Echizen Coast

The Echizen coast off the coast of Fukui is a hidden gem off the beaten path but is still easy to get to get from many major cities in Japan.

Riding along the Echizen Coast in Fukui Prefecture offers a spectacular mix of dramatic seaside cliffs, quiet fishing villages, and stunning ocean views. The route follows the rugged coastline of the Sea of Japan, running roughly from Tsuruga in the south to the Echizen Cape area in the north.

The Route

With Route 8 having the main traffic being a bit more inland, the coastal route is largely traffic free and gives wonder views of the ocean over about 60km.

Things to do

Ukon Shipowner Residence

The Ukon Shipowner Residence, located in Mihama, Fukui Prefecture, is a well-preserved Edo-period mansion that once belonged to a wealthy shipping family involved in Kitamaebune trade. The Kitamaebune were merchant ships that operated along the Sea of Japan, connecting ports from Osaka to Hokkaido and playing a crucial role in regional commerce.

The residence features traditional wooden architecture, spacious tatami rooms, and exhibits showcasing the history of maritime trade in the area. Visitors can explore the home’s elegant interiors and learn about the economic and cultural exchanges that shaped Fukui’s coastal communities.

Tojinbo

View of Tojinbo from a boat below

Tojinbo (東尋坊), located in Fukui Prefecture, is a striking coastal cliff formation along the Sea of Japan. These rugged basalt cliffs stretch for about one kilometer and rise up to 25 meters above the sea, shaped by centuries of wave erosion. The unique pillar-like rock formations, known as columnar joints, are rare and can only be found in a few places worldwide.

Visitors can walk along the cliffside trails, take in panoramic ocean views, or explore the area by sightseeing boat for a closer look at the towering rock faces. Tojinbo is also famous for its dramatic sunsets, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Getting there and away

Tsuruga

Tsuruga is an easy train ride from Osaka/Kyoto and is also now the end of the Hokuriku Shinkansen making it easy to get to.

From Tsuruga, one can either take Route 8 along the coast whicih may have some traffic or if one wants to avoid traffic as much as possible, take Route 476 and then use the old railway route that is now a road