Departure from Fukui Station

Oshima, revered since ancient times as the “Island of the Gods,” is an uninhabited island formed by lava around 13 million years ago. It rises 27 meters above sea level and has a circumference of about 2 km, surrounded by steep cliffs. Cross the 224-meter-long vermilion bridge while feeling the strong sea breeze unique to the Sea of Japan, pass through a torii gate, and climb the steep steps to reach Ominato Shrine, which boasts a history of about 1,400 years. The shrine is dedicated to the god of archery and maritime protection, and is said to have been visited by famous warlords such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Akechi Mitsuhide. From the shrine grounds, you can enjoy a stunning view of Tojinbo across the water. As you walk along the island’s trails, you’ll encounter primeval forests of trees such as yabunikkei and tabunoki, offering a mystical atmosphere rooted in ancient tradition. Enjoy the island’s uniquely sacred natural scenery.

After visiting the sacred “Island of the Gods,” Oshima, enjoy lunch at the restaurant closest to the island—“Umi no Restaurant Ootoku.” True to its name, it boasts an exceptional location with panoramic views of the sea. As you step inside, the stunning seascape in front of you becomes part of the meal itself. In this refined and elegant space, you can savor creative cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients, including fresh seafood sourced from the local Mikuni Port Market. The highly recommended “Ootoku Gokumi Zen” is a luxurious set meal featuring superbly fresh sashimi from the Sea of Japan, your choice of fish and meat dishes, and more. It’s a special dish that reflects the chef’s passion to serve truly delicious, local flavors—don’t miss it.

After satisfying your appetite, head to Tojinbo—one of the world's three greatest scenic coastal cliffs. Stretching about 1 km along the Sea of Japan, Tojinbo features massive columnar joints, sea cliffs towering over 20 meters high, and rugged rocks shaped by crashing waves—an awe-inspiring landscape crafted by nature. It is both geologically rare and officially designated as a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument. Tojinbo's greatest appeal lies in the fact that visitors can directly walk on and touch the massive columnar joints—an experience almost unheard of worldwide. With thrilling spots that may make your legs tremble, you can fully immerse your senses in the flow of geological time. We also recommend taking the “Tojinbo Sightseeing Cruise,” which offers a boat tour around Tojinbo and nearby Oshima. You can admire the towering cliffs from the sea and access stunning views not visible from land. As the sun begins to set, the atmosphere dramatically transforms. The crimson sunset lights up the sky and sea in breathtaking colors, wrapping you in its beauty. If you're lucky, you may even witness the rare “green flash,” a brief green light that appears as the sun dips below the horizon.

After taking in the thrilling sights of Tojinbo, head over to Tojinbo Shopping Street to enjoy some local food and shopping. Stretching about 300 meters from the edge of the cliffs, this lively street is lined with around 30 shops, including seafood restaurants, marine product stores, and souvenir shops. The enticing aromas of grilled squid and shellfish cooked right in front of the stores, as well as sushi made with premium local Wagyu beef known as Wakasa-gyu, will whet your appetite. Don’t miss the delightful sweets, such as the “Tsubo-imo Soft”—rich soft-serve ice cream topped with roasted sweet potato—or the “Cliff-Edge Cream Puff,” both offering unique Tojinbo flavors.

After experiencing the dynamic natural beauty of Tojinbo, take a moment to visit a peaceful temple surrounded by tranquility. Founded in 1375, Takidanji Temple is a historic site representing Mikuni and was protected as a place of prayer by many warlords and feudal lords from the medieval to early modern periods. Many of the temple’s structures—including the main gate, main hall, and founder’s hall—are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The temple's treasure hall displays valuable items such as the Gilt Bronze Flower-Patterned Buddhist Gong, a National Treasure from the Heian period, along with various other artworks and crafts. The temple garden, believed to have been designed in the mid-Edo period, is a traditional Japanese landscape garden that uses the surrounding hills to create depth and flow. It is also designated as a National Scenic Spot. Each season brings its own calm beauty and refreshing simplicity, making Takidanji a truly captivating place to visit.

After a day full of sightseeing, it's time to relax at your hotel. Located on a hilltop in Mikuni—selected as one of the “Top 100 Sunset Spots in Japan”—Mikuni Ocean Resort & Hotel offers ocean views from every guest room. You can unwind while watching the sun slowly set over the Sea of Japan right from your room. One of the highlights of the hotel is its large communal bath with its own natural hot spring source. Enjoy a unique hot spring experience with features such as a Japanese-style tatami-floored indoor bath and an open-air bath where you can feel the sea breeze. For dinner and breakfast, the hotel offers buffet-style dining featuring a wide variety of dishes prepared with fresh seafood from Mikuni Port and seasonal local ingredients.

Start your visit with a short walk from the hotel to a striking white Western-style building. Perched on a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan, the Sakai City Ryusho Museum introduces the history, culture, and heritage of the entire Sakai area. Its unique five-story octagonal architecture is modeled after Ryusho Elementary School—an iconic symbol of Mikuni built in 1879. The building is so photogenic and retro that you might forget it’s a museum! The museum features fun and interactive exhibits that let you learn as you explore, revealing the many charms of Sakai City. One highlight is the 4th-floor observatory room, where walls are painted with bright blue skies and clouds, creating a cheerful art space. Step out onto the balcony to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Sakai Plain—and on clear days, you can even see Mt. Hakusan in the distance.

After learning about the port town of Mikuni at the Sakai City Ryusho Museum, take a stroll through its charming streets. Mikuni Minato flourished as a port for the Kitamaebune trading ships from the mid-18th to the late 19th century. Today, traditional townhouses with wooden lattice doors and the grand residences of wealthy merchants still preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the past. The heart of the area, “Mikuni Minato Kitamae Street,” is lined with highlights such as the former Kishina Residence—once home to a prosperous lumber merchant—and the former Morita Bank Head Office, the oldest reinforced concrete building in Fukui Prefecture, featuring Western classical architecture. At the Mikuni Minato Machiya-kan, a central tourist hub, volunteer guides are available and visitors can take a break in its rest area. If you get a bit hungry while walking, try one of Mikuni’s famous sake manju (steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste and made with sake lees). Three different shops sell them, and though they may look alike, each offers a distinct flavor. They're so popular, they often sell out by noon—so be sure to try a few and find your favorite!

For lunch during your walk through Mikuni’s nostalgic townscape, why not stop by a charming French restaurant that blends seamlessly with the historic streets? The restaurant’s name means “to enjoy” in French, reflecting the chef’s wish for every guest to have a delightful experience. Housed in a beautifully renovated building from the Taisho era, the interior offers a surprising contrast to the exterior. The first floor is bright and open, while the second floor exudes elegance and sophistication. The cuisine, thoughtfully prepared using locally sourced ingredients and served on locally crafted tableware, is beautifully presented and reflects the passion of the award-winning chef. With a wide variety of à la carte dishes available, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing moment with a glass of wine and pleasant conversation.

If you're visiting Mikuni Minato, one experience you won’t want to miss is making your own Mikuni lantern. Itoya, founded in 1791, is one of the few workshops in Japan that crafts traditional lanterns entirely in-house. Using wooden molds, bamboo frames, and washi paper, their lanterns are made with time-honored techniques and are officially recognized as a traditional craft of Fukui Prefecture. Each lantern is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans, resulting in durable and long-lasting pieces. Itoya offers hands-on workshops such as the full-scale “Mikuni Lantern-Making Experience,” where you can create a traditional lantern from scratch, and the more casual “Lantern Painting Experience Pro,” where you decorate a pre-made lantern with your own design. Why not make a one-of-a-kind lantern as a memorable souvenir of your trip? (※Advance reservations required.)

Arrive at Fukui Station

Time schedule
* This itinerary is based on a rental car plan and the schedule is provided for reference only.
Day 1
10:30 Departure from Fukui Station
11:20 Ooshima
12:30 Sea Restaurant Ootoku (Lunch)
13:40 Tojinbo
15:00 Takidanji Temple
16:00 Mikuni Ocean Resort & Hotel (Accommodation)
Day 2
09:55 Hotel check-out
10:00 Ryusho Museum
11:00 Mikuni Minato
12:50 S’Amuser (Lunch)
14:00 Itoya (making lanterns)
17:00 Fukui Station