Hello everyone watching the Cool Japan video! We are the Minamiechizen Town Tourism Association from Fukui Prefecture. Minamiechizen Town, located almost at the center of Fukui Prefecture in Nanjō-gun, is a place where the sea, mountains, and countryside harmonize, embodying rich history and culture. Established in 2005 through the merger of the former Nanjō Town, Imajo Town, and Kōno Village, the town holds a plethora of individuality and charm from each area. Along the coastline, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sea of Japan, while the inland areas showcase the picturesque satoyama landscapes formed by mountains and clear streams! Moreover, Minamiechizen Town is known for its preserved traditional Japanese scenery, allowing visitors to experience a lifestyle in harmony with the changing nature of the four seasons. In the peaceful rural areas, agricultural experiences like rice planting and harvesting are popular and well-received by many tourists. 【Getting to Minamiechizen Town】 For those coming by car, it's conveniently located about 5 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway's "Nanjo Smart IC". Additionally, both JR Hokuriku Main Line's "Imajō Station" and "Nanjō Station" are accessible, making travel by train from Kansai and Chukyo regions comfortable. You can reach it in about 2-3 hours by car or train from Nagoya or Osaka, making it perfect for a day trip. At "Michi-no-Eki Minamiechizen Sankairi," you can also rent electric bicycles, which adds to a leisurely exploration style around Minamiechizen Town. 【About Minamiechizen Town】 Minamiechizen Town belongs to Nanjō-gun, Fukui Prefecture, covering an area of about 344 square kilometers with a population of around 9,000 (as of May 2025). It is a town where rich nature and a serene lifestyle flourish. The town stretches from the coastal settlements to mountainous farming areas, showcasing diverse living landscapes, each with its own unique culture and customs. The local residents are actively engaged in tourism, agriculture, and crafts, gaining attention from many. 【Historical Background of Minamiechizen Town】 Minamiechizen Town has developed as a crucial point of transport and logistics from ancient times through the medieval and modern eras. The Imajo area prospered as a post town on the Hokuriku Road during the Edo period, welcoming many travelers and merchants. Stone-paved roads and lattice door houses still remain, evoking the vibrancy of its past. The Kōno area flourished as a port for Kitamae-sen (Northbound ships) crossing the Sea of Japan, with existing structures that convey the lifestyles of wealthy merchants. These historical heritage sites continue to be protected as cultural properties of the town. 【Popular Tourist Attractions in Minamiechizen Town】 ・Hanahasu Park In summer, around 130 varieties of lotus flowers bloom, creating a quiet and elegant landscape. The park features walking paths, observation decks, and resting areas, attracting many tourists to the annual "Lotus Festival." You can also enjoy gourmet and local products featuring lotus. ・Imajo-shuku A post town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. The stone-paved paths and white-walled houses convey historical charm, making it a calming atmosphere to enjoy. It has high cultural value and is recognized as an Important Preservation District of Traditional Buildings. Experience-based tourism activities like soba-making experiences and guided town walks are also enriched. Nearby, there are museums, cafes, and accommodations utilizing traditional houses, allowing visitors to enjoy a luxurious moment while feeling history. ・Kitamae-sen Shu no Yakata Ukonke The residence of the wealthy Kitamae-sen merchant family has been opened to the public. Inside the hall, exhibits recreate the lives of merchants, and materials introducing the trading routes of the time make it a must-visit space for history enthusiasts. ・Yasha Pond A mystical mountain pond with legendary tales, located at the end of a rich natural trekking course. The pond, positioned at about 1,100 meters above sea level, has high transparency and is designed to be enjoyable even for beginner hikers. The fresh greenery of spring and the autumn colors are stunning, allowing observation of different seasonal expressions. The hiking trails are well-maintained, and viewpoints along the way offer breathtaking views of the Echizen mountain range. 【Michi-no-Eki Minamiechizen Sankairi】 Minamiechizen Town's representative "Michi-no-Eki Minamiechizen Sankairi" is a large facility that combines a tourist information center, product sales area, restaurant, and resting spaces. With convenient access from both expressways and general roads, this roadside station is beloved by many tourists, featuring an indoor kids' area, dog run, and EV charging station. Fresh vegetables and fruits sourced from local farmers, along with unique souvenirs from Minamiechizen Town, are also available. 【Specialty Gourmet of Minamiechizen Town】 ・Imajo Soba (Grated Soba) A representative dish of Fukui. The refreshing taste enjoyed with grated radish and broth is perfect for hot seasons. ・Blushed Plum A specialty plum grown in the Kōno area, well-balanced in sourness and sweetness, popular as processed products such as pickled plums and plum wine. Harvest experiences and cooking classes using plums are also held, valued as part of food education. 【Events and Festivals in Minamiechizen Town】 ・Kōno Ume Festival An annual local event celebrating the plum harvest held in June. You can enjoy plum-picking experiences and purchase local processed products, as well as food trucks that make it lively for families. ・Imajo Soba Festival A soba festival where soba shops from inside and outside the town set up stalls, allowing you to compare various flavors of Imajo soba. There are also soba-making demonstrations and workshops related to soba, promoting the charm of food culture. ・Kōno Summer Festival Typically held at Kaburaki Beach in late July, this is a summer tradition of Minamiechizen Town. The finale features about 5,600 fireworks lighting up the night sky and sea surface, drawing in many tourists. Night stalls and summer festivals also line up, making it an ideal event for summer memories. 【Tourism Information of Minamiechizen Town】 Minamiechizen Town is a place defined by its historic streets and rich nature. We will continue to share engaging information that feels like bringing tomorrow to Minamiechizen Town, where you can experience seasonal landscapes, local food culture, and the warmth of the people! Thank you very much!!