Hello, Cool Japan Video viewers! This is the Minami-Echizen Town Tourism Federation of Fukui Prefecture.

Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture, sits near the center of Fukui. The town blends sea, mountains, and countryside, where history and culture remain alive.
Formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nanjo Town, Imajo Town, and Kono Village, the town preserves the unique character and charms of each area.
Along the coast you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, while inland the mountains and clear streams create scenic satoyama countryside.

Minami-Echizen is also known for preserving Japan’s rural landscapes. You can experience a way of life in harmony with nature that changes with the seasons.
In the peaceful rice fields, popular agricultural experiences like rice planting and harvesting draw many visitors.


Access to Minami-Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture
By car, the town is about a five-minute drive from the Hokuriku Expressway’s Nanjo Smart IC, offering very convenient highway access.
You can also use JR Hokuriku Main Line’s Imajo Station and Nanjo Station, making travel from the Kansai and Chukyo regions comfortable by rail.
From Nagoya and Osaka the town is reachable by car or train in about two to three hours, making it ideal for day trips.
At Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi, you can rent electric bicycles, making a leisurely cycling tour of Minami-Echizen a popular way to explore.


About Minami-Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture
Minami-Echizen belongs to Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture. It covers about 344 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 9,000 people (as of May 2025), offering abundant nature and a peaceful lifestyle.
Stretching north to south, the town ranges from coastal hamlets to mountain farming communities, each with distinct local cultures and customs.
Local residents are active in tourism, agriculture, and crafts, attracting growing attention.


Historical Background of Minami-Echizen Town
From ancient through medieval and early modern times, Minami-Echizen developed as a key hub for transportation and distribution.
The Imajo area thrived as a post town on the Hokkokukaido during the Edo period, welcoming travelers and merchants.
Stone-paved streets and lattice-front houses still remain, evoking the bustle of the past.
In the Kono area, the port prospered as a stop for Kitamae-bune coastal trading ships on the Sea of Japan, and buildings that reflect the lifestyles of wealthy merchants still stand.
These historical assets are preserved as the town’s cultural properties.


Popular Attractions in Minami-Echizen Town
Hanahasu Park
In summer about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a calm, 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-based dishes and local specialties.

Imajo-juku
A post town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Stone streets and white-walled houses convey a sense of history and a tranquil mood.
The area holds high cultural value and is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Hands-on experiences like soba-making and guided town walks are available.
Nearby you will find museums, cafes, and lodging in renovated traditional houses, where you can relax while soaking up history.

Uk on Family House, Museum of Kitamae Ship Owners
The residence of the Ukon Family, who were wealthy Kitamae-bune merchants in the Edo period, is open to the public.
Inside, exhibits recreate merchant life and display materials on historical trade routes, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Yashagaike Pond
A mountain pond shrouded in mysterious legend, located at the end of a nature-rich trekking course.
Sitting at about 1,100 meters elevation, the clear pond is accessible via a trail designed for beginner climbers.
Fresh spring foliage and autumn colors are beautiful, offering different scenery each season.
The trail is well maintained, and scenic viewpoints along the way provide sweeping views of the Echizen mountains.


Roadside Station in Minami-Echizen Town
Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi represents the town as a large complex facility combining a tourist information center, product markets, a restaurant, 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, making it popular with many visitors.
Fresh vegetables and fruits sourced from local farmers and Minami-Echizen–unique souvenirs are also available.


Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Minami-Echizen Town
Imajo Soba (oroshi soba)
A representative Fukui specialty. Served with grated daikon and broth, its clean, refreshing flavor is perfect in warm weather.

Beni-sashi Ume
A specialty plum grown in the Kono area, it balances sweet and sour flavors and is popular as umeboshi or plum wine and other processed products.
Harvest experiences and plum-cooking workshops are offered, contributing to food education.


Events and Festivals in Minami-Echizen Town
Kono Ume Festival
Held every June, this community event celebrates the plum harvest.
Visitors can try plum picking and buy local processed foods, and food trucks make the event lively for families.

Imajo Soba Festival
A soba festival where noodle shops from inside and outside the town set up stalls so you can sample the variety of Imajo soba.
Soba-making demonstrations and workshops promote the appeal of local food culture.

Kono Summer Festival
Held annually in late July at Korakujo Beach, this summer highlight features a finale of about 5,600 fireworks that light the night sky and sea, drawing many visitors.
Stalls and fairground games line the area, creating perfect summer memories.

Tourist Information for Minami-Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture
Minami-Echizen is a town of historic streetscapes and abundant nature.
We will continue sharing richly appealing information to invite you to experience the town’s seasonal scenery, rooted food culture, and warm hospitality that might bring you a taste of tomorrow.
Thank you very much!!