With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to the neighboring city of Tsuruga, access from the Kanto region has become very smooth.
One of the most popular tourist spots in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture, "Mikata Five Lakes" allows you to enjoy the charm of the Mikata Five Lakes from different perspectives, from the sky (rainbow line), from the lake surface (battery-propelled sightseeing boat), and from the lake circumference (Cycling)!
We will send out sightseeing Recommendations on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you!
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Hello! This is the Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association.
We will share recommended sightseeing information about Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, and we appreciate your support!
◆What is Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture?◆
Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan and, true to its name, boasts beautiful beaches.
The population is about 8,600 people (as of 2024). The town’s grand natural scenery and many local specialties found only in Mihama attract visiting tourists.
With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to neighboring Tsuruga City, access from the Kanto region has become very smooth.
◆The appeal of Mikata Five Lakes, Mihama Town’s top sightseeing spot◆
The most popular sightseeing spot in Mihama Town is Mikata Five Lakes, a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention and recognized as part of the Japan Agricultural Heritage.
“Mikata Five Lakes” is the collective name for five lakes spanning Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in Fukui Prefecture.
Lake Kugushi
Lake Hiruga
Lake Mikata
Lake Suigetsu
Lake Suga
The Mihama Town Lake Center is recommended as a base for fully enjoying Mikata Five Lakes tourism.
The facility includes a stylish cafe, food outlets such as hot dogs made with venison franks, and an outdoor terrace where you can relax while gazing at the lakes.
For those who want to enjoy Mikata Five Lakes from the water, sightseeing boats are recommended.
These lake vessels are battery-powered sightseeing boats driven by renewable energy stored from solar panels. They are the first in Japan to operate solely on renewable energy. You can enjoy a guided round-trip cruise of about 50 minutes.
Mihama Station rental bicycles are recommended for those who want to enjoy the lakeshore and Mikata Five Lakes.
The full five-lake loop, called Goko-ichu, is a cycling course of about 33 kilometers that takes roughly four hours to complete.
Feel the breeze of Mikata Five Lakes and savor the different scenery each lake offers.
For those who want to enjoy Mikata Five Lakes from the sky, the Mikata Goko Rainbow Line offers spectacular aerial views of all five lakes.
This roughly 11-kilometer drive course leads to Rainbow Line Summit Park, which you can reach by lift or cable car.
At the summit you can enjoy five different sky terraces featuring panoramic 360-degree views of Mikata Five Lakes and the Sea of Japan, including footbaths and sofa terraces, and you can enjoy sweets and special lunch boxes.
You can fully savor Mikata Five Lakes from different perspectives: from the sky (Rainbow Line), from the lake surface (battery-powered sightseeing boat), and around the lakes (cycling)!
◆Introduction to Mihama Town’s sightseeing spots◆
• Shoishohama Beach
Mihama Town has seven beaches, and one of the most popular is Shoishohama Beach, selected as one of Japan’s 88 Best Beaches.
Its shoreline of fine, shining white sand and emerald-green shallow waters make it a beautiful beach, attracting more than 150,000 beachgoers each year.
• Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum
This museum lets you learn about the mountain fortress of the Sengoku period, Kuniyoshi Castle Ruins, and the castle town that once surrounded it.
A terrain model around Kuniyoshi Castle Ruins introduces the historical townscape.
• Roadside Station Wakasa Mihama Hamabiyori
Opened in 2023, this roadside station is packed with fresh vegetables, fruits, and local gourmet items from Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture that can only be enjoyed here.
It also serves as a tourist information center and a rest stop, making it ideal for a break during your travels.
◆Local specialties of Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆
• Heshiko
Heshiko is a traditional fermented local food of Fukui, made by pickling mackerel in rice bran for one year.
Its rich flavor is beloved at local dining tables and makes an excellent souvenir.
• Seafood
Yellowtail, crab, and fugu dishes are recommended winter specialties of Mihama Town.
Freshly landed seafood delights many visitors’ palates.
Mihama Town has many ryokan and minshuku accommodations where you can enjoy these seasonal fresh seafood for dinner.
◆Events in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆
• Hinata Underwater Tug-of-War
Held every January, the underwater tug-of-war is a nationally selected Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property with a history of nearly 400 years. A massive rope 30 cm thick and 40 meters long is stretched across the canal connecting Lake Hiruga and the Sea of Japan. Men wearing headbands pull the rope with great force, praying for a bountiful catch and maritime safety for the year.
• Munakata Shrine Benten Festival
Held every July, the Munakata Shrine Benten Festival features boats with vivid banners carrying portable shrines; on those boats young men wrestle and roughly toss each other into the sea.
◆We will share recommended sightseeing information for Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆
Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture is a town blessed with rich nature and history.
We will continue to share useful recommendations so you can fully enjoy sightseeing in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture. Thank you for your support!
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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)
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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
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[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)
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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
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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.
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