Hello everyone watching the Cool Japan video! This is the Minamiechizen Town Tourism Association. Located almost in the center of Fukui Prefecture, Minamiechizen Town (Minamiechizen-chō) in Nanjō District is a town where the sea, mountains, and countryside harmonize, breathing life into its history and culture. It was formed in 2005 through the merger of the former Nanjō Town, Imajo Town, and Kōno Village, each possessing unique characteristics and attractions. Along the coastline, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sea of Japan, while the inland area offers picturesque satoyama landscapes interwoven with mountains and clear streams! Moreover, Minamiechizen Town is known as a region where Japan's original scenery remains, allowing you to experience a lifestyle in harmony with nature that changes with the seasons. In the tranquil rural areas, agricultural experiences such as rice planting and harvesting are popular, delighting many tourists. 【Access to Minamiechizen Town】 For those coming by car, access from the Hokuriku Expressway's "Nanjo Smart Interchange" is very convenient, taking about 5 minutes. Additionally, you can also use the JR Hokuriku Main Line with stops at "Imajo Station" and "Nanjō Station," making it easy to travel by train from the Kansai and Chūkyō regions. It takes about 2 to 3 hours by car or train from Nagoya or Osaka, making it ideal for day trips. At "Roadside Station Minami Echizen Sankairi," you can rent electric bicycles, making leisurely cycling tours around Minamiechizen Town a popular sightseeing style. 【About Minamiechizen Town】 Minamiechizen Town belongs to Nanjō District in Fukui Prefecture, covering an area of about 344 square kilometers and a population of approximately 9,000 (as of May 2025). It is a town where rich nature and a peaceful lifestyle flourish. Stretching north to south, Minamiechizen Town features diverse living landscapes from coastal villages to mountainous rural areas, each with its own unique culture and customs. Local residents are actively engaged in tourism, agriculture, and crafts, attracting attention from many. 【Historical Background of Minamiechizen Town】 Minamiechizen Town has developed as a transportation and logistics hub from ancient to medieval and modern times. The Imajo area thrived as a post town along the Hokuriku Road during the Edo period, bustling with many travelers and merchants. The cobblestone paths and lattice door houses still remain, evoking the vibrancy of the past. In the Kōno area, it prospered as a port for Kitamae ships traveling the Sea of Japan, with buildings that convey the lifestyle of wealthy merchants still standing today. These historical heritage sites are still protected as cultural properties of the town. 【Popular Tourist Spots in Minamiechizen Town】 - **Hanahasu Park**: In summer, about 130 varieties of lotus flowers bloom, creating a quiet and elegant landscape. The park features walking paths, observation decks, and resting spaces, attracting many tourists to the annual "Lotus Festival." You can also enjoy gourmet dishes and local specialties featuring lotus. - **Imajo-shuku Post Town**: This post town retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. The cobblestone streets and white-walled houses evoke a sense of history, allowing visitors to enjoy a calm ambiance. It is also highly valued as a cultural asset and has been designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District. Experience-based tourism such as soba making and guided town walks are also available. Nearby, there are museums, cafes, and accommodations utilizing traditional houses, allowing you to enjoy a graceful moment while feeling the history. - **Kitamae Ship Owner's House Ukonke**: The residence of the wealthy Kitamae ship owners from the Edo period is open to the public. Inside the house, there are displays recreating the lives of merchants and materials introducing the trade routes of the time, making it a must-visit space for history enthusiasts. - **Yashagaike**: A mysterious pond surrounded by legends, located at a trekking course rich in nature. Situated at an elevation of about 1,100 meters, the pond is known for its high transparency and offers a course suitable for beginner climbers. The fresh greenery in spring and the autumn foliage are beautiful, providing different expressions with each season. The mountain trail is well-maintained, and from the viewpoints along the way, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Echizen mountains. 【Roadside Station in Minamiechizen Town】 The representative "Roadside Station Minami Echizen Sankairi" is a large complex facility that combines a tourist information center, product sales area, restaurant, and resting space. It is a highly convenient roadside station accessible from both the expressway and general roads, featuring an indoor kids' area, dog run, and EV charging stations, making it popular among many tourists. Fresh vegetables and fruits sourced from local farmers, as well as unique souvenirs from Minamiechizen Town, are also available. 【Specialty Gourmet from Minamiechizen Town】 - **Imajo Soba (Grated Soba)**: A representative dish of Fukui. Its refreshing taste, enjoyed with grated daikon and broth, is perfect for hot seasons. - **Beni Sashi Ume**: A specialty plum grown in the Kōno area, known for its balanced sweetness and acidity, popular for processed products like pickled plums and plum wine. Harvest experiences and cooking classes using plums are also held, receiving recognition as part of food education. 【Events and Festivals in Minamiechizen Town】 - **Kōno Ume Festival**: An annual local event held in June to celebrate the plum harvest. Visitors can enjoy plum picking experiences, sales of local processed products, and food trucks, making it a lively event for families. - **Imajo Soba Festival**: A soba festival where soba shops from within and outside the town set up stalls, allowing visitors to compare the diverse flavors of Imajo soba. There are also demonstrations of soba making and workshops related to soba, promoting the charm of food culture. - **Kōno Summer Festival**: A summer tradition of Minamiechizen Town held at Korakujo Beach in late July. The finale features about 5,600 fireworks lighting up the night sky and the sea, attracting many tourists. Night stalls and traditional festival games create a perfect event for summer memories. 【Tourism Information for Minamiechizen Town】 Minamiechizen Town is a place where historical streets and rich nature captivate visitors. We will continue to share information full of charm that can bring tomorrow to Minamiechizen Town, where you can experience seasonal landscapes, locally rooted food culture, and the warmth of its people! Thank you very much!!