There may be changes to the information displayed on the tourism facilities and events pages (such as business hours, etc.).
For the latest/more detailed information, please see the official website, etc., of each local government, facility, or event.

FUKUI x TOKYO

Wavering lights and green carpet
  • TOKYO
  • FUKUI

Theme of the Scenic Route

WAVERING LIGHTS AND GREEN CARPET

TRAVELER

  • Traveled : November,2022 David Anderson
    Travel Blogger & Photographer
    Reside in USA
  • Traveled : November,2022 Veronica Carnevale
    Content creator with Japan Travel
    Reside in Tokyo
    Home country: USA

After fully enjoying the scenery of the metropolis from Shibuya Scramble Square, a 47 stories-tall new landmark that directly connects to Shibuya Station, head to Heisenji Hakusan Shrine in Fukui. The entire area is covered in beautiful moss, as if someone spread out a green carpet. A trip to enjoy the contrast between the metropolis and nature.

Official Tokyo Travel Guide
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/

Local government official website
https://enjoy.pref.fukui.lg.jp/en/

Haneda Airportmore

Haneda Airport
The airport serves as an air gateway for Tokyo. The passenger terminal is filled with various commercial facilities, and visitors can command a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay from the rooftop observation deck, so that every one, even those who are not flying, can enjoy the terminal.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day1

TOKYO

Shibuya Scramble Squaremore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Shibuya Scramble Square
SHIBUYA SKY was built with three zones: SKY GATE, a transitional space on the 14F–45F; SKY STAGE, an outdoor observation area; and SKY GALLERY, an indoor observation corridor on the 46F. Not only can you see 360 degrees of scenery from 229m above Shibuya, but the observation spaces stimulate intellectual curiosity and foster imagination through a series of experiences.
  • David Anderson

    Shibuya Scramble Square: Offering 360-degree views of Tokyo and an amazing vantage point of the Shibuya Crossing (known to be one of the world's busiest intersections), a visit to the SHIBUYA SKY is simply a must! It's also a fantastic place to come for sunset, and you can stay later up there to watch Tokyo become alive with it's vibrant lights in every direction. After an exhilarating elevator ride up to the rooftop, guests will be rewarded with stunning views of Tokyo (as well as Mt Fuji on a clear day). There are also some special events at "such as rooftop bar" making it an amazing stop on your Tokyo nightlife tour.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Shibuya Scramble Square: With the expansive Tokyo skyline stretched out before me, I was struck by the commanding presence of the famed city. Buildings of varying heights and hues intersected by busy roads and greenery met the sky at the distant horizon. Where am I, you might ask? The answer is SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE! Located beside Shibuya Station and Shibuya Crossing, this 230-meter tall complex features observation decks, offices, shops, and restaurants and is the tallest building in the Shibuya area.

    My journey to the sky began on the 14th floor on a unique elevator. During the 30-second ride to the 45th floor, the ceiling of the elevator displayed a show of twinkling lights and ethereal music that made me feel as though I was ascending through space. After securing my loose belongings in a locker, I took a series of escalators to the rooftop Sky Stage. From this open air observatory, I was treated to endless panoramas of central Tokyo. Skyline staples such as Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Bay, and Yoyogi Park greeted me as I breathed in the crisp autumn air. I continued my visual adventure on the 46th floor at the Sky Gallery with its floor to ceiling windows, and walked through interactive art exhibits, seating areas, a cafe, a bar, a lounge, and a souvenir shop. After my time among the clouds, I stopped by ocha room ashita ITO EN on the 10th floor and enjoyed a personally-whisked cup of matcha and a sweet red bean dessert.

10 minutes by train (JR)

Tokyo Dome City Spo-Dori!more

Tokyo Dome City Spo-Dori!
Spo-Dori! is an indoor sports facility where you can enjoy bouldering, batting and pitching, and golf. It is a place where anyone can have fun at their own pace, or seriously practice sports.
  • David Anderson

    Tokyo Dome City Spo-Dori!: Located in the fun-filled Tokyo Dome City Spo-Dori!offers a colorful bouldering wall, top-notch batting cages to practice your Baseball skills, and a digital golfing range that the whole family will love. There is also a ton to do in the area, so this would be a great spot for a short visit if you're visiting Tokyo with young children!

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Tokyo Dome City Spo-Dori!: With a full stomach, it was time to test my physicality at Spo-Dori! inside Tokyo Dome City! From Hibiya Station, I took the Toei Mita Line to Suidobashi Station (67 minutes) and then walked about 4 minutes to Tokyo Dome City. The indoor sports facility is home to netted batting and pitching areas, rock climbing, and golf. When I entered the establishment, the first thing I noticed was a long rock wall to my right. The incline of the rock wall steadily became steeper, making it difficult even for adults. With the wall’s seemingly competitive air, I decided to try rock climbing! Once I rented some shoes and purchased a ticket from the front desk, I was ready to go. As I stood below the wall, even the beginner climb started to look daunting. Even so, I persevered. With full concentration, I moved purposefully through each step and after a few falls, successfully made it to the top. The experience was fulfilling and challenging—a great way to add variety to a day of sightseeing.

18 minutes by train (JR)

Hibiya OKUROJImore

Hibiya OKUROJI
Hibiya OKUROJI is a newly built commercial space created through reviving the 300m underpass space between Yurakucho Station and Shimbashi Station, with its characteristic brick archways and a history of over 100 years.
The name "Hibiya OKUROJI" came from the word for "interior" (oku), as it is a little distance from the central area of Hibiya/Ginza, and combining it with the word for "alley" (roji) to convey the hidden atmosphere found under the overpasses.
In addition to the excitement of finding something had by passing adults, OKUROJI also expresses the best-kept secrets of over 100 years of history and deep commitment.
  • David Anderson

    Hibiya OKUROJI: A fun underground mall that mixes old and new! Feauturing stunning exposed brick on one side, and recently renovated and modern walling on the other - Hibiya Okuroji is a great place to spend an hour eating and shopping in the Ginza area. While during the day it isn't as busy, at night it becomes alive and thriving with a buzzing atmosphere. The only problem you'll encounter is deciding which restaurant to eat at! It's also an incredible place to do some unique souvenir/gift shopping.

    Lunch <Hibiya OKUROJI> Shunju Tsugihagi: While there are no shortages of amazing places to eat in Tokyo, Shunju Tsugihagi is an eloquent dining establishment that offers an incredible course menu that you'll never forget. Just steps away from the iconic Imperial Hotel, the atmosphere created with the unique wooden furniture, ambiant lighting, and exposed wine selection makes Shunju Tsugihagi a fine-dining experience that will be a highlight of your creative culinary adventures. Be sure to try to the Prime Rib, as it is one of the best cuts of beef you'll have while in the country (and that's really saying something).

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Hibiya OKUROJI: From Shibuya Station, I boarded the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line for a quick 15-minute train ride to Shimbashi Station. Then, after a 6-minute walk, I reached my next destination—Hibiya OKUROJI. This 300-meter long, underground shopping street runs under eight railway lines and is home to an assortment of restaurants and shops. Constructed in the early 1900s, the combination of white arches and red brick gives the area a modern, yet retro vibe. As I walked by the numerous storefronts, I spotted an umbrella shop, clothes stores, a shoes store, and even an establishment selling traditional-indigo dyed clothing. As for the food, I allowed my nose to take me on a journey through traditional Japanese and foreign cuisine. At a cute French bakery, I stopped by for a sample of a deliciously sweet canelé. The train operations above coupled with the classy shop fronts below created a unique shopping experience.

    Lunch <Hibiya OKUROJI> Shunju Tsugihagi: After a morning of exploring Tokyo, it was time for some lunch at SHUNJU TSUGIHAGI! Fortunately, the restaurant was only about a 5-minute walk from Hibiya OKUROJI. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was enveloped in a high-end, yet welcoming atmosphere. The yellow lighting throughout the restaurant, coupled with the eclectic decor and stonework made for an intriguing interior. In fact, “tsugihagi” translates to “patching”—an ode to the restaurant’s differing styles. I was seated in a simple wooden room and served the autumn lunch course. This six-course meal featured appetizers crafted with seasonal ingredients, fresh sashimi, sea bream with fig and balsamic sauces, charcoal-grilled wagyu beef paired with salt, a spicy yuzu sauce, and a miso walnut sauce, iron pot rice with pickles and miso soup, and a chestnut cake with fruit. The endless combinations of flavors and textures made for a satiating meal. I paired the meal with a white wine from Yamanashi, which had a smooth and slightly sweet aroma.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

  • David Anderson

    Dinner <Kagurazaka> Kagurazaka Kamosho: Come in for an exquisite course menu delivering a wide-vareity of Japanese cuisine that is guaranteed to ignite your taste buds. Offering a small selection of private rooms in a cozy setting, Kagurazaka Kamosho specializes in duck dishes that is truly spectacular.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Dinner <Kagurazaka> Kagurazaka Kamosho: After some rest and relaxation, I headed to my last stop of the day—dinner at Kagurazaka Kamosho. Kagurazaka is a popular shopping and restaurant district near Iidabashi Station renowned for its sloping street. In the darkness of the autumn evening, the shops lining the main street emitted an aesthetic glow as passersby enjoyed the cool air. After a few minutes on the main street, I turned down a narrow, cobblestone pathway to the restaurant. The front of the establishment was decorated with dark noren, Japanese curtains, and I was required to remove my shoes after entering. Kagurazaka Kamosho specializes in duck dishes, so I ordered the shabu shabu duck course. This multi-course meal featured a variety of dishes, including fish, tofu, and vegetables seasoned with truffle salt, wasabi, fig, mustard, and more. However, the main star was the duck. With a fire flickering under a hearty bowl of duck broth, the waiter brought me a plate of thinly sliced duck meat, which I cooked myself by dipping it in the soup. Each freshly cooked piece filled my mouth with warm and savory flavors. I paired the meal with a Chiba-produced sake to round off the rich aromas.

Day2

HOKURIKU(FUKUI)

Haneda Airport

Komatsu Airport

15 minutes by bus

20 minutes by train (JR)

40 minutes by bus

Tojinbomore

Tojinbo
Tojinbo is a scenic spot where the cliffs continue to be roughly cut by ocean waves.
The spectacular cliffs of Tojinbo extend for about 1 km along the coast of the town of Mikuni.
Called pyroxene andesite columnar joints, the cliffs are said to be geologically rare rocks that are found in only three locations in the world, including Tojinbo, and have been designated a natural monument of Japan.
You can also enjoy the scenery from 55 m above in Tojinbo tower or from a pleasure boat cruise around the cliffs.
  • David Anderson

    Ootoku: Lunch (seafood or meat)
    Head to the upstairs seating area of Ootoku for a scenic view looking at Oshima island while you enjoy a delicious seafood or steak menu. It's one of the most popular restaurants in the area (among locals and tourists), and just a short drive up the coast from the iconic Tojinbo cliffs! Once your done with your meal. you can work off the calories by enjoying the incredible walk around the Oshima island.

    Tojinbo: No visit to the Fukui prefecture would be complete without experiencing the picturesque and rugged Tojinbo cliffs. This unique coastline destination is known to be one of the best places in Japan to watch the sunset, and also a fun place for souvenir shopping, local delights, and trying the unique squid ink flavored ice cream! There is also the Tojinbo Tower for views of the coastline!

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Ootoku: Lunch (seafood or meat)
    The next morning, I started my day with a one-hour flight from Haneda Airport in southern Tokyo to Komatsu Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture. From there, I met with my guide, who had a rental car, and we drove south to the neighboring prefecture Fukui! After about a 45-minute drive, we reached our first stop—Ootoku, a seafood restaurant located along the Sea of Japan. The staff seated me at a second-floor table beside a massive window that offered captivating views of the sparkling tide and gentle waves, as well as nearby Oshima Island. The interior’s simple wooden design conveyed a rustic, yet modern vibe, and perfectly complemented the encircling oceanscape. After pursuing the seafood and meat-filled menu, I settled on maguro don, a tuna rice bowl. The raw tuna was arranged atop a bowl of fluffy rice and garnished with wasabi, pickled ginger, and a piece of egg roll. The dish was paired with pickled cabbage, miso soup, and a mild-flavored white fish called karei. I could not suppress the smile that brightened my face as I took a bite of the fresh tuna.

    Tojinbo: After enjoying the flavors of the sea, it was time to explore one of Fukui’s most renowned sightseeing spots—Tojinbo. From the restaurant, we drove about five minutes to a nearby parking lot and then walked another five minutes along a retro street reminiscent of Japan’s Showa period. The nostalgic path was lined with eateries and souvenir shops where the savory aromas of seafood intermingled with the ocean breeze. Once I reached the shoreline, the majestic view took my breath away. Jagged, yet oddly geometrical cliffs met the calm tide in a mesmerizing display of nature. The expansive ocean served as a wondrous backdrop to the scene as frothy white waters pooled around the unique rock formations. I closed my eyes and inhaled the crisp wind and felt myself relax in tune with the waves’ lullabies. The paths around the cliffs are easy to navigate, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

    Then, I hopped back in the car for another five minute drive to a parking lot near Oshima Island. This tiny, uninhabited island is located just off Fukui’s coast and is connected to the mainland by a picturesque red bridge. As I walked toward Oshima, the island’s lush greenery, visually intriguing rockside, and white torii gate made me feel as though I was walking into another world. The island takes about one hour to walk around and is home to a shrine, lush nature, and stunning ocean views.

  • David Anderson

    Dinner at Awara Onsen Haiya: Dining at the Awara Onsen Haiya is just one of the many reasons to book a night or two stay here! You'll have a privately partitioned room in the restaurant and enjoy the meal while wearing one their complimentary Japanese onsen robes. With a delicious selection of sake, wonderful plating presentation, impeccable service, and incredible cuisine - this is a dining experience you'll absolutely love! Pro tip - make sure to ask for extra wasabi salt (as it's remarkable)!

    Accommodation: Awara Onsen Haiya
    With beautiful rooms decorated in a classic Japanese Ryokan style, there's simply no better place to stay in the area than the Awara Onsen Haiya! Guests are offfered complimentary access to the relaxing Onsen, which magical hot spring water will absolutely melt all your stress away. They also offer private rooms (at an additional cost) for those looking for the Onsen experience in solitude. The hotel is luxurious, comfortable, and an overall unique experience that should be added to your Japanese bucket list.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Dinner at Awara Onsen Haiya: With calm minds, we drove about one hour to my accommodation for the night—Haiya in Awara Onsen. Awara Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring towns in central Japan and is home to a variety of ryokan, or traditional Japanese inns. Once I arrived at Haiya, the staff guided me to my room and kindly showed me how to wear a yukata, which is a lighter and casual type of kimono. After dressing in the traditional attire, I slipped on some hotel-provided sandals and made my way to the dining room, which featured multiple private rooms divided by wooden barriers. A smiling server brought me my first course—a persimmon filled with cucumber and crab paired with umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur). This sweet and savory dish was followed by a slew of delicious food, including soup, fresh sashimi, an apple stuffed with salmon and cheese, Wakasa beef, fried sesame tofu, daikon radish filled with fish, a spring roll with crab and wasabi jelly, and montblanc with fruit. Each dish was artistically plated and featured a wealth of unique textures and flavor combinations that matched the refined nature of the ryokan.

    Accommodation: Awara Onsen Haiya
    At Haiya in Awara Onsen, I felt as though I traveled back in time to traditional Japan. Each room and hallway aesthetically epitomized Japanese refinement with woodwork, neutral colors, and traditional decor. My room itself, was a Japanese-styled room and featured tatami floors, sliding shoji doors, and large windows with views of a small Japanese garden. During dinner, staff came to my room and set up a futon for me to sleep on. The attached bathroom acted as an extension of the beautifully designed space and even had its own private hot spring bath! After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, I felt myself truly unwind in the steaming and rejuvenating waters. Aside from the personal bath, the ryokan also had an equally relaxing communal bath. Along with the traditional touches, the hotel also offered modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi, small lockers for personal items, a mini fridge with beverages, a hair dryer, and more. The experience was further enhanced by the exceptional hospitality of the staff. The following morning, after another nourishing meal of vegetables, fruit, rice, eggs, fish, and soup, the staff heartily waved goodbye as I started the new day.

Day3

40 minutes by bus

20 minutes by train (JR)

60 minutes by train (non-JR lines)

10 minutes by taxi

Heisenji Hakusan Shrinemore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine
The temple was established as a base for worship by the Buddhist priest Taicho in 717 on the Echizen side of the sacred mountain Hakusan, an ancient object of worship. In the latter half of the Heian period, it became a branch temple of the Hieizan Enryakuji Temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, and although it became the largest religious city in Japan at the height of the Warring States period, the temple was burned to the ground during the uprising of followers of the Osaka Honganji sect of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in 1574. With the Meiji program of separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the temple name of Heisenji was abolished and became Hakusan Jinja (shrine), and is now know as the "moss temple" for its beautiful moss carpet covering the grounds. In addition, Mitarashinoike Pond, where a goddess appeared to lead Taicho to Hakusan, and the giant cedars of Wakamiya Hachimangu that survived the burning of the temple, tell the tale of the bygone days of Hakusan Heisenji Temple.
  • David Anderson

    Heisenji Hakusan Shrine: Complete with a scenic stairway through towering cedar trees and mossy rocks, the Heisenji Hakusan Jinja Shrine is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the Fukui Prefecture. It's a National Historic Site with the tagline, "Centuries of Hidden History", as only 1% of the remains of the 200-hectare grounds have been unearthed. It's a sacred and special place, and there's a certain feeling you'll experience once you walk these moss filled stone paths for yourself.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Heisenji Hakusan Shrine: Next, we traveled inland to Heisenji Hakusan Jinja. The car ride took about one hour and was filled with heartwarming views of autumn colored mountainsides, agricultural fields, and quaint villages.

    Once we reached the shrine, I was once again swept into a mystical world. The locally-beloved shrine, nicknamed “the Temple of Moss,” is famous for its thick carpet of moss and has long been a base of worship for Hakusan—one of Japan’s most sacred mountains. With stone pathways at my feet and shrine structures seamlessly interwoven into the scenery, I was entranced by the peaceful balance of nature and spirituality. Towering trees guided my every step, and the verdant moss-covered landscape lulled me into utter contentment. The woods were extremely quiet—apart from the light breeze, occasional chirping crickets, and my own echoing footsteps—and enveloped me in serenity that persevered the remainder of the day.

10 minutes by taxi

30 minutes by train (non-JR lines)

15 minutes by bus

Soto Zen Daihonzan Eiheiji Templemore

Soto Zen Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple
The temple was founded as a Zen training hall in 1244 by Soto Zen founder Dogen Zenji. There are more than 70 large and small buildings on the grounds, and the shichido garan complex of halls connected by corridors is a large building that is indispensable for everyday meditation. The Rurishobokaku museum has a number of treasures on display that include the Fukan zazengi, Dogen Zenji's essay on the practice of Zen, which is a national treasure.
In 2015, the French Michelin Green Guide Japan gave the temple a 2-star rating.
  • David Anderson

    Soto Zen Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple: Eihiji Teple is one of the two head temples of the Soto School of Zen Buddhism, and also one of the largest monasteries in all of Japan. Tucked away in the scenic mountains, visitors will love visiting (during anytime of the year) as the foliage and scenery is breathtaking. No photos are allowed to be taken of any of the monks while visiting the property, but learning all about their everyday activities and Zen Buddhism is a great way to spend a couple hours.

    Kamezo Soba (Lunch): Known for having some of the best Soba noodles in the country, Kamezo Soba is a cozy establishment that serves up an irresistibly delicious dish. Along side the Soba noodles you’ll have a kakiage (deep fried assortment of scallops, shrimp, and onions). It’s crunchy, comforting, and tasty.

    Takefu Knife Village: Offering factory tours and a souvenir shop where you can by handmade "Echizen" forged knives, take a trip to Takefu Knife Village for an exciting look into the production of the most important (and sharp) culinary tool. This is the production site for 13 different knife companies, and guests can even book a special workshop to learn directly from the expert craftsmen.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Soto Zen Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple: I started my last day in Fukui with a visit to Eiheiji Temple, which was about a 45-minute drive from the ryokan. Upon our arrival, we parked in a nearby parking lot and walked about five minutes through a quaint temple town to Eiheiji. The moment I caught sight of the Buddhist temple complex, I was struck by its commanding, yet comforting presence, and after trading my sneakers for a pair of temple slippers, I was ready to start exploring. Traditional wooden buildings and lanterns sat in perfect harmony with the area’s flourishing nature as autumn’s blessings colored the grounds in a vibrant array of colors. As I toured the numerous structures, I was captivated by the significance and hidden meaning behind everything—from the placement of buildings to the posture of statues. In fact, the entire complex itself looks like it was laid out to represent a Buddha performing zazen, or meditation.

    In contrast to Heisenji Hakusan Jinja Shrine’s solitude, Eiheiji was an extremely active temple filled with monks carrying out daily practices. During my trip, I was honored to witness a monthly funeral service for a former abbott. Although I could not understand what the monks were saying, I was overcome by the powerful energy of the synchronized chanting. The gentle atmosphere of Eiheiji touched me and left me with a deeper understanding of the Soto sect of Buddhism.

    Kamezo Soba (Lunch): After about two hours of exploring Eiheiji, I was ready for some lunch! From the temple, we drove about 30 minutes to Kamezo Soba for one of Fukui’s most popular dishes—echizen oroshi soba. The restaurant’s wooden interior and warm lighting created a welcoming atmosphere, and I was seated at a traditional Japanese table. My mouth watered as the server brought me my dish—a plate of cold, 100% buckwheat soba served with a grated daikon-broth sauce and seafood tempura. As instructed by my guide, the proper way to enjoy the dish was to first try the soba alone and then pour the sauce on top. As I bit into the firm noodles, an earthy and nutty flavor filled my mouth. The soba had a satisfying chew and paired wonderfully with the mellow aroma of the broth and crunchy tempura. I finished off my meal with a cup of hot soba water—a typical beverage served after soba.

    Takefu Knife Village: After enjoying Fukui’s culinary arts, it was time to explore its industrial side at the Takefu Knife Village in Echizen City—a short 15-minute car ride from the restaurant. For the past 700 years, Echizen has excelled at forging high quality knives.

    My tour of the facility started in the main cylindrical building where I observed displays of cooking and agricultural knives, as well as profiles of master artisans whose ages ranged from 18 to 82! Next, we headed to the main attraction—the workspace. The moment I opened the door, the sound of crunching metal and smell of iron manufacturing filled the air. From the second floor balcony, I eagerly watched the focused workers pound and shape iron. The dense landscape of machinery made for a visually intriguing viewing experience no matter where I looked. Here, traditional methods existed alongside modern ones, and workers from all over Japan forged beside one another. The facility even housed a shrine dedicated to the founder of the craft! As I moved to the adjoining shop to observe the knives up close, I was mesmerized by their detailed craftsmanship. The knives were more than just tools—they were pieces of art that represented centuries of cultural heritage.

30 minutes by bus

75 minutes by train (JR)

20 minutes by taxi

Day4

Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Linemore

Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line
The Mikata Five Lakes are mysterious lakes known for their five different colors. By taking the driving route known as the Rainbow Line, you reach a mountaintop park where you can gaze upon the Mikata Five Lakes. You can use the cable car lift to climb the mountain, and view the Mikata Five Lakes from a stylish cafe terrace.
  • David Anderson

    Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line: Perfect for nature and photogrpahy lovers, the Rainbow Line Summit Park offers one of the most jaw-dropping panoramic views in the Fukui Prefecture. Overlooking the the "Mikata Goko", or the Five Lakes of Mikata, it's an ideal place to watch the sunset for a magical view including the many layers of mountains in the distance. Visitors have a large area to explore with various terraces and viewing areas, as well as tons of colorful flora to enjoy.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line: As the sun started its descent, we drove about an hour to our last spot—the Rainbow Line Summit Park, a mountaintop park. From the park’s base, I hopped on a single-seated lift and slowly ascended the hillside. During the journey, giddiness swelled in my chest as I gaped at the surreal landscapes. At the top, I could no longer contain my excitement as I bounded to the park’s eastern edge. The view was indescribable. Autumn clothed mountains rested in the expansive Mikata Five Lakes as the setting sun bathed the scenery in a golden hue. After enjoying the lakeside views, I rushed to the other side of the park for sweeping views of the Tsuruga Peninsula against the Sea of Japan. No matter where I looked, I was treated to dreamlike panoramas. A colorful rose garden decorated the park’s sea side and allowed me unique views of the ocean between multicolored petals. Aside from the breathtaking views, the park’s summit was also home to a cafe, a shrine, and an open-air footbath. As the sun reached the horizon, amber skies sparkled on the gentle tide and highlighted the silhouettes of the surrounding naturescape. I smiled. The view was not one I would soon forget.

20 minutes by taxi

35 minutes by train (JR)

JR Tsuruga Station

  • David Anderson

    Amenity of travel by Shinkansen; Boxed lunch and in-flight meal, etc.: On the way back to Tokyo, we took the Shinkansen from JR Maibara Station. The return trip was quick as we reflected on the wonderful nature of Fukui Prefecture.
    Experiencing the great outdoors just a few hours from Tokyo was a new discovery for me on this trip.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    Amenity of travel by Shinkansen; Boxed lunch and in-flight meal, etc.: With darkness blanketing the Fukui countryside, we drove about an hour to JR Maibara Station in Shiga to catch the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo Station. After settling in my large train seat by the window, I watched as Japan’s natureside gave way to Tokyo’s skyscrapers. The journey took about two hours and 15 minutes.

Tokyo Station

  • David Anderson

    A trip around Tokyo and Fukui certainly will make you fall in love with Japan! From the hustle and bustle of the exciting Tokyo streets, to the more slow-paced and nature focused Fukui Prefecture.

  • Veronica Carnevale

    My Japan adventure started with panoramas of central Tokyo and ended with breathtaking views of Fukui’s nature. While completely different, both views illustrated the diverse beauty of Japan. Fukui’s lush nature and traditional charm acted as a wonderful contrast to Tokyo’s urban delights. Throughout my travels, I enjoyed delectable cuisines, natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality, and cultural wonders. I look forward to visiting Tokyo and Fukui again in the future!

    We hope to see you soon!

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS

A Visit to Tokyo is pretty much essential to any traveler interested coming to Japan, but for those looking for a hidden gem that shows a different side to Japan, then a visit to the Fukui Prefecture is truly ideal. Tokyo is one of the most bucket-list destinations in the world (and for good reason), but that's just the the main entry point for exploring everything that Japan has to offer.

David Anderson
Travel Blogger & Photographer
Reside in USA
  • Hobby

    Travel, Photography, Scuba Diving, Snowboarding, Adventure Travel

  • Number of visits to Japan

    -

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS

With lush countrysides and exciting urban destinations, Japan is filled with adventures for everyone. Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan’s city culture, is well known for its highrises, flashy lights, and expansive skyline, making it one of the country’s most popular destinations among inbound tourists. However, Tokyo’s cityscape only shows one side of this unique country. Fukui Prefecture, located on Japan’s western border along the Sea of Japan, acts as a wonderful contrast to the bustling life of Tokyo. Here, fresh seafood, enchanting nature, temples and shrines, and traditional crafts live in harmony. With its easy connections to Tokyo via Shinkansen and plane (with connections by car), Fukui serves as a wonderful place to explore a lesser known side of Japan.

Join me on an adventure through Tokyo and Fukui, and discover some of Japan’s best kept secrets. Let’s go!

Veronica Carnevale
Content creator with Japan Travel
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: USA
  • Hobby

    traveling, experiencing new cultures, trying new foods/drinks, hiking/nature spots

  • Length of stay in Tokyo

    living in Japan on a work visa (arrived on May 20, 2022) - it has been about 6 months

Other recommended route in same area

Share this page

Transportation

Longer ItinerariesNew!

Top Itineraries

More Itineraries

Back to Top

COPYRIGHT © HOKURIKU × TOKYO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.