Fukui Prefecture has been gaining attention from Japan and the world at large before the opening of the new Fukui Shinkansen in spring 2024. More and more overseas tourists can be seen here. In the Wellness Tour that tours Zen, food, and hot springs, interpretation guide services and English menus are being prepared to warmly welcome these guests. The highlights of Fukui, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, are introduced here in this 1-night, 2-day model course.
Circular Awara Hot Spring Morning Yoga Experience: guests can rest their bodies, adjusted by yoga, in a hot spring.
A person's body, stiffened by the cold, will loosen up with time while practicing yoga.
Guests can experience yoga at the traditional crafts building in front of Awara-Yunomachi Station on mornings when they wake up early. For 30 minutes, guests can spend luxurious time facing their inner selves.
Lessons are offered in English and Japanese.
After loosening up their bodies with yoga, guests can soak in the footbaths and circulate the inside of their bodies. Ashiyu in front of the plaza can be used by anyone free of charge, and the hot springs directly flow from water sources. There are 5 varieties of bathtubs, all made with Japanese cypress, that each have different water temperatures, letting guests find a suitable temperature for themselves.
Oshima Island - an island of the gods that still has untouched nature.
Go through the large torii gate at the entrance of Oshima Island and ascend the stone stairs to find the Ominato Shrine, constructed in Japan's Asuka Period. While people have lived in this region receiving the blessings of the sea since old times, it is also fraught with danger, such as bad weather when fishing, and many people have lost their lives here. Ominato is a shrine where visitors pray for safety in the sea.
Address: Anto, Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui
Mikuni Port - a retro townscape where history lives.
Boats supported distribution in Japan during the Edo Period. Among these ships were the Kitamaebune, trade ships in the Sea of Japan that connected Hokkaido to Osaka. These ships entered Mikuni Port, giving the town the name "Mikuni Minato" (Minato in Japanese means port). It was a prosperous town with many people.
Old Kishina Residence, a distinctive townhouse of the period built in the Kagura style.
The Old Kishina Residence is a must-see, famous tourist spot. It is the remains of the residence of Mr. Sosuke Kishina, who managed a lumber dealing business. Here, visitors can feel the breathing of merchants who lived at the time through items such as the beautiful Seto ware toilets and the boat chests made to float to the water surface even if the boat sinks.
The indoor rooms are elegant constructions with low ceilings; the pillars and construction materials are painted Indian red; and the walls are colored clay. In this 2-story construction, 1F has the account room, tatami room, and kitchen for the store, and 2F has displayed materials by intellectuals connected to Mikuni. In addition, they have resident volunteer guides who will guide visitors to the Old Kishina Residence and Mikuni Town. Highly recommended for visiting as a base for walking around the city.
TEL: +81-776-82-0947
Address: 4-6-54, Kitahonmachi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui
The former Morita Bank Head Office, a registered tangible cultural property, is not to be missed. This reinforced concrete construction is the oldest building existing in Fukui. It was designed by the architect, Mr. Shichigoro Yamada, and the interior, based on wood and white lime plaster engravings, as well as the spacious atrium, are both truly impressive. The magnificent appearance of this building tells the story of the prosperity of the Mikuni port during this period.
Address: 3-3-26, Minamihonmachi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui
A large parade float, around 6.5 meters, goes around during the Mikuni Festival, an intangible folk cultural property and one of the three major festivals in the Hokuriku region. Six of these floats are stored in the town.
Old House Renovated Restaurant Enjoy Mikuni French cuisine at S'A Muser.
This restaurant is located on Mikuniminato-Kitamaedori Street and was renovated from an old large wooden tools store.
A good meal is the perfect way to end a trip. S'A Muser lets guests enjoy Mikuni French cuisine, which uses copious amounts of local ingredients, mainly Mikuni's rich seafood. This restaurant is in a two-story wooden building that has the impressive atmosphere of an old shop. They also offer vegetarian options (you must consult with the restaurant 10 days before visiting).
The colorful appetizers include several foods that draw out the wonderful flavors of the ingredients themselves, including onion and bacon quiche, marinated red cabbage and lotus roots, pate de campagne, and marinated yellowtail. The main fish dish, sauteed sea bass and cod, goes well with the celeriac sauce, and the main meat dish, the meaty beef tenderloin roast, is made with red wine sauce.
S'A muser
Address: 4-5-31, Kitahonmachi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui
Culture and traditions were conveyed long ago. Deep and rich nature and hot springs. Wonderful food is cultivated by this nature. Visit and experience Fukui, which has many amazing things that Japan can boast to the world.
