Mikata Five Lakes Extend Over Wakasa and Mihama! The Local Dish Heshiko (pickled fish) and the History of Mackerel Road

Because of an extension to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) in the spring of 2024, you will be able to get from Tokyo to the Wakasa, Mihama, and Mikata Five Lakes area in just a few hours. Through the clear air and from Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park, you will have a sweeping view of Mikata Five Lakes, which extend over Wakasa and Mihama, and majestic Wakasa Bay.
Also, waiting for you are the local dish heshiko (pickled fish), created from the fresh seafood characteristic of the locality, and Mackerel Road, a fascinating highway that fuses history and nature. We recommend the area because once you visit it, you will never forget your trip there.

Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park: A Splendid Panorama of Mikata Five Lakes and Wakasa Bay

Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park reopened in April 2020 following some renovations. It is popular as a spot with a splendid view of the beautiful Mikata Five Lakes and Wakasa Bay. The abundance of nature, breathtaking views, and comfortable sky terraces are this park's greatest features.

A Time to be Soothed by Nature! A Trip to Summit Park, which Overlooks Mikata Five Lakes

A signboard for Mikata Five Lakes. Spreading out beyond the signboard are a deep blue lake and the sky

Getting to Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park starts with a mid-air journey via a cable car or a lift that seem to fly through the sky. If you ride the open-air lift, it is certain that while you are feeling the wind around you, you will be completely fascinated by the superb view of nature, which will stretch out before your eyes. On the other hand, you can enjoy the scenery of the season from inside the comfortable cable car, and the car will carry you safely to the summit.
The journey through the sky toward the summit will become a special memory for everyone who visits the summit.

The surrounding scenery gradually changes, and when the town scenery begins to come into view from afar, spreading out before your eyes will be a grand sight woven by the five lakes.
As its name implies, Mikata Five Lakes is surrounded by mountains and made up of five lakes that display various expressions depending on the weather and the time. The bright blue and green colors, which seem as if they are the life force of nature appearing as colors, attract the notice of people who come to visit.

Upon your arrival at the summit, the beautiful, breathtaking sight of Mikata Five Lakes spreads out before you. The lake surface, over which the wind flies, reflects light and creates an elegant scene like a painting. Changes in the seasons at Mikata Five Lakes always soothe the minds of visitors.

An extraordinarily superb view enjoyed from the sky terraces above Mikata Five Lakes

Under the concept of "sky terraces that float over Mikata Five Lakes," five terraces are set up in Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park. Each terrace has its unique features.

(1) Mihama Terrace (East Observatory)

From this terrace, you can see at once the full extent of Wakasa Bay and Mikata Five Lakes. The terrace has a footbath and a counter terrace, and you can comfortably enjoy the natural scenery. This terrace has received domestic and international praise and won a 2019 Cool Japan Award.

(2) Wakasa Terrace (West Observatory)

You can see Mikata Lake, Suigetsu Lake, and Sugako Lake. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Tango Peninsula. You can experience the ancient Japanese good luck practice of throwing kawarake (unglazed earthenware) cups toward the lakes.
Kawarake-cup-throwing originates in the legend of a powerful tengu (goblin) who lived in those days here in Mount Baijo-dake. While this tengu was known for his strength, he was also a kind presence, listening to the prayers of people in trouble.
When the tengu did not show his form, the villagers believed he was somewhere high above them. Thus, they threw kawarake cups, filled with their prayers and sake wine, high into the sky. This act is regarded as the origin of today's kawarake-cup-throwing.

(3) Goko Terrace (South Observatory)

Two-seater chairs that overlook Mikata Five Lakes

From this terrace, you can comfortably look at Mikata Five Lakes. Relaxing round sofas and a counter terrace have been set up.

(4) Central Terrace (North Observatory)

You can enjoy a view of Cape Echizen, Tsuruga Peninsula, and Tsunekami Peninsula. You can rest on the wooden deck terrace and at Café Nanairo.

(5) Chaya Terrace (Northwest Observatory)

The exterior of Gokoan, a Japanese-style café

From the observatory, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the Tango Peninsula. At the Japanese-style café Gokoan, you can enjoy the view while savoring matcha green tea and the local specialty, grilled dango (dumplings).
These terraces have been designed so that you can experience the beauty of nature through your five senses, and they are perfect for peacefully enjoying the scenery.

Even a Rainy Day is Comfortable with a Rainbow Umbrella

Rent-free rainbow umbrellas (used as parasols and umbrellas) for dealing with changes in the weather are also available at the Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park. Thus, you can comfortably get through both rainy days and very sunny days.

Deepen Your Bonds of Love at the Lovers' Sanctuary.

The Bell of Happiness at the Lovers' Sanctuary

Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park is recognized as a Lovers' Sanctuary. Thus, it has many spiritual hot spots for romantic fulfillment, such as Issha Ryohai (One Shrine, Two Worshippers at a Time), Wago Shrine, and the Bell of Happiness, and special places for lovers to visit, such as the Bell of Happiness.

【What is a Lovers' Sanctuary? The Appeal of a Romantic Sight-seeing Area】

A Lovers' Sanctuary is a romantic sightseeing area, and many of them are scattered throughout Japan. Thus, they are known in particular as perfect places for proposals and a couple's dates. These areas are chosen based on the criteria of having a romantic atmosphere, being a special environment suitable for proposals, and making contributions to regional revitalization.
There are various types of lovers' sanctuaries, such as seashores and mountain areas where you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, the ruins of ancient cities where you can experience history and culture, and modern sites where you can come into contact with the splendor of art and architecture.
Many sanctuaries have benefits available, such as commemorative plates engraved with the words of a proposal and guidebooks that show visiting couples some perfect spots. Thus, a sanctuary offers visitors a special experience.
A lovers' sanctuary is a perfect place for creating unforgettable memories, not just for couples contemplating marriage, but for all couples who want to spend some romantic time together.

Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park is a Soothing Treasure Trove

Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park offers serenity and harmony with nature, and Mikata Five Lakes has created a peaceful landscape. Thus, you can spend a soothing time away from the hustle and bustle of a city.
You can have experiences in this beautiful place that will be hard to forget.

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◆ Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line - Wakasa-Mihama Tourism Association

Encounter Heshiko (Pickled Fish), a Traditional Japanese Fermented Food Item, at the Fishing Ports of Wakasa and Mihama

Heshiko (pickled fish) is a unique item of fermented food that has been handed down from long ago along the coastal region of Fukui Prefecture. Its flavor is so popular that it was selected in 2007 for inclusion in "Top 100 Local Japanese Dishes."
This traditional food item crystallizes the wisdom and techniques of local fishermen, and its popularity and name recognition are rising throughout Japan.
They say that the name "heshiko" derives from the action of "heshikomu," the fishermen packing fish into barrels, and "hishio," the liquid produced during the salting process.

Manufacturing Methods and Traditional Techniques of Heshiko are Handed Down to the Present Age

Heshiko has lasted since the Edo period. When Fukui Prefecture carried out its role as a "Miketsukuni," which presented food to the Imperial Household and Imperial Court, heshiko was one of the food items presented. After a fresh fish is cut open, gutted, and salted, it is pickled with rice bran and fermented in a wooden bucket or pottery for several months. Due to this process, heshiko develops a characteristic flavor and taste and a distinctive smell of fermentation. This aroma is intense for first-timers, but it has an irresistible appeal to enthusiasts.

Ways of Savoring Heshiko

Heshiko is sliced thinly and eaten like that or grilled lightly to bring out its fragrance. It combines superbly with sake wine or shochu liquor and can even be enjoyed as a topping on a serving of chazuke (tea on rice). In particular, pairing it with sake wine from Fukui enhances its flavor. Recently, new adaptations of dishes using heshiko have increased. Heshiko has been used not just for Japanese dishes but for a variety of dishes, such as pasta and pizzas, Chinese-style fried rice, Japanese mixed rice, and salads. Its fragrance and salty taste add new charms to dishes. Heshiko has been made in every household as a valuable source of protein for times in the winter when people cannot go fishing. Today, it is also offered at Fukui Prefecture's restaurants and souvenir shops as a popular local delicacy. Please season it with sugar, soy sauce, and shichimi (a Japanese spice mix) and enjoy it as an appetizer served with drinks or as a topping on a serving of chazuke.

Mackerel Road's History and a Local Delicacy, Mackerel Sandwich

Mackerel Road contributed to the development of Japan's food culture. Mackerel sandwiches are a local delicacy that has taken over that tradition today. The sandwiches allow you to experience Fukui Prefecture's food culture while experiencing historical attractions.

The Origin and Historical Background of Mackerel Road

Mackerel Road was a historically important road in Japan, connecting Wakasa Province (the present-day Reinan region) in Fukui Prefecture and the ancient capital of Kyoto.
The most well-known feature of this road was that it was used to transport an abundant supply of marine products, including mackerel, from the Wakasa region to Kyoto. Accordingly, the road became widely known as "Mackerel Road."

Mackerel Road was a historically important road in Japan, connecting Wakasa Province (the present-day Reinan region) in Fukui Prefecture and the ancient capital of Kyoto.

Because this road was famous for its role in transporting marine products, including mackerel, from the Wakasa region to Kyoto, it came to be called by the name, "Mackerel Road."

【Its History and Background】
The history of Mackerel Road can be traced back to the Nara period of long ago. The value of the road rose even more during the Edo period, in particular.

During the Edo period, the Wakasa region served as a port of call to connect cargo ships that sailed from Osaka to Hokkaido on the Sea of Japan. As a port of call, the Wakasa region prospered because of its distribution of goods and as a home of marine products. This seafood crossed over mountains, was delivered to Kyoto, and added excitement to Kyoto's food culture of long ago.
One can say that the role of Mackerel Road in establishing the abundant nature of Japan's food culture was very significant. Mackerel Road is recognized as an asset of Japan Heritage, and its historical value is highly assessed.

【The Routes of Mackerel Road】
The road had several routes. A particularly famous one was Wakasa Road, which went from Obama to Kumagawa, to Kutsuki in Shiga Prefecture, over Hanakuro Pass, to Demachi, and continued to Ohara in Kyoto Prefecture.
This distance of approximately 80 km can be covered in less than two hours with modern means of transportation. However, people of that time carried baskets, filled with marine products, on their backs and took a whole day and night to walk along this steep road.

【Mackerel Road Brought About Kyoto's Food Culture】

Mackerel sushi in the shape of a rod on a plate

The mackerel transported from Wakasa to Kyoto were unusual because they had a long shelf life relative to the preservation techniques of that time. Such items as mackerel sushi and grilled mackerel sushi became indispensable foodstuffs for Kyoto's food culture.
Mackerel Road did not just enrich Kyoto's dining tables, it also carried out an important role that led to the Wakasa region's economic prosperity.
Fresh mackerel caught in Wakasa Bay gained great popularity in Kyoto and made the Wakasa region so famous that Wakasa was called a Miketsukuni (a province that offered an abundant variety of foodstuffs, characteristic of each of its regions, to the Imperial Household and the Imperial Court).
The name shows Wakasa's special status as a region that supplied indispensable foodstuffs for the eating habits of Kyoto's people.

【The History of Mackerel Road Proves that the Road Was a Bridge to Modern Culture】
Mackerel Road made a great impact in Japan in the three fields of economics, culture, and history. It crossed physical distances, strengthened the connections between regions, and contributed to the development of Japan's food culture.
The road being left here up to today shows our respect for our past and becomes an irreplaceable window for us to think about our ancestors' lives and culture.

The Appeal and Secret of the Mackerel Sandwich, a Local Delicacy of the Wakasa Region

A mackerel sandwich with salad and potatoes

Mackerel sandwiches use fresh mackerel caught in Wakasa Bay and are a popular local delicacy that conveys tradition. They are loved as a simple yet meaningful dish that uses local ingredients.

【The Appeal of Mackerel Sandwiches Loved in the Wakasa Region】
Mackerel sandwiches are a new local delicacy familiar to the region around Obama, Fukui Prefecture.
Grilled mackerel sushi and heshiko, which are mackerel pickled with rice bran, are known as local specialties of the Wakasa region. Together with these specialties, mackerel sandwiches are popular locally as dishes that use mackerel.
This sandwich combines mackerel and colorful vegetables, and its stylishness and simplicity are appealing.

【The Secret of Mackerel Sandwiches is the Wakasa Region's Unique Adaptation】
Mackerel sandwiches are a local specialty of Turkey, where they are also sold at stalls and known for tasting homey.
However, the mackerel sandwiches in Fukui Prefecture are the Wakasa region's unique adaptation, using mackerels that are local seafood.
Because they are offered at restaurants along Mackerel Road, they rank as a delicacy that symbolizes the history and food culture of Fukui Prefecture.

【Tradition Can Be Easily Savored with Saba*Cafe's Mackerel Sandwich】

The mackerel sandwich served at "Saba*Cafe" is a thick slice of grilled mackerel sandwiched between two slices of homemade French bread that has a crusty mouthfeel, and a key ingredient of the sandwich's flavor is the specially made mayonnaise, which uses "kannanba," a traditional seasoning of the Wakasa region. The sauce and the fat from the grilled mackerel soak into the bread and create unexpectedly good chemistry. The serving size is generous, so they also have a half-size serving. They can also do takeout, and their prices are reasonable.
A customer can enjoy the sandwich to suit their mood, leisurely savoring it in the cozy café or ordering takeout and eating it amid natural surroundings.

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◆ "Saba*Café"

The Wakasa, Mihama, and Mikata Five Lakes area is a treasure trove of nature and seafood

Wakasa and Mihama are fascinating places blessed with nature and an abundance of seafood. The sky terraces at Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line Summit Park command sweeping views of the majestic Wakasa Bay and beautiful Mikata Five Lakes, so the magnificent scenery created by nature can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Moreover, in this area, one can savor heshiko, a traditional local dish created out of the blessings of nature, enjoy Mackerel Road, a splendid harmony of history and nature, and savor a mackerel sandwich, a popular new menu item in harmony with tradition.
A trip to the Wakasa, Mihama, and Mikata Five Lakes area, offering an opportunity to experience the area's beautiful nature, abundance of food culture, and living history, will provide visitors with special memories. How about definitely visiting the area once?

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