Wellness in Awara and Mikuni: Relaxation and the Great Outdoors
Recommended Length: 2 Days
Awara is known for warm, comfortable baths and a leisurely pace of life. Relax and unwind with the town's natural hot springs, then explore some of Fukui’s most iconic coastal scenery.
Highlights
- Dress in a yukata robe and stroll through a charming resort town
- Relax in various hot spring baths and foot baths
- Enjoy an evening of Fukui specialties and chatting with locals
- Bicycle in and around an old port town
- Take a cruise for a unique view of the coast
Day 1
Arrive at Awara-Yunomachi Station
Dress Up in a Yukata at the Traditional Performing Arts Hall
Exploring the town dressed in a yukata robe makes for a fun start to the trip. There is a rental shop near the station—a great place to get into the hot spring town spirit. Find a yukata that catches your eye, and head out for a stroll.
Stroll around Town
Walk around this hot spring town. At the public bath Sentopia Awara, visitors can relax in hot spring baths, or make “hot spring eggs” by buying eggs and letting them slowly cook in natural hot spring water.
Foot Bath
The foot bath across the street from the station is the perfect place to rest and relax after walking around town. There are five foot baths available, all free of charge. If you need a towel, you can get one from the vending machine here for a few hundred yen.
Yukemuri Yokocho
Finish the day with dinner and drinks, or just a light bite to eat, in Yukemuri Yokocho ("Steam Alley”). Several small restaurants line this alley, each serving a different specialty. Each restaurant has just a handful of seats, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for chatting with the chefs and other customers.
Day 2
Start the day at Awara-Yunomachi Station.
Rent a Bicycle at Mikuni Minato-za and Explore the Area
Mikuni is an old-fashioned port town with beautiful waterfront scenery, and a bicycle is the perfect way to explore the area. Bicycle rentals are available at Mikuni Minatoza, a tourism information center near Mikuni Station. Bike around Mikuni’s traditional houses and shops, then head northwest to the coast.
The Island of Oshima
The island of Oshima has been considered the home of sea deities since ancient times. Cross a long, old-fashioned vermillion bridge, and a stone torii gate greets you. Climb the stone steps, and you find yourself in a dense forest. A walk around this small island takes about an hour.
Tojinbo Cliffs
The Tojinbo Cliffs are a kilometer-long stretch of rugged cliffs along the Sea of Japan coast. Walk on and around the cliffs, or take a half-hour sightseeing cruise to see rock formations such as Lion Rock and Candle Rock, carved out by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan.
