Wakasa sightseeing spot information
Trip to Wakasa - enjoy the sea, the lake and village all in one -

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Category-Nature-

Nishita Bairin (Mikata Bairin)

Wakasa Town is known nationwide as a production center for Fukui-Ume (Fukui plums). Having tiny seeds and a fleshy pulp, Fukui-Ume plums are highly rated for their fine taste. This particular plum brand has a long history going back to Japan's Tenpo Period (mid 1880s, part of the Edo Period) and comes in two different types: the 'Benisashi' red-fleshed type is used to make 'Umeboshi' pickles and the 'Kensaki' type is used for plum wine.
In early spring, over 70,000 plum trees reveal their beautiful white blooms in charming contrast against the green grass that adorns the Mikatagoko lake shores.
Details
Access: By car: 40 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway or 60mins. from Kohama-Nishi IC off the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway. Approx. 10 mins. on foot from JR Mikata Station
Inquiries: JA Mikatagoko Umenosato Kaikan, 0770-46-1501　

Tsunekami no Sotetsu

This is an enormous palm-like cycad plant, estimated to be about 1,300 years old, grows in the backyard of a private house on the Tsunekami Peninsula (stretching out from Wakasa Bay). This very rare and old cycad is designated as a national natural treasure and is the northernmost example along the Sea of Japan. The perimeter of the cycad's trunk is 5.2 meters it is said to have been planted by ancient Indians who drifted down to the area.
Details
Access: 70 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway. Take the bus bound for Tsunekami from JR Mikata Station and get off at "Tsunekami."
Parking: Not available (Some spaces available at the village entrance)
Inquiries: Wakasa Mikatagoko Tourism Association 0770-45-0113

Miko no Yamazakura

Miko no Yamazakura' are mountain cherry blossoms in Miko that are designated as a prefectural natural treasure. They are found on the Tsunekami Peninsula off Wakasa Bay running along an approx. 1km east to west and 200m north to south section of Miko. There are thought to be about 300 cherry trees and, in early April, the hills become a blanket of their beautiful pink blossoms. In combination with a view of Wakasa Bay they create a breathtaking sight.
Details
Access: Take the bus bound for Tsunekami from JR Mikata Station and get off at Miko. By car, 60 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway.
Inquiries: Wakasa Mikatagoko Tourism Association 0770-45-0113

Uriwari no Taki

The name for this waterfall, the 'Uriwari no Taki' (Breaking Waterfall) comes from an old tale that tells how the falling water has been so cold it can split a melon in two. In 1985 the water was recognized among Japan's very best. The title "Fukui no Oishii Mizu" (Fukui's delicious waters) was officially bestowed in January 2006. The purity of this water and surrounding greenery saturate this soothing location with negative ions. The waterfall itself, located in Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park, is a pleasant place for a stroll and especially delightful in June when visitors can enjoy the hydrangias in bloom. A Wakasa Meisui Festival is held on the first Sunday in August.
Details
Access: By car, 50 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway or 30 mins. from Kohama-Nishi IC off the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway. 15 mins. on foot from ＪＲ Kaminaka Station.
Opening Hours: The waterfalls area is open 24 hours. The 'Meisui no Sato' (store) opens 09:00 to 17:00 §Call to check store holidays.
Parking: Available
Inquiries: Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park Kanri Kumiai, "Meisui no Sato." 0770-62-0186　

Satsumaimo Hori (Dig-Your-Own Sweet Potato)

From late November to late October 'Notono Imohori-en' (nurseries) offer the fun of 'dig-your-own' sweet potatoes. 'Satsumaino' are one of autumn's characteristic tastes.
Details
Access: By car: 40 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway. 40 mins. from Kohama-Nishi IC off the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway.
By taxi: 10 mins. from ＪＲ Mikata Station
Opening Hours: 10:00 ∼ 16:00
Fare: ¥250 per root
Closed Days: Only open on weekends and holidays from late September to late October (also closed on rainy days)
Inquiries: Notono F&G Group Representative, 0770-45-1924

Reinan Ranch

Wakasa cattle have been raised in the Wakasa region from olden times and are known for their calm and easy nature as well as their good beef quality. Therefore, Fukui Prefecture established 'Reinan Bokujo Ranch' also called 'Wakasagyu no Sato' (cattle homeland) in 1975 to raise calves for cattle farmers. The ranch is open to the public with break areas, walks and a mini zoo where visitors can pet small animals.
Details
Access: By car: 40 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway.
By taxi: 13 mins. from JR Mikata Station.
Opening Hours: 8:30 ∼ 17:00
Fare: Free
Parking: Spaces for 30 cars
Inquiries: Reinan Farm, 0770-62-0583

Kaminaka Nogakusha (Farm)

Kaminaka Nogakusha is an agricultural facility in an area of bountiful nature. The farm provides hands-on opportunites for people to learn from nature and experience a variety of farm activities such as rice-planting, harvesting, mochi pounding, soba making, miso making, pottery, straw work, and some fun with snow.
Details
Access: By car: 40 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway.
By taxi: 13 mins. from JR Mikata Station.
Parking: 有
Inquiries: Agricultural Production Corporation Kaminaka Nogakusha Co., Ltd. 0770-62-2125
Fax: 0770-62-2124

Tourist Pear Orchard

Sweet, refreshing pears, a typical Wakasa produce, can be picked here. This is a great outdoor activity to enjoy with friends, with fresh air and sunlight filtering through the trees.
Season for Kosui Pears: Mid August ~ Late September
Season for 20th Century Pears: Early September ~ Late September
Details
Access: By car: 30 mins. from the Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway. 40 mins. from the Kohama-nishi IC off the Maizuru Wakasa Expressway.
By taxi: 10 mins. from JR Mikata Station.
Opening Hours 9:00 ∼ 17:00 (may close early in poor weather)
Fare: Admission (same for both types of pear)
Adult (Junior High school students and above) ¥700
Child (Elementary school ∼ 4 years old) ¥500
Parking: Available
Inquiries: Tourist Pear Orchard (in-season only) 0770-45-3574
Other time JA Mikatagoko Agricultural Product Sales Dept. 0770-45-0719

Plum Picking

Fukui plums have been grown around the Mikatagoko lakesides ever since the Edo Period (17th ~ 19th centuries). Visitors can enjoy picking these plums from the middle till the end of June. They are particularly good for making into umeboshi pickles and plum sake. Visitors can also try making plum juice, sake or umeboshi with their own picked fruit.
Details
Access: By car: 40 mins. from the Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway.
By taxi: 8 mins. from JR Mikata Station.
Fare: ¥500/kg/person
Parking: Available
Inquiries: JA Ume-no-Sato Kaikan 0770-46-1501
Fax: 0770-46-1509

Rental Bike

One of the best ways to get more close to nature, reach historic and cultural locations, and appreciate Wakasa to the full, is on a bicycle. Another route is the 11km long ‘Wakasa Nature Cycling Course’ from Mikata Lake to the eastern bank of Suigetsu Lake. This is a good way to see the fresh spring-time greenery, colorful autumn leaves, winter snow-scenes, and to bask in summer breezes.
Details
Opening Hours 8:30 ∼ 17:00
Closed Days: No off days: JR Mikata Station, JR Kaminaka Station, Hotel Suigekka
Closed Mondays: Kumagawa Museum 'Shukuba-kan'
Closed Thursdays: Michi-no-eki 'Wakasa Kumagawa Inn'
Fare: JR Mikata Station, Hotel Suigekka : ¥500/4hours, ¥1,000/day
JR Kaminaka Station, Kumagawa Museum 'Shukuba Kan', Michi-no-eki 'Wakasa Kumagawa Inn' ¥300/time
Parking: Available
Inquiries: Wakasa Mikatagoko Tourism Association, 0770-45-0113

Mountaineering

Mt. Sanjusangen (842m) is one of Kansai Area’s 100 most famous mountains. Wakasa-komagatake (780m) is a beautiful peak with Japanese beech and larch trees. There are wonderful views of the Mikatagoko (five lakes) from the top of Kumotaniyama mountain (787m). Hakogatake Peak (402m) offers a rare chance to see witch hazel growing abundantly. All views are spectacular whatever the season.
The mountain is ‘officially’ opened every year on 29th April with a formal ceremony.
Details
Inquiries: Wakasa Mikatagoko Tourism Association, 0770-45-0113

Wakasa Country Club (Golf Course)

There are three 27-hole courses, each with different characteristics. Visitors can select which course to play based on their individual skill level. After an energetic round of golf, soaking up the great nature of Wakasa, there is nothing nicer than to feast on the great variety of seafood caught from Wakasa Bay.
Details
Access: By car: 40 mins. from the Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway. 40 mins. from the Kohama-nishi IC off the Maizuru Wakasa Expressway.
By taxi: 15 mins. from JR Mikata Station.
Parking: Available
Inquiries: Wakasa Country Club, 0770-62-1515
For bookings 0770-62-2222
Fax: 0770-62-1519

Jomon Plaza

Jomon Plaza has a produce store called Mikata Farmers Market where the visitor can buy local fruit such as plums, pears or persimmons, and also marine products (e.g. wild eels, lake prawns etc.). Local specialties are also available including water chestnuts, homemade ume plums and local plum wine made at the Plaza's own factory. There is also a restaurant called 'Mahorato' which provides astounding panoramic lake views from each dining table
Details
Access: By car: 30 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway.
On foot: 20 mins. from JR Mikata Station (or 7 mins. by taxi)
Openinh Hours Restaurant: from 10:00 to 16:00 (weekdays) or from 8:30 to 17:00 (weekends and holidays)
Market: from 9:00 to 16:00 (weekdays), from 8:30 to 17:00 (weekends and holidays)
Closed Days: Every Tuesday
Parking: Available
Inquiries: Jomon Plaza, 0770-45-1515
Fax: 0770-45-0066

Ume-no-sato Kaikan (Plum Homeland Center)

Ume-no-sato Kaikan specializes in all types of plum produce. Umeboshi (pickled sour plums) made of Fukui Plums, plum wine and various other plum related products. At harvesting time fresh green plums are also sold. With a prior reservation, visitors can learn how to make plum rice cake and plum juice. A Fukui plum processing factory can also be visited. Tastings (of umeboshi and plum seaweed tea) are also provided.
Details
Access: By car: 40 mins. from Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway.
By taxi: 8 mins. from JR Mikata Station.
Opening Hours 8:30 ∼ 17:30
Closed Days: Years-end and New Year holidays
Parking: Spaces for 40 cars
Inquiries: Ume-no-sato Kaikan 0770-46-1501
Fax: 0770-46-1509

Mikata Onsen Kirara-no-yu (Hot Springs)

This day-trip hot springs facility opened in March 2005. The water contains high levels of sodium chloride and is effective for treating neuralgia. The comforting warmth remains within for long afterwards.
Details
Access: By car: 30 mins. from the Tsuruga IC off the Hokuriku Expressway. 50 mins. from the Kohama-nishi IC off the Maizuru Wakasa Expressway.
On foot: 5 mins. from JR Mikata Station.
Opening Hours: 10:00 ∼ 22:00 (enter by 21:30)
Closed Days: 1st Wednesday of the month.
Fare: Adults (over junior high school) ¥600
Child (below elementary school) ¥300
Infant (below 3 years old) free
Parking: Available
Inquiries: Mikata Onsen Kirara-no-yu (Hot Springs), 0770-45-1126
Fax: 0770-45-0333

Category

In Wakasa Town there are over 100 lodging places. Every one of them offers the visitor the freshest sea-food harvested from the waters of Wakasa Bay, as well as seasonal produce grown within the rich nature of the surrounding mountains. The taste of the sea-food in particular is unequalled anywhere else.
Among them are a large number of Japanese-style 'bed and breakfast (plus dinner)' establishments called 'minshuku'. These pride themselves on their outstanding variety of sea-food meals. All year round they offer the tastiest fish of the season with autumn and winter catches being especially recommendable. The 'Wakasa fugu' (local blowfish) and crab, for example, are highly-regarded throughout Japan and attract many aficionados of high-quality natural food.
Whether during the season of spring-time's sublime cherry blossom, summer's camping and beach-side pursuits, or autumn's gradual turning to reds and golds, visitors will delight in the prized seasonal tastes of Wakasa.
The host and hostess from any of Wakasa's homely lodgings will give you, the visitor, the warmest of welcomes and looks forward to your visit very soon.
Wakasa-mikatagoko Tourism Association 39-5-2,Mikata,Wakasa,Mikatakamikata,Fukui 919-1303,Japan TEL:+81-770-45-0113／FAX:+81-770-45-012
(C)2007 Wakasa-mikatagoko Tourism Association
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