Nature’s Blessings in Obama: Coastal Scenery and Imperial Meals
Recommended Length: 2 Days
Obama, in southern Fukui, had ties to the ancient capital of Kyoto for centuries. Explore this local history and the beautiful surroundings, with an overnight stay in an old-fashioned machiya townhouse.
Highlights
- Savor meals made with fresh, locally caught seafood
- See the natural beauty of a dramatic rocky coastline
- Explore historic neighborhoods and stay in an old-fashioned machiya townhouse
- Learn about local crafts and make a one-of-a-kind souvenir
- Visit an ancient temple with architecture that shows its history
Day 1
Arrive at Obama Station
Wakasa Fisherman’s Wharf
Start the trip with a lunch of freshly caught local seafood, from the restaurant or sushi shop at Wakasa Fisherman’s Wharf. After eating, check out the wide selection of items from Fukui at the gift shop. Local sake, and lacquered chopsticks made in Wakasa, are great as souvenirs.
Sotomo Coastline Cruise
Climb aboard a cruise boat at Wakasa Fisherman’s Wharf, for an hour-long ride along the dramatic Sotomo coastline. This natural scenery runs for some six kilometers, with formations such as a waterfall that runs into the bay, and a pair of natural arches carved out by the wind and the waves.
Walk Around Sancho-machi and Obama Nishigumi
Obama’s old connections to Kyoto can still be seen in Sancho-machi and Obama Nishigumi. Sancho-machi is an old geisha entertainment district, with charming shops and restaurants. Obama Nishigumi was once where the samurai lived alongside the merchants and artisans of Obama. Explore this picturesque old-fashioned area of town.
Stay Overnight at a Machiya Townhouse
Some of the old machiya townhouses in Obama have been converted into modern overnight accommodations. A stay at one of these machiya offers an uncommon level of closeness with the town. Become a part of the town for the evening, and enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday life.
Day 2
Check Out of the Machiya Townhouse
Miketsukuni Wakasa Obama Food Culture Museum
Learn about southern Fukui’s history as an imperial food province that supplied the ancient capital of Kyoto with food. In addition to history, this museum offers various hands-on experiences, including cooking local foods such as hanpen and kamaboko fish cakes, or pressed mackerel sushi, as well as desserts like kudzu starch dumplings.
Wakasa Obama Fish Center
For lunch, visit this compact seafood market to have some fresh, locally caught seafood. There are restaurants here that serve sushi and sashimi. For a more hands-on experience, visitors can buy fresh seafood from one of the sellers, and then cook it in the grilling area outside.
Jinguji Temple
This old temple in the mountains has a unique story told through its architecture. Long ago, this Buddhist temple also served as a Shinto shrine. As a result, this temple has multiple altars to different deities, and lacks the symmetry of most Buddhist temples. In early March, the solemn and beautiful Omizu-Okuri ritual is held here.
