of Kuniyoshi Castle by Kimura Hitachinosuke Sadamitsu, a direct vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as well as the establishment of the castle town of Sagaki, in relation to the broadcast of the historical drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and Collaborative Exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" Duration: July 18, 2023 (Saturday) to October 12, 2023 (Monday, public holiday) Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (April to November) 10 AM to 4:30 PM (December to March) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if a holiday) 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission Fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a moment of tranquility at Shoishohama Beach, renowned for its exceptional beauty and selected as one of Japan's top 88 bathing spots. We are excited to announce the "NIGHT WAVE - Light Wave Project in Shoishohama." This project is supervised by NIGHT WAVE Co., Ltd., a company with extensive experience in light displays, allowing you to experience a special space enveloped in enchanting blue light. Witness the breathtaking gradient created by the setting sun transforming into the shimmering blue waves. This series of artistic experiences will gently stimulate your senses, inviting you into a space woven with the sounds of the waves, the sea breeze, and light. It truly is a mindful healing time that focuses your awareness on "the here and now." Regain your peace of mind and immerse yourself in the magical scenery of the beautiful sunset at Shoishohama and the blue, illuminated waves. We invite you to experience this miracle. Event Overview NIGHT WAVE - Light Wave Project in Shoishohama (Date) From Saturday, October 17, 2026, to Monday, October 19, 2026 (Time) 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (sunset expected around 5:19 PM) (Venue) In front of the second parking lot at Shoishohama Beach (approximately 200 meters of shoreline illuminated) (Supervision) NIGHT WAVE Co., Ltd. (Lighting Support) Pi Photonics, Inc. Event Features - Breathtaking shoreline light display : Blue lights dance with the waves, creating a unique and enchanting spectacle. - Torii gate illumination : Experience the lighting of the torii gate standing at Shoishohama and a path of light leading to it. - Gentle lighting decoration at your feet : Lights along the bridge path and viewing areas will support your steps. - Appealing food trucks : Warm beverages and snacks will enrich your autumn nights. - A cozy dining space with lanterns : Enjoy your meal while admiring the enchanting scenery. - Mindfulness sound : Pleasant music that promotes mindfulness through auditory experience will envelop the space. Important Notes and Safety Guidelines To provide everyone with a safe and comfortable experience, please keep the following points in mind. - The sea at night can be very dangerous. Please enjoy the event only within the designated viewing areas. We cannot be held responsible for any accidents that occur within the venue or during the viewing. - There will be no seating available at the venue. If needed, please bring your own chairs or mats. - Some coastal areas may have limited lighting at night. For safety, we strongly recommend bringing a flashlight. - Parking spaces are limited, so we kindly ask everyone to share and use them considerately. - We cannot be held responsible for any accidents or thefts that occur in the parking area. - This event utilizes natural phenomena, so due to weather conditions or wave conditions, the sunset and glowing waves may not be clearly visible. - In the event of sudden bad weather or unavoidable circumstances, the event may be canceled without prior notice. Notifications of cancellations will be posted on the town's website. This autumn, indulge in an unparalleled mindfulness experience woven by light and waves, exclusively at Shoishohama. [Office] Mihama Town Tourism Promotion Division Phone: 0770-32-6705 (8:30 AM - 5:15 PM)

A collaboration between the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, Tsuruga Municipal Museum, and Echizen City Takefu Public Hall Memorial Museum will release special castle seals! ①Sagaki Kuniyoshi Castle 【Sales Location】Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum 【Sales Start Date】Saturday, July 18th ~ ②Tenjinyama Castle & Kanegasaki Castle 【Sales Location】Tsuruga Municipal Museum 【Sales Start Date】Friday, October 16th ~ ③Fuchū Castle, Ryuumonji Castle & Komaru Castle 【Sales Location】Echizen City Takefu Public Hall Memorial Museum 【Sales Start Date】Friday, September 4th ~ Additionally, to commemorate this collaboration, curators from Echizen City, Tsuruga City, and Mihama Town will hold lectures themed around the Sengoku period. There will also be exhibitions at each museum, so stay tuned! The Fuchū Trio and Echizen – Revival from Turmoil 【Mihama Town Edition】Sunday, July 26th, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM At the Learning Room of Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum 【Tsuruga City Edition】Sunday, October 4th, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM At the 3rd Floor Training Room of Tsuruga Municipal Library Speaker: Hiroko Isobe (Head of the Cultural Promotion Division, General Affairs Department of Echizen City) The Era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Hideyasu in Tsuruga 【Mihama Town Edition】Sunday, August 30th, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM At the Learning Room of Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum 【Echizen City Edition】Saturday, September 19th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM At the e-Hall of Echizen City Lifelong Learning Center Speaker: Taichi Kitamura (Curator of Tsuruga Municipal Museum) The Toyotomi Regime and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town 【Echizen City Edition】Saturday, September 26th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM At the 4th Floor Multi-Purpose Hall of the Takefu Citizen Plaza 【Tsuruga City Edition】Tuesday, November 3rd (Holiday), 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM At the 3rd Floor Training Room of Tsuruga Municipal Library Speaker: Yasuhiro Ohno (Director of Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum) Contact Information Echizen City Takefu Public Hall Memorial Museum 0778-21-3900 Tsuruga Municipal Museum 0770-25-7033 Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum 0770-32-0050

[Fukui Prefecture] A great place with plenty to enjoy. The campaign has started! Please check the link for accommodations participating in the campaign in Mihama Town. https://iitoko-horidakusan.jp/accommodation/?area%5B%5D=27&search=... The "A great place with plenty to enjoy" campaign has begun, providing travelers who stay in Fukui Prefecture with a charge ticket worth 5,000 yen in "Happy Coins" that can be used at souvenir shops and restaurants within the prefecture! If you bring the charge ticket without opening it to a participating store, it can also be used as a paper coupon. *If any edge of the perforated ticket is opened, it cannot be used as a paper coupon. When used as a paper coupon, it can be utilized as a 4,000 yen gift certificate at the designated stores. [Period] Phase 1: June 12, 2026 (Friday) to July 12, 2026 (Sunday) *Until check-out on July 13 (Monday) Reservation start date: May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) Point charge and usage deadline: Until 23:59 on November 1, 2026 (Sunday) Phase 2: September 1, 2026 (Tuesday) to October 31, 2026 (Saturday) *Until check-out on November 1 (Sunday) *Stays during Silver Week (September 19 to September 22) are not eligible Reservation start date: August 1, 2026 (Saturday) Point charge and usage deadline: Until 23:59 on November 1, 2026 (Sunday) Phase 3: January 8, 2027 (Friday) to January 31, 2027 (Sunday) *Until check-out on February 1 (Monday) Reservation start date: December 8, 2026 (Tuesday) Point charge and usage deadline: Until 23:59 on February 1, 2027 (Monday) [Eligibility] 1. Guests who make a reservation for two or more people. *Reservations made before the start date are not eligible for the campaign. *The campaign details may change depending on budget execution status, etc. [Contact Information] 0570-036-690 (9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, excluding December 29 to January 3)

On June 14th (Sunday), the "Mikata Goko Future Conference" will be held! Tourist destinations that attract people from around the world are always inhabited by those who love and take pride in their land. With the theme of "Creating a Region Chosen by the World," we invite Hiroshi Mizobata, a leading figure in the Osaka-Kansai Expo and inbound tourism, to explore the potential of Mikata Goko that can compete globally, while re-examining the value (treasures) of Mikata Goko from a global perspective and envisioning the next future together with everyone. Overview of the Mikata Goko Future Conference Date: June 14, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 13:30 - 16:00 (Doors open at 13:00) Venue: Mihama Town Lifelong Learning Center Nabiasu (29-3 Gōichi, Mihama Town, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture) Participation Fee: Free Application: Not required Organized by: Mikata Goko Wide Area Tourism Council Co-organized by: Mihama Town, Wakasa Town Event Details [Part 1] Keynote Speech When the region gets excited, the world moves! ~ The energy and humanity of the region to become a "Chosen Tourist Destination" ~ Hiroshi Mizobata, Chairman of the Osaka Tourism Bureau (Former Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency) [Part 2] Panel Discussion Rediscovering the 'Value' of Mikata Goko from the World ~ The life we enjoy is a value we can proudly present to the world ~ <Panelists> Hiroshi Mizobata, Chairman of the Osaka Tourism Bureau Tomohide Tanaka, Director of the Tourism Region Promotion Division, Japan Tourism Agency Yoshikazu Tanaka, General Manager of the Osaka Tourism Bureau Mitsuru Hayashida, CEO of Rainbow Line Co., Ltd. Julian Giri, CEO of TARGET JAMM Co., Ltd. Katsuyuki Oka, CEO of Okasamiya Co., Ltd. <Facilitator> Masaki Yamashita, Fellow at JTB Corporation Research Institute https://www.town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp/soshiki/11/16289.html...

The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will hold the spring topic exhibition "Castle Collection 2026: Early Summer – The World of Mini Byobu" from May 16 to July 12, 2026. We will introduce mini byobu from the director's collection of castle merchandise. Although they are somewhat expensive castle souvenirs, please enjoy these compact yet exquisitely crafted items. Spring Topic Exhibition "Castle Collection 2026: Early Summer – The World of Mini Byobu" Period: May 16 (Saturday) – July 12 (Sunday), 2026 Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April – November) 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (December – March) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if a holiday) Address: 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission Fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

On Saturday, June 27th, we will hold the 2nd Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Lecture for the 8th year of Reiwa, titled "Community Development of Kumagawa-juku – Inheritance of the Post Town Built by Hideyoshi's Loyal Retainers." On that day, we will invite Mr. Tetsuo Miyamoto, the chairman of the Wakasa Kumagawa-juku Machizukuri Tokubetsu Iinkai, as a lecturer to speak about community development utilizing historical heritage. Participants will receive a commemorative castle seal. We look forward to seeing everyone there. Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum Address: 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (April to November) 10 AM to 4:30 PM (December to March) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if a holiday) Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission Fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and younger) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

At the 38th Mihama and Hiroshi Itsuki Hometown Marathon on May 10th, there will be a product exhibition corner at the venue, and the tourism association participates every year. We are selling Heshiko-chan T-shirts at an incredible price of 500 yen each, but sizes are running low. Last year, they sold out midway, but this year we will bring all available stock, so please make sure to purchase one!

Gokoi-chi Challenge ~Let's Cycle Around Mikata Five Lakes~ https://wakasa-mihama.jp/gokoichichallenge2026/... Complete a cycling tour of the Mikata Five Lakes Cycling Course (commonly known as Gokoi-chi) and take pictures at all five designated checkpoints. Those who do will be recognized for completing the tour and will receive a limited edition badge. Join the Gokoi-chi challenge! Period: May 1, 2026 (Friday) to March 31, 2027 (Wednesday) How to Participate: 1. You can start from any location. 2. Cycle around the Gokoi-chi Cycling Course. There is no fixed route, so feel free to explore Mikata Five Lakes. You can go clockwise or counterclockwise. 3. Take photos at the following five checkpoints. There is no specific order, so feel free to visit them. Make sure the locations are clear in the photos. Checkpoint 1 Hinata Bridge (Lake Hiruga) Take photos that include Hinata Bridge or views of Lake Hiruga from the bridge. The monument for "Heshiko-no-Sato" is also a recognizable feature. Checkpoint 2 Suigetsu Lake Observation Deck (Lake Suigetsu) Capture photos that include the observation deck or views of Lake Suigetsu from above (or below) the deck. Checkpoint 3 Thatched Boathouse (Lake Mikata) Please take photos that include the thatched boathouse. Checkpoint 4 Horikiri (Lake Suga) Capture photos of the river connecting Lake Mikata and Lake Suga. Checkpoint 5 Heshiko-chan Statue (Lake Kugushi) Please take photos that include the Heshiko-chan statue. 4. After completing the tour, present your photos at the certification locations. Certification Location 1: Mihama Station Reception Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM It serves as the gateway for those heading to Mikata Five Lakes after getting off at the JR Obama Line. Rental bicycles are also available. *Note: The reception will be closed from December 29 to January 3 for the New Year holidays. Certification Location 2: Mikatagoko Roadside Station Reception Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM This is a certification location where you can stop by during the Gokoi-chi route. If you start from Mikata Station, you will pass by this location after visiting all checkpoints if you go clockwise. If you arrive by car, you can use the parking lot of the nearby Mikata Seinen no Ie. Rentals for cross bikes and road bikes are also available. *Note: The reception will not be available if the facility is closed for maintenance or during the New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 3). 5. Certification Badge Limited edition badge for completing one round of Gokoi-chi (first 400 participants) Limited edition badge for completing two rounds of Gokoi-chi (first 100 participants) *Please bring the badge received for completing one round when you complete two rounds. 6. Important Notes - Please adhere to traffic rules and cycle safely. - Helmet use is recommended. - Please cycle at a pace that is comfortable for you based on the weather and your physical condition. - The organizers are not responsible for any accidents or troubles. - Ensure that the photos clearly show the checkpoints. 7. Organizer and Contact Information (Organizer) Mikata Goko Regional Tourism Council (Contact) Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-32-0222 Wakasa Mikata Goko Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-45-0113

Nemophila Festa 2026 (May 2) A fun and delicious event awaits you! The Nemophila Festa 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, at Horticulture LABO Hill. Tomato harvesting experience Sedum planting experience Strawberry daifuku making Mini craft experience Quiz rally around the park Tomohiro Furuya live performance Serikawa concert Myony Brass Ensemble concert featuring Tsuruga Technical High School Wind Orchestra Fukuizer show Balloon art Bingo tournament Food trucks Super ball scooping Candy fishing Gem scooping Dried fish by Mr. Morishita Coffee sales by Herb Time Sweets by Sachi Hana and many other exciting activities are planned. We hope to see you there! Nemophila Festa 2026 Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Fukui Prefecture Horticultural Experience Facility, Horticulture LABO Hill 35-32-1 Hisakko, Mihama Town (inside the Horticulture Research Center) Phone: 0770-47-6162

Events around GW (April 29 - May 11) Part 3 Mimi Shrine's King Dance (May 4) This dance is performed during the annual grand festival of Mimi Shrine in May, dedicated to praying for a bountiful harvest. The performance lasts about an hour. Dancers wear colorful costumes, showcasing a graceful and powerful display. It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukui Prefecture. Starting from the 7th year of Reiwa, the grand festival of Mimi Shrine will be divided into two parts: May 1 (only the ceremony) and May 4 (offering of meals, welcoming rituals, pressing of the sacred offering, King Dance, lion dance, and other ceremonial events). Mimi Shrine Grand Festival Date: May 4, 2026 (Monday) Time: Around 8 AM - King Dance starts in the afternoon Location: Mimi Shrine, 10-25-1 Miyashiro, Mihama Town Please note that the Mimi Shrine Grand Festival, which used to be held on May 1, will now only have the ceremony on that date starting from the 7th year of Reiwa, while the offering of meals, welcoming rituals, pressing of the sacred offering, King Dance, lion dance, and other ceremonial events will take place on May 4. The schedule has changed, so please be aware. Please note that the schedules for events such as the King Dance and lion dance are posted on the Mimi Shrine website, but the timing may vary due to the nature of the ceremonies. Even if you only wish to see the King Dance, it is recommended to wait at Mimi Shrine from the early afternoon and keep your schedule open until late in the evening.

Events around GW (April 29 - May 11) Part 2 Children's Kabuki in Hayase (May 3) In Hayase, Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture, there is a tradition of "Children's Kabuki" performed by elementary school boys that has been passed down for about 150 years. It is said to have originated during the Edo period when cholera spread in Hayase, leading to the offering of Children's Kabuki at local temples and shrines to calm the disease. The head priest of Zuirinji at that time received a divine message stating, "The epidemic is a curse from gods and buddhas; therefore, offer Children's Kabuki to the temples and shrines." The villagers promptly constructed a float for the offering and on May 8 of the following year, they paraded the float to Hiyoshi Shrine, Zuirinji, and Jomoji, offering Children's Kabuki. As the epidemic subsided, this day became the grand festival of Hiyoshi Shrine, and the tradition of Children's Kabuki has been preserved and offered ever since (it is currently held on May 3). Children's Kabuki in Hayase Date: May 3, 2026 (Sunday) Time: Starting around 8 AM. Location: Hayase, Mihama Town Offered in front of Hiyoshi Shrine and Zuirinji *After offering Children's Kabuki in front of Hiyoshi Shrine, the float will be moved to Zuirinji for another performance. The exact timing will depend on the situation, so we cannot provide a fixed time. If you wish to see Children's Kabuki, please keep your schedule open throughout the morning. https://www.view-wakasamihama.jp/trip-03-02...

Events around Golden Week (April 29 - May 11) Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival (May 3 - 5) At the "Mori to Kurasu Donguri Club" in Shinjo, Mihama Town, we cultivate the native "Kōdōdantsutsuji" (red azalea) that grows in the mountains of Mihama. During Golden Week, we will hold our annual sales event, the "Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival." Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival Date: May 3 (Sunday) - 5 (Tuesday), 2026 Location: Mori to Kurasu Donguri Club 182-1-1 Shinjo, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-3330

Around the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, the white iris flowers are in full bloom. They have started to bloom a bit earlier than usual. Typically, we mention that the best viewing time is during Golden Week, but it’s a bit uncertain until the Kuniyoshi Castle Festival on May 5th. This weekend (April 25-26), the weather is nice, so it’s a great time to see them. Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (until the end of March) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from April) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if it's a holiday) Address: 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

On May 5th, 2026 (Tuesday, national holiday), the "Kuniyoshi Castle Festival 2026" will be held around the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum. Experience the Warring States period at this impregnable castle, where Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu entered. It's a fun event for both adults and children! Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Venue: Around the Wakasa Kuniyoshi History Museum and Tokusho-ji Temple (25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture) Admission: Free Rain Policy: The event will proceed in rain (the stage venue may change partially to "Tokusho-ji" in case of rain). Access: 5 minutes by car from the Wakasa Mihama Interchange on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway (Free parking available for about 220 cars; please follow the directions of the staff) About 3 kilometers from Mihama Station (approximately 20 minutes by rental bicycle) Contact: 050-5235-2185 (Please note there was an error in the phone number on the pamphlet.) Schedule 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony 9:30 AM Kunimoto Matchlock Gun Research Association (Special venue) 10:05 AM Sakurai To 10:40 AM Kazane (Ocarina) 11:10 AM Sanshin Group Shinpu Eisa 11:40 AM Mihama Jazz Orchestra 12:15 PM Kyoto-Nagaokakyo Omotenashi Bushotai Tsutsuji 12:50 PM Bubu no Hoshitachi (Guitar performance) 1:20 PM Sunflower (Guitar performance) 2:00 PM Historical Stories 3:00 PM Closing Declaration *Please note that the content and schedule may change without notice due to various circumstances. Thank you for your understanding. Merchandise Sales Kyoto-Nagaokakyo Omotenashi Bushotai Tsutsuji Sakurai To Kuniyoshi Association Mini Festival Ring toss, Super Ball scooping, etc. Play, learn, and experience the Warring States period! Handwritten castle seals by descendants of the castle lord Location: Special booth in front of the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Cost: 1,000 yen per sheet Numbered tickets: Distribution starts at 9:00 AM Event Time: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Walk (Hiking) *Rain or shine Location: In front of the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Departure: 10:00 AM (Expected to finish around 11:30 AM) Registration: 9:00 AM to 9:50 AM Capacity: 50 people (First-come, first-served on the day) Historical Stories (1st Kuniyoshi Castle History Lecture for 2026) Location: Special stage for the Kuniyoshi Castle Festival Event Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Armor Experience *Canceled in case of rain Available all day Cost: Free Location: Learning room of the museum Target: From children to adults Delicious Food Market (Limited items available) Vendor List: Mahana Table, Brick House, Momonji, Tsuru to Kame, YuuViva, Nakanishi Seika, Coffee Shop Hygge, Mihama Town Social Welfare Council, Kuniyoshi Association, Funatako Tokusho-ji (Indoor Rest Area) Authentic vegetarian cuisine (from 10:00 AM) Temple CAFE (from 10:00 AM)

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture. The red of the torii and the pink of the blossoms create a scene you can only see now. I stopped on my way home from Kanatsu Elementary School. The cherry trees along Arata-zaka formed a beautiful tunnel again this year.

The “Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes,” which began at the end of March, is at about 80% bloom as of April 3. The coming weekend will be the peak, so please come if you have time. Please use the Mihama Town Kitasaigo Community Center Parking and Mihama Town Lake Center Parking. A glittering night at Wakasa Bay’s scenic Mikata Five Lakes—“Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes” debuts! Following last autumn’s well-received “Waves of Light Project in Shoishohama” at Shoishohama Beach, Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture presents a new nighttime light art event that will illuminate Mikata Five Lakes: the “Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes.” Shifting the light art stage from the sea (Shoishohama Beach) to the lakes (Mikata Five Lakes), we will create a dreamlike atmosphere over the night-time lakes. Enjoy the beautiful pairing of shimmering night cherry blossoms and the lakes. Event Overview Event Name Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes Dates and Times Late March to early April (from cherry blossom blooming until the event ends) 6:00 PM–8:00 PM (admission free) Venues In front of Mihama Town Lake Center and Mt. Takeyama Trailhead Hokusaisato Community Center Main Features Cherry blossom light-ups • Cherry trees at the Mt. Takeyama trailhead • Cherry trees at Hokusaisato Community Center Ground-level light decorations • Footlights (on the lawn plaza at Hokusaisato Community Center) • Illuminations (along the lakeside road of Lake Kugushi) Notes Some areas have little lighting. For safety, we recommend bringing a flashlight. Parking is limited, so please be considerate and share spaces. The event may be canceled without notice due to weather or other circumstances. We cannot accept responsibility for accidents, theft, or other incidents in parking areas, on-site, or while viewing the event.

In 2026, the Gokoichi Bus will continue to run, departing from and arriving at Tsuruga Station and Mihama Station and circling the Mikata Five Lakes. [Service Period] The service operates on weekends and public holidays only from Saturday, April 4, 2026, through Sunday, December 6, 2026. *The bus will also run on some weekdays (Thursday, April 30; Friday, May 1; Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; Monday, August 10; Monday, November 2). [Route] Departing from either Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station, the route calls at sightseeing spots such as Mihama Town Lake Center, Rainbow Line Summit Park, and Jomon Roman Park, and stops at Mikata Station before returning to Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station. Please see the bus timetable for details. *Seat reservations are not available. [Inquiries about buses and service status] Fukui Railway Reinoku Office TEL 0778-21-0712

A 200,000-year-old guide to water The Mikata Five Lakes Nature Cruise website has been renewed! https://mihama-lakecenter.com// It is now easier to check the operating status for the day. Mihama Town Lake Center Location: 24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-47-5960 Closed: Wednesdays (the following day if a public holiday) Year-end and New Year holidays: December 29 to January 3

Rainbow Line Summit Park will be closed for maintenance from Monday, February 2nd through Friday, February 6th. (First Parking Lot will be inaccessible during the closure.) Prefectural Route Mikata Goko Rainbow Line remains open as usual, with passage hours from 8:00 to 18:00. Please note that these hours may change due to snow. Also, from Saturday, February 7th through Tuesday, February 10th, the lifts will be under construction and only the cable car will operate. https://mikatagoko.com/%e2%9d%84%e3%83%a1%e3%83%b3%e3%83%86%e3%83%8a%e3%83%b3%e3%82%b9%e4%bc%91%e6%a5%ad%e3%81%ae%e3%81%8a%e7%9f%a5%e3%82%89%e3%81%9b%e2%9d%84/...

The date for the 38th Mihama – Hiroshi Itsuki Hometown Marathon has been set for Sunday, May 10, 2026! The entry period runs from Friday, January 23, 2026 to Sunday, March 15, 2026, and entries can be made via RUNNET. Come run along Mihama’s scenic coastline with us! https://runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=384754&div=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawPehm9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEedoA4TNSq52SiHq1HQuIK2-sJQ59q-7W5z3yN16pmOl0lkanB1N5Stz8iZGQ_aem_M8l00ZEtb8aJGkY8PyQd6Q...

Happy New Year. I look forward to your continued support this year. This year’s NHK taiga drama, “The Toyotomi Brothers!”, has begun, and it feels like another castle boom is on the horizon. The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will open its Winter 2025 Special Exhibition, “The Toyotomi Brothers and Mihama – The Truth of the Retreat at Kanagasaki,” from Saturday, January 10. This exhibition highlights the Echizen invasion when the three great leaders Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu all gathered at Kuniyoshi Castle, and it focuses on “the retreat at Kanagasaki,” which launched Hideyoshi’s rise to prominence. Also, a New Year limited edition of the castle seal is on sale through the end of January. Please take this opportunity to visit the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum. The Toyotomi Brothers and Mihama – The Truth of the Retreat at Kanagasaki Period: Saturday, January 10, 2026 – Sunday, April 19, 2026 Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening hours: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (through March); 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (from April) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission: Adults 100 yen; Children 50 yen (junior high school age and under) Note: Group discount for 20 or more people

Shirahige Shrine sits a little off the main road of Imajo-shuku Post Town. It is affectionately known as the Lower Shrine in contrast to Shilla Shrine, which is called Kaminomiya or the Upper Shrine. This quiet, sacred place is lined with towering cedar trees around a slightly long flight of stone steps.

This photograph was taken at Nanjo Elementary School in Minami-Echizen Town. The light pink cherry blossoms stand out beautifully against the reddish-brown school building!

Here is an introduction to Temari, a sweets shop located in Imajo-shuku Post Town. This time I chose kuromitsu matcha. The shiratama rice dumplings on this plate look like flowers and are so cute ♡ They mix tofu into the dumplings, which makes them soft and very delicious! ★Shop Information★ Shop name: Kanamidokoro Temari Hours: 11:00–17:00 Address: 76-31 Imajo, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0778-45-1112 Closed: Monday and Tuesday (subject to change in winter) Parking: Available (free parking near the shop)

Would you like to try a glass fishing float with netting experience? This glass fishing float with netting is ideal as a single-flower vase and makes a great room decoration. ★ Glass Fishing Float with Netting Experience ★ (Reservation required) Location: Kitamae Senshu-no Yakata,Ukon-ke 　　　　 Fukui Prefecture, Nanjo District, Minami-Echizen Town, Kono 2-15 Price: ¥1,400 per person Participants: 1–5 people (please consult us for groups of more than 5) Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservation: Please make a reservation at the Ukonke Museum (Kitamaebune Archives Center) at least one week in advance. 　　　　TEL: 0778-48-2196 https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19168/...

Yamanaka Tunnel, registered as part of the Japan Heritage "Railways Across the Sea: Miracles of Tracks Connecting to the World." This brick tunnel makes for a charming, retro photo spot. It’s recommended not only for railway and tunnel enthusiasts but also for photography lovers!

Let me introduce Hakuryu Falls in the Kono Area of Minami-Echizen Town. This waterfall sits on the border between Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town along the Echizen Coast. Many people ask whether Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town are the same, but they are different towns. A legend says that when 19 people drifting in a small ship from Izumo Province washed ashore at Nukaura, a dragon protected their boat and climbed to the mountain summit to heal itself in a warm pool. We don’t know which pool healed the dragon, but the nearby Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae offers soothing warmth—wouldn’t you like to be healed like the dragon?

The Japanese archipelago!? There is a rock in Kouno that looks like the shape of the Japanese archipelago. Can you see the "Japanese archipelago"? You’ll find it about 400 meters south from Kono Elementary School along Route 305. It’s hard to spot, but give it a try!