Exploring Kyoto and Fukui: Discovering the Gifts of the Sea of Japan
Last updated 2026-09-25 — To view Amanohashidate from above, you have to bend down and look between your legs. What you see in this position is exactly what you get if you flip this photo upside down. Doesn’t it resemble a bridge hanging in the sky? (Photo / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi)
By TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi
The Sea of Japan, a treasure trove of ingredients, has nurtured an ancient and refined Japanese culture, with coastal fishing villages that still exude a gentle and understated cultural charm. We visited Kyoto and Fukui along the Sea of Japan to trace the past and present of the Kansai region.
To view Amanohashidate from above, you have to bend down and look between your legs. What you see in this position is exactly what you get if you flip this photo upside down. Doesn’t it resemble a bridge hanging in the sky? (Photo / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi)
The Japanese are a people who love their fish. To make eating fish easier, Japanese chopsticks are usually pointed, perfect for removing bones. A typical meal might consist of just a bowl of rice, a piece of fish, and a bowl of miso soup—yet it’s aromatic and satisfying. This time, we visited Kyoto and Fukui around Wakasa Bay, where every harbor offers some of the freshest seafood from the Sea of Japan. The serene bay landscapes paint the gentlest pictures of coastal villages, and being here truly reveals just how inseparably connected Japan is to the ocean.
The Exceptional Beauty of the Bay
Along the coast of Ine Bay in Kyoto’s Tango region lies an ancient fishing village, the perfect example of coexistence with the sea. Nestled between mountains and sea, with limited flat land, the village developed unique “boat houses” built right on the water. The first floor of these boat houses is connected to the sea, serving as docks for boats and storage for fishing gear, while the second floor is where fishermen live. The village gradually took shape during the Edo period (1600s), and even today, over 230 boat houses remain within a 5-kilometer stretch of Ine Bay, maintaining their appearance from over 300 years ago. They stand quietly and peacefully amidst green mountains and blue waters.
We boarded a sightseeing boat to circle Ine Bay. The water was so clear and blue, it felt like we were at an island resort, almost inviting us to dive in. Unlike typical fishing villages cluttered with debris, there were no stubborn branches or oil stains floating about. The black-tiled houses, scattered at varying heights, looked simple and charming against the backdrop of mountains and water. Fishing boats were moored outside, and clothes and bedding were drying on balconies. This wasn’t a tourist spot for hurried sightseeing—it was a place where villagers had lived for two or three hundred years. I couldn’t help but wonder: with the boat houses so close to the sea, wouldn’t homes flood during high tide? And wouldn’t storms easily sweep them away? The boat captain pointed to a small island in the middle of the bay not far away, telling us it was called Aoshima. Aoshima blocks the powerful waves from the open sea, resulting in calm sea conditions here—no dramatic tides or monstrous waves. Gazing at this tranquil water, life in the fishing village seemed worry-free, making me envious of Ine Bay’s exceptional blessing.
The boat houses by Ine Bay look simple and lovely among the green mountains and blue waters. (Photo / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi)
When it comes to Kyoto Tango, aside from the boat houses of Ine Bay, one can't miss Amanohashidate. Alongside Matsushima and Miyajima, Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. Its 3.6-kilometer-long white sandy beach stretches across Miyazu Bay, dotted with over 8,000 pine trees. A beautiful legend surrounds Amanohashidate: it is said to be a bridge built by the gods to allow easy passage between heaven and the home of a goddess. One day, the god accidentally dropped the bridge, which then became Amanohashidate, forever connecting the heavens and earth. As I walked along the white sand listening to this romantic tale, with lush green pines beside me and the deep blue sea just steps away, I could see why Amanohashidate is worthy of its fame as one of Japan’s top three views. However, a stroll through Amanohashidate Park only gives you a glimpse of its beauty. To see the full panorama, you must take the ropeway up to Amanohashidate Viewland. Most are used to simply strolling through the park, but to truly appreciate the landscape, heading up high is essential. From above, you can see the dramatic contrast of the scenery. I wanted to capture the best angle, so I lay down on my back on the viewing platform. That’s when I saw it—the view was truly spectacular. The sand and pine trees stretched out before me, and the sea spread out beyond. I felt as though I had discovered a hidden paradise.
Inside Amanohashidate Park, white sands are covered with green pines. (Photo / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi)
The Maritime Charm of Fukui
Leaving Kyoto, we arrived at the Sanshuu Five Lakes in Fukui Prefecture, also located along Wakasa Bay. This is Fukui’s premier natural attraction. The best way to enjoy the lake is by taking the ropeway up to Mt. Mezantei Natural Park, where you can gaze at both the Five Lakes and the Sea of Japan. Additionally, the area is known as a “Lover’s Sanctuary.” At the mountaintop, there’s a fun “Love Lock” area where couples can attach padlocks to chains after making wishes, or write their desires on ceramic pieces at the local Tengu Hall and toss them down the hill—legend says the farther they fly, the more likely the wishes will come true.
Naturally, we had to sample the local seafood. Kinpachi Toroboko-tei, located at the foot of the mountains near the Sanshuu Five Lakes, serves grilled seafood in a way that highlights its freshness and richness. The charcoal fire blazed on the table as the skilled waitress prepared shrimp, crab, shellfish, and more. With over a decade of experience, she knew exactly when each ingredient was perfectly cooked. The owner mentioned that the ideal dining time here is about two hours. Indeed, it’s a delightful experience—watching the waitress’s expert techniques, chatting, and enjoying the peaceful fishing village scenery all at once.
Enjoying fresh grilled seafood with fishing village views at Kinpachi Toroboko-tei. (Photo / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi)
Heading further north, we reached “Toginzan” (Cape Togoshi) on the Echizen-Kaga Coast, where nature’s craftsmanship is on full display. This unique landscape was formed by volcanic activity approximately 1,300 years ago. Massive andesite cliffs, shaped over centuries by relentless waves and snow, stretch an impressive one kilometer. They are awe-inspiring. Yet, many brave visitors choose to lie on the edge of the cliff, peering down at the crashing waves that seem alternately near and far, intensifying the thrilling sensation of standing before these sheer cliffs. Aside from walking along the cliffside trails, another way to admire the spectacle is by taking a sightseeing boat to view the cliffs from the sea.
The “Pompeii of Japan” Being Restored
Fukui, blessed with the Sea of Japan, boasts not only world-class natural wonders like the Sanshuu Five Lakes and Toginzan, but also cultural and historical assets that cannot be overlooked. It’s said that over 400 years ago, Ichijodani was the third most populous city in Japan, following only Kyoto and Osaka. But as we made our way there, all we saw were layers of verdant mountains, endless fields, a gentle stream, and a dozen or so reconstructed buildings—hardly reminiscent of a once-thriving metropolis.
In 1471, the seventh-generation descendant of the Asakura clan moved here. Over the next hundred years, the population grew to over 10,000. But in 1573, Oda Nobunaga, seeking control over the Kansai region, set the city ablaze, reducing the thriving metropolis to ruins in just three days. Locals call Ichijodani the “Pompeii of Japan,” as the man-made inferno that destroyed it rivals the power of any volcanic eruption.
The flames destroyed the buildings, but not the stone foundations. The ruins of Ichijodani are being carefully restored based on these bases, slowly bringing the city from over 400 years ago back to life. (Photo / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Huang Junyi)
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