Water and landscape
For travelers who love discoveries intimately related to water, in all its forms, this part of Japan is truly made for them. With the wild coastline of the Sea of Japan to the north, the mountains and rivers in its centre and the endless waters of Lake Biwa to the south, this tourist route is a concentrate of fabulous landscapes highlighting the preciousness of water. To the northwest of Fukui stretches a rugged coastline of basalt cliffs offering an exceptional panorama of the Sea of Japan. This rare geological formation, with its vertical rocks, has been shaped by nature and years of erosion. Far from the hustle and bustle of the cities and the bustle of the surroundings, one finds oneself facing the immensity of the sea, on top of the hills, without barriers, which gives the place a very enjoyable atmosphere of freedom and escape. The boat ride, which allows you to take to the open sea, offers a different view of the cliffs, which it was difficult to imagine from the mainland, and the island of Oshima. But to discover the natural treasures of the prefecture, you have to go to the heights of Mount Baijodake, between Mihama and Wakasa, to be able to contemplate from high above the five lakes of the region, called Mikatagoko. The 360° view is remarkable and breathtaking, and the facilities at the summit allow visitors to relax, with their feet in ashiyu, public hot footbaths, or relax in cosy armchairs, facing the vastness of the surroundings. With the Sea of Japan on one side, at the foot of steep cliffs, and the lakes nestled in the heart of a mountain range on the other, this panorama is idyllic and unforgettable. To find this kind of breathtaking view around Lake Biwa, you have to go to The Biwako Terrace in the Biwako Valley. Both terraces are designed in harmony with the natural environment of the area and thoughtfully designed so that visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning view of the lake below. The desire to get up close and personal with the lake is growing stronger and there is nothing better than renting a bike to ride freely and at one's own pace along the lakeshore in search of the cultural sites that line the surroundings. Water is also one of the most important components of the spa towns and onsen and the region is no exception to the rule. The thermal offer is well provided and offers various opportunities for relative selfishness and welcome relaxation, with the body immersed up to the shoulders in the warm water. Ogoto Onsen, on the shores of the lake, Kutsuki Tenku Onsen, in the Takashima Heights and Awara Onsen, at the northern tip of Fukui, are worthy representatives of this type of Japanese style relaxation and are not to be missed. In contrast to rain, which can make a program unhappy, snow will bring a touch of poetry and sportsmanship to the region in winter. Numerous ski resorts, such as the Hakodateyama Ski Resort or the Kutsuki Snow Park, open not far from the lake for the delight of lovers of powder snow and white gold in general.
Water and Heritage
The water combines wonderfully with the rich material heritage of the region, as evidenced by the Shirahige Shrine. Its giant torii floating on Lake Biwa, only a few meters from the shore, is one of the most famous views in Shiga Prefecture. One takes pleasure in descending the few steps that lead to the sea to find oneself in front of this torii that seems to come out of the depths of the lake. This panorama sums up the spirit of this region of Kansai, between nature, culture and water. Same scenario with the Mangetsuji temple and its Ukimido hall, a beautiful wooden building floating above the waters of the lake. Here again, the view of the sacred building standing out from the water in the background is most contemplative. As you go higher up on Mount Hiei, you can enjoy the view of the lake from several parts of the Enryaku-ji Temple. This mountain is 848 meters high and overlooks the waters of Biwako to the east. When the weather is good, the view of Japan's largest lake is sensational. This sacred place par excellence hides many treasures that the visitor can discover during a very pleasant walk, especially in autumn with the foliage of the trees that opt for a palette of warm colors. The Konpon Chu-do, the most important temple on Mount Hiei, is worth a visit on its own. Its most spiritual and mystical atmosphere is accentuated by the flame at the foot of its altar, which has been burning continuously for 1200 years now. Heading to Fukui Prefecture now with the Shinto shrine Hakusan Heisenji, which, along with the Saihoji Temple in Kyoto, is recognized as one of the moss temples of Japan. After the rain, the moss, which covers much of the area, becomes even more beautiful, adding a touch of fantasy to the place, in addition to the giant cedars and sacred wooden buildings. But it is the Daihonzan Eiheiji temple in Fukui that remains the absolute must in the prefecture. Nicknamed the "Temple of Eternal Peace", Daihonzan Eiheiji is nestled in the heart of the mountains east of Fukui City. It is in harmony with its natural environment. This treasure of the country's tangible and intangible heritage is an unmissable stop on any itinerary in this region of Kansai. Spending a night at Hakujukan, a temple-affiliated facility and attending the morning service just before dawn is also an unforgettable experience. As for the visit to the Wakasa Obama Food Culture Museum, it allows us to better understand the historical role of the Sea of Japan and the fishing of mackerels, which were then shipped by road, on foot, to Kyoto and Nara via different paths called, in Japanese history, Saba-Kaido.
For more information, visit: kansaiguide.jp/exciting/
