Hokuriku Shinkansen extension in March 2024! 10 recommended sightseeing spots in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture! Including cherry blossom viewing spots

• Table of Contents
• How to get to Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
• 10 tourist spots in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
• 1.Tojinbo
• 2.Oshima
• 3. Mikuni Minato
• 4. Echizen Matsushima Aquarium
• 5. Shibamasa World
• 6. Maruoka Castle
• 7. Shonenji Temple
• 8. Senfuru's house (Tsubokawa family residence)
• 9. Takekurabe Plaza
• 10. Chikuchiku Bonbon (Sakai City Takeda Rural Center)
• In Sakai City, you can enjoy flowers in every season.

How to get to Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, is scheduled to receive an extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen on March 16, 2024, and after the extension, it will be possible to access Sakai City from Tokyo without transferring. For details on how to access Sakai City from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, please refer to the article below.

10 tourist spots in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

1.Tojinbo

Tojinbo is a nationally designated scenic spot known for its view of the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan crashing against the cliffs. The magnificent cliffs spread out for about 1km. It is said that there are only three places in the world with extensive dacite columnar joints that form this kind of scenery, making it an extremely valuable place geologically. There is also a Tojinbo sightseeing boat that allows you to enjoy the scenic Tojinbo and Oshima Island's Echizen Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park from the sea for about 2 km and 30 minutes.

Tojinbo

913-0064 64-1 Yasujima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Tojinbo is a nationally designated scenic spot known for its view of the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan crashing against the cliffs. The magnificent cliffs spread out for about 1km. It is said that there are only three places in the world where the extensive columnar joints of dacite (volcanic stone) that form this kind of scenery are extremely valuable geologically. The dazzling blue sky and the Sea of ​​Japan in early summer, the evening view of the sun setting over the Sea of ​​Japan in autumn, and the rough waves and cold wind blowing against the rock surface when snow falls. All of them are wonderful seasonal scenery that shows Tojinbo and the great nature of the Sea of ​​Japan. Along with Ojima, which floats at the tip of Tojinbo, it has been designated as a natural monument of Japan. There are also many traditional souvenir shops and restaurants in the surrounding area.

Tojinbo sightseeing boat

913-0063 64-1 Yasujima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Looking up at the cliffs of Tojinbo from the sea The view of Tojinbo from the rocky area is majestic, but the view of Tojinbo from the sea is also very impressive. Please enjoy cruising where you can see various scenery while feeling the pleasant sea breeze. The information provided by the onboard guide is also popular as being interesting. ``Wave Rock'' is a series of rocks shaped like rough waves crashing from the coast. ``Honey Nest Rock'' looks like a large honeycomb when you look up from a boat. There are many attractions such as the spectacular columnar joint cliffs, the ``Big Pond'' that represents Tojinbo, and ``Lion Rock'', a secret spot that looks like a male lion sitting with its paws out, which can only be seen from a boat. .

2.Oshima

Ojima, floating off the coast of Tojinbo, has been worshiped as the island of the sea gods since ancient times, and is still a mysterious island covered in dense natural forests. There are no notable artifacts on the island other than Ominato Shrine and the Oshima Lighthouse, and if you follow the promenade that goes around the island, you can fully enjoy the nature of this small island in the Sea of ​​Japan.

In addition, in the Anshima area on the opposite shore, seaweed fishing takes place from late April to May, and during this period, when freshly caught seaweed is dried in the sun, the port is filled with the scent of the ocean.

Oshima

913-0064 Yasujima, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Ojima, floating off the coast of Tojinbo, has been worshiped as the island of the sea gods since ancient times, and is still a mysterious island covered in dense natural forests. There are no notable artifacts on the island other than Ominato Shrine and the Oshima Lighthouse, and if you follow the promenade that goes around the island, you can fully enjoy the nature of this small island in the Sea of ​​Japan. In addition, in the Anshima area on the opposite shore, seaweed fishing takes place from late April to May, and during this period, when freshly caught seaweed is dried in the sun, the port is filled with the scent of the ocean.

3. Mikuni Minato

In addition to the history and culture left behind by the Kitamae-bune, the townscape still has an emotional atmosphere, including townhouses with rows of lattice doors and historic buildings that retain the traces of wealthy merchants. At the Mikuni Festival, one of Hokuriku's three major festivals, held in this area every year on May 19th, 20th, and 21st, floats are dedicated to Mikuni Shrine.

Mikuni Minato Town

913-0046 4-6-55 Kitahonmachi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Mikuni Minato-cho flourished through the Kitamaebune trade from the Edo period to the early Meiji period. Even today, you can still feel the history and bustle of the past in the old townscape, such as townhouses with charming lattice doors and merchant houses that retain the traces of wealthy merchants.

Click here for the official Mikuni Festival homepage!

4. Echizen Matsushima Aquarium

An experiential aquarium with the theme of "see, touch, and have fun learning." In March 2024, a new facility called ``Mizudakokan'' will open to commemorate the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension within Fukui Prefecture and the 65th anniversary of the opening of Echizen Matsushima Aquarium. This is the first facility in Japan that not only exhibits the world's largest species of octopus, the octopus, but also allows visitors to interact with it.

Echizen Matsushima Aquarium

913-0065 74-2-3 Saki, Mikunicho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

An experiential aquarium with the theme of "see, touch, and have fun learning." In addition to the popular dolphin show where they jump so much that they jump out of the aquarium, and the adorable waddling penguins, there are also seals, sharks, rays, large octopuses, Echizen crabs, spiny lobsters, eels, doctor fish, and more. You can touch it and feed the sea turtles and fish. The 3D theater has also been renewed! The content is even more powerful and exciting. In addition, during Golden Week and summer, there are many fun events such as the ``Jabujabu Seawater Pool'' where you can swim with fish, ``Biological Observation on the Rocks'', and ``Night Aquarium and Night Dolphin Show.'' We are looking forward to your visit with an even higher level of excitement and excitement.

5. Shibamasa World

Shibamasa World is a "playing theme park" with the Sea of ​​Japan and lawns. You can enjoy a wide variety of attractions such as roller coasters, buffets, putt golf, and camping sites. One of the largest pools in Japan opens every summer. During summer vacation, the pool is open until 10pm! With the illuminated pool, you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere and excitement that is completely different from the daytime. There is also a complex auto campground on the premises that combines vast nature and amusement facilities.

Shibamasa World

45-1 Hamachi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui 9130005

Shibamasa World is a "playing theme park" with the Sea of ​​Japan and lawns. You can enjoy a wide variety of attractions such as roller coasters, buffets, putt golf, and camping sites. One of the largest pools in Japan opens every summer. You won't be able to enjoy more than just one day, including Caribbean Beach, a pool with waves overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan, the huge 6-seater Monster Slide, the world's largest floating water slide, Triple Saurus, a lazy river, and an indoor Jacuzzi heated pool. In moderation. During summer vacation, the pool is open until 10pm! With the illuminated pool, you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere and excitement that is completely different from the daytime.

Shibamasa Auto Campground (within Shibamasa World)

45-1 Hamazi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui 9130005

The appeal of Shibamasa World Auto Campground is that it is a complex campground that combines vast nature and amusement facilities. Get your body moving at the various attractions and one of the largest pools in Japan, and at night watch the sun set over the Sea of ​​Japan from the grassy site surrounded by greenery, and enjoy a barbecue under a starry sky. Please wash away the fatigue of your daily work and study at this grassy resort area and spend some time relaxing to feel energized for the next day.

6. Maruoka Castle

Maruoka Castle is the only castle in Hokuriku among the 12 existing castle towers. You can experience the atmosphere and scenery of each season, but the cherry blossom season is especially recommended. As its other name suggests, Kasumigajo is an exceptionally beautiful spot with a fantastical appearance floating among the cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring. The area surrounding Maruoka Castle has been maintained as Kasumigajo Park, a Japanese garden-style park, and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Historical Parks as a park that makes effective use of historical and cultural resources. I am.

Maruoka Castle

910-0231 1-59 Kasumicho, Maruokacho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Maruoka Castle is a Hirayama Castle that has the oldest architectural style among existing castle towers, and as its other name, Kasumiga Castle, stands out among the cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring, it is a fantastically beautiful castle. It was built by Katsuie Shibata and his nephew Katsutoyo on the orders of Oda Nobunaga in preparation for the Ikko Ikki uprising in 1576 during the Sengoku period. It is a nationally important cultural property, and is a watchtower-shaped castle tower with a two-story exterior and three-story interior, and the stone walls are built using the old method of ``nozura zumi''.It has many gaps and looks rough, but it has good drainage and is safe from collapse even in heavy rain. It is said. There is a Japanese garden-style park built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the construction of Maruoka Castle, and the History and Folklore Museum exhibits items related to successive castle owners.

7. Shonenji Temple

This is the grave of Yoshisada Nitta, a loyal vassal of the Southern Court during the Nanbokucho period. It is also known as the place where Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) stopped by Shonen-ji Temple, heard Akechi Mitsuhide's story of marital love (circa 1560s), and was moved to compose a poem.

Shonenji Temple

910-0383 19-17 Nagasaki, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

This is the grave of Yoshisada Nitta, a loyal vassal of the Southern Court during the Nanbokucho period. Prefecturally designated historic site. Yoshisada Nitta was killed during the battle at Toumyoji Nawate (present-day Nittazuka, Fukui City), and his body is said to have been buried at this temple, and his belongings are preserved as temple treasures. Around 1556, Akechi Castle, the residence of Mitsuhide Akechi, was attacked by Dosan Saito and his son, and was chased out of the castle. After that, the Mitsuhide family secretly lived in poverty in front of the gates of Shonen-ji Temple for about five years starting around 1562. It is said that his wife, Hiroko, sold her black hair for money to save her husband's face. In August of the second year of Genroku (1689), Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) stopped by Shonen-ji Temple and he composed a Haiku after hearing Akechi Mitsuhide's story about marital love.

8. Senfuru's house (Tsubokawa family residence)

The oldest private house in Fukui Prefecture, built in the early Edo period. It is one of the most valuable private houses in Japan, with the marks of a round-blade hand ax still remaining in the finishing of the pillars and beams, and the fact that three cross pillars were used to support the shed. It is said to be one. The irises bloom around mid-June, and some people take pictures of them in full bloom with old folk houses in the background.

Senkonoie house (Tsubokawa family residence)

910-0205 30-11 Kamitakeda, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

The oldest private house in Fukui Prefecture, built in the early Edo period. It is one of the most valuable private houses in Japan, with the marks of a round-blade hand ax still remaining in the finishing of the pillars and beams, and the fact that three cross pillars were used to support the shed. It is said to be one. The front has a gabled roof and the back has a hipped thatched roof, and the outer walls are covered in cedar bark and the white shoji screens create a clean and beautiful appearance. The unique shape of the roof (gable), which has a unique elegance and power, is said to be unique to this area in Japan. In mid-June, beautiful irises bloom in the adjacent irises garden, and in autumn, the garden, which is a nationally registered monument, takes on a colorful landscape that perfectly matches the seasonal scenery. It is a historical private house. The 100 percent soba noodles made with local buckwheat flour from Maruoka at the resting place are also a hidden favorite.

9. Takekurabe Plaza

A multipurpose leisure space with a spacious lawn located in the mountains about 9 kilometers from the center of town. You can enjoy outdoor life with your family and friends, and on weekends and summer vacations, it's crowded with families and groups enjoying camping and barbecues, and you can hear the cheers of children playing in the river from the Takeda River that flows beside it. . From mid-to-late April, the more than 150 weeping cherry trees in the park bloom all at once, and you can enjoy the magical and beautiful scenery of the branches and flowers swaying in the spring breeze.

Bamboo shoot plaza

94-10 Yamatakeda, Maruoka-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui 9100204

A multipurpose leisure space with a spacious lawn located in the mountains about 9 kilometers from the center of town. You can enjoy outdoor life with your family and friends, and on weekends and summer vacations, it is crowded with families and groups enjoying camping and barbecues, and you can hear the cheers of children playing in the river from the Takeda River that flows beside it. . If you sweat, there is a hot spring next door, which is very convenient. Additionally, from mid-to-late April, the more than 150 weeping cherry trees in the park bloom all at once, and you can enjoy a magical and beautiful view of the branches and flowers swaying in the spring breeze. At this time of year, the ``Takeda no Sato Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival'' is held at this plaza, with illuminations to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night, and a craft market on weekends.

10. Chikuchiku Bonbon (Sakai City Takeda Rural Center)

This is an experience-based accommodation facility located in a peaceful village forest. We offer a variety of programs that can only be experienced in rural areas. There are a variety of experiential programs such as canoeing, spoon making, and village forest harvesting experiences. It has accommodation facilities and can be used for student sports camps and various events.

Chikuchikubonbon

910-0203 60-8 Yamaguchi, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

The former school building has been reborn as an experiential accommodation facility. Sakai City Takeda Rural Exchange Center "Chikuchikubonbon" is an experiential accommodation facility that opened in July 2016 in a renovated former Takeda Elementary and Junior High School. The school maintains the atmosphere of a school, including the blackboards, desks, gymnasium, and grounds that have been in classrooms since then, and is fully equipped with an exchange hall, multipurpose classrooms, and accommodation rooms. The third floor is designed to accommodate 96 people with a high degree of flexibility, and is designed to meet accommodation needs.In addition to 5 Japanese-style rooms (4 rooms for 12 people, 1 room for 35 people), We have four unusual Western-style rooms (for 5 people, 2 rooms for 3 people, and 2 rooms for 2 people) to meet a variety of requests.

In Sakai City, you can enjoy flowers in every season.

Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture has many attractions, but did you know that there are also many famous flower spots? If the time is right for you to see the flowers, why not take a step back and take a ``detour'' to a famous flower spot? Especially from spring to early summer, this is the time when all kinds of flowers are in full bloom! Enjoy Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture on a "tour of famous flower spots".

Click here for a special feature on famous flower spots in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture!