Mikuni-minatomachi

Sakai City

This historic port city was the cornerstone of trade from the Sea of Japan.

The port city of Mikuni boasts more than 1,700 years of history. Located in the northeast of Fukui Prefecture, this long, narrow town extends along the mouth of Fukui’s largest river, the Kuzuryu River. Mikuni flourished as a key point of trade for the Sea of Japan, and even now many samurai residences and mansions of wealthy merchants remain, lending the streets a certain atmosphere. Fukui Prefecture’s designated cultural properties include Mikuni Shrine, the old Morita Bank head office (now revived as a cultural heritage site), and the stunning vermilion lattices found in the previous Kishina mansion.

Take a casual stroll around Mikuni and sample some gourmet delights.

Mikuni-minato’s most bustling street is Kitamae-dori. Lined with cafes and souvenir shops, it still retains its retro streetscape. Head down a side street and find Gelato Carna. The gelato uses milk, eggs, and flour produced on the premises, with local vegetables also used as far as possible. The “Mikuni sea salt” gelato is a popular flavor—the perfect accompaniment for strolling around. The area is also full of quaint little shops, such as bonsai stores and more.

An inn renovated by Alex Kerr, researcher of eastern culture

In Mikuni-minatomachi, many traditional machiya townhouses have been preserved and restored. One of the leaders of this project is Alex Kerr, well-known researcher of eastern culture. The inn he produced by renovating the site of a former pharmacy is Tsumesyo Mikuni. Although limited to 2 groups of guests per day, one attraction of Tsumesyo Mikuni is that each group has its own attached kitchen for more homey accommodation. Get a taste of a distinctively Japanese living space boasting a courtyard garden, wooden beams, plastered walls, and more.

For reference

Gelato Carna

Address

3-4-34 Minamihon-machi Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui-ken
Telephone

0776-81-3225
Hours

11 A.M to 6 P.M.
Closed

Wednesday (Open every day in summer)
Prices

Gelato from 300 yen
Website

http://mikuni-minato.jp/carna/
Access

Komatsu Airport is a 1-hour flight from Haneda Airport. Fukui Station is about 1 hour by shuttle bus from Komatsu Airport. Mikuni Station is about 50 minutes from Fukui Station. Gelato Carna is a 5-minute walk from Mikuni Station.

Tsumesyo Mikuni

Address

3-3-17 Minamihon-machi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai-shi, Fukui-ken
Telephone

080-2964-9613 (reservations)
Prices

4-person accommodation, per night, meals not included—15,000 yen per person.
Website

http://tsumesyomikuni.jp/en/
Access

Komatsu Airport is a 1-hour flight from Haneda Airport. Fukui Station is about 1 hour by shuttle bus from Komatsu Airport. Mikuni Station is about 50 minutes from Fukui Station. Tsumesyo Mikuni is a 5-minute walk from Mikuni Station.