Enjoy a spectacular view of the mysterious Mikata Five Lakes! Rainbow Line Mountaintop Park "Terrace in the Sky"

• Table of Contents
• Mysterious Lake Mikata Five Lakes
• What is the Mikatagoko Rainbow Line?
• Take the lift and cable car to the summit park
• Spectacular view from the "Terrace in the Sky"
• Shopping & Dining
• Information
• How to get to Mikatagoko Rainbow Line Summit Park

Mysterious Lake Mikata Five Lakes

There are five lakes that straddle the Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in Fukui Prefecture . The five lakes, Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Kugushi, and Hyuga, are collectively known as the Mikata Five Lakes. The Mikata Five Lakes are a scenic spot that represents Wakasa Bay National Park, and are a place rich in nature that was registered as a Ramsar Convention wetland in November 2005. A wide variety of fish, from saltwater to freshwater, live here, and they are also a valuable habitat for waterfowl.

The five lakes have different salinity and depths, and are all known as the "Five-Colored Lakes" because they all appear in different shades of blue. In 2011, the 70,000-year-old varves excavated from Lake Suigetsu were recognized by the world as the "global standard for dating," and in September 2018, the Fukui Prefecture Varve Museum was completed in Wakasa Town . In February 2019, traditional fishing methods suited to the characteristics of each of the five lakes, such as the "tatatakiami fishing" method at Lake Mikata, were recognized as Japan's first agricultural heritage sites in the prefecture.

What is the Mikatagoko Rainbow Line?

If you're going around the Mikata Five Lakes, we recommend driving along the Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Prefectural Road. This 11.4km drive from the Hyuga Gate in Mihama Town , Wakasa Town, Wakasa-cho allows you to enjoy the spectacular views of the Mikata Five Lakes to the fullest.

The name of the Rainbow Line comes from "seven colors of blue," and was named after the seven blues that are the five colors of blue of the Mikata Five Lakes, the Sea of ​​Nihon Sea, and the sky. On a clear day, you can experience the spectacular, fantastical scenery of the seven colors of blue.

The summit park, located midway along the Rainbow Line, is the best place to enjoy the spectacular view of the Mikata Five Lakes. From the five terraces, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Mikata Five Lakes, Wakasa Bay, and the blue sky. There are also restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, so if you come along the Rainbow Line, this is a place you should definitely stop by.

Take the lift and cable car to the summit park

You can get to Rainbow Line Summit Park by lift or cable car from the parking lot along the Rainbow Line. The single-seater lift lets you enjoy the breeze while looking out at the scenery, while the cable car is unaffected by the weather and allows even small children to safely reach the summit.

The mountaintop park, which has been certified as a sacred place for lovers, is also home to the "Wago Shrine" and the "Bell of Happiness," which are said to bring good luck in finding love, and is popular as a power spot for love. In addition, a rose garden fair is held in spring and autumn, which is also recommended.

You can enjoy a two-minute walk in the air to the top. Be sure to enjoy the spectacular views of the Mikata Five Lakes and Wakasa Bay.

Spectacular view from the "Terrace in the Sky"

When you arrive at Summit Park, the first thing you should do is enjoy the spectacular views of the Mikata Five Lakes. Five terraces called "Terraces in the Sky" have been set up to enjoy these spectacular views. Even if the sun is strong or it suddenly rains, rainbow umbrellas are available to rent for free, and taking photos of the scenery while holding a rainbow umbrella has become a trend on social media. Be sure to enjoy the spectacular views from the "Terraces in the Sky."

Five Lakes Terrace

If you want to enjoy the spectacular view of the Mikata Five Lakes, we recommend the Five Lakes Terrace in the Chuo of the mountaintop park. This popular terrace allows you to lie down on a round sofa and enjoy the view of the Mikata Five Lakes, the surrounding mountains, and the Ozora.

Wakasa Terrace

"Wakasa Terrace" is a two-story terrace that overlooks the impressive scenery of Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, and Lake Suga below, and the Tango Peninsula and Wakasa Bay in the distance. You can also see the entire summit park.

Chuo Terrace

The "Chuo Terrace" is a luxurious terrace with a view of the horizon of the Sea of ​​Nihon Sea below and the vast Ozora in front of you. You can enjoy the view while enjoying drinks and food at the adjacent cafe "Nanairo".

Mihama Terrace

Located to the Higashi of Summit Park, this is an all-weather terrace where you can enjoy all five Mikata lakes and the Nihon Sea at once. You can also enjoy a foot bath while taking in the view, and it is a popular spot that was certified in the Cool Japan Awards 2019.

* Footbath operating hours: 9:00 - 15 minutes before closing

Chaya Terrace

This terrace features a panoramic view of Wakasa Bay , stretching from Cape Kyogamisaki on the Tango Peninsula in Kyoto Prefecture to Cape Echizen Misaki in Fukui Prefecture . In spring, you can also see the wild cherry blossoms of Tsunegami Peninsula. We recommend enjoying matcha green tea and grilled dumplings at the adjacent Japanese-style cafe "Gokoan" while taking in the spectacular view.

Shopping & Dining

After enjoying the spectacular view, enjoy some gourmet food and shopping. Rainbow Line Summit Park has two cafes and restaurants, as well as shops selling souvenirs and local specialties.

The colorful sweets and drinks associated with the rainbow are especially popular for their vivid colors. The Japanese-style cafe is famous for its large grilled dumplings, which are served with a plum sauce named after Wakasa Town, a plum producing area. We also recommend restaurants where you can try the local Wakasa beef.

At the rainbow shop "Nijiiro," souvenirs are lined up that the staff have personally purchased with a focus on "Made in Fukui." Find your favorite items to remember your trip with, such as the popular rainbow umbrella and couple key chains.

Information

Opening times

・March 1st to November 30th: 9:00-17:00
・December 1st to February 28th: 9:00 to 16:30

*There are days when the facility is closed, so please check the official website in advance.

・Mikatagoko Rainbow Line Prefectural Road Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Road closed at night)

Fee

・Rainbow Line Summit Park admission fee (including lift and cable car fees)
Adults 1,000 yen / Children 500 yen

・Mikatagoko Rainbow Line Summit Park Parking fees: Regular cars and motorcycles: 500 yen / Microbuses: 1,000 yen / Large and medium-sized buses: 2,000 yen

How to get to Mikatagoko Rainbow Line Summit Park

75-2-6 Hyuga , Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture Prefecture, 919-1126

Take the train to Summit Park

●From Osaka/ Kyoto

From JR Osaka Station, JR Osaka Station, or JR Kyoto Station, take the limited express "Sandbird" to JR Tsuruga Station. From JR Tsuruga Station, transfer to the Obama and get off at JR Mihama Station. From the station, take a taxi.

●From Kanazawa

From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to JR Tsuruga Station. From JR Tsuruga Station, transfer to the Obama and get off at JR Mihama Station. From the station, take a taxi.

To get to Summit Park by car

Take the Meishin Expressway "Maibara JCT" - Hokuriku Expressway "Tsuruga IC" - Maizuru Wakasa Expressway "Wakasa Mikata IC".

It is approximately 10km (approximately 20 minutes) from Wakasa Mikata IC to the Rainbow Line No. 1 Parking Lot.

Click here for the official website