The Mikata Five Lakes are a popular cycling spot in Fukui Prefecture where you can experience the nature and culture nurtured by water. Each lake offers a different landscape, and by slowly touring the lakes, you can enjoy the quintessential Japanese scenery of fishing villages, forests, and wetlands, making for a journey where you can deeply appreciate the unique culture and nature of this region.
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We are a voluntary tourism group dedicated to promoting the attractions of the northern Kinki region, specifically the areas of Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter seafood delicacy, but also include oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as summer delicacies such as surf clams, rock oysters, and white squid. Mountain delicacies include Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and summer fruits such as sand dune melons, making it an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. I would be happy if I could share information that allows people to visit this vast northern Kinki region many times and enjoy train travel.
Mikata Five Lakes is one of Fukui Prefecture's most representative cycling spots. Surrounded by forested hills, this route, with its gentle paths connecting the lakeshores, offers not only beautiful scenery but also the unique charm of the region. For centuries, water has supported the lives, culture, and industries of the people in this region, shaping the landscape of forests, wetlands, and settlements that spread along the lakeshores.
Cycling around the five lakes allows you to encounter landscapes where nature, history, and the lives of the people are still very much present. Rather than simply visiting tourist spots, the real charm of cycling around the Mikata Five Lakes lies in experiencing the unique appeal of this land by connecting with the local way of life and culture that has been nurtured by the water.
Along the route, each lake offers unique and memorable photo opportunities. This particular photo was taken in front of Suigetsu Shrine, which means "water and moon."
The charm of cycling around the Mikata Five Lakes lies not in reaching the destination, but in enjoying the process. The paths that lead from lake to lake wind through fishing villages, rural areas, and quiet settlements, allowing you to encounter the tranquil lifestyle and seasonal scenery unique to this region.
Starting point
The Wakasa Mihama Tourist Information Center is a recommended base for cycling around the Mikata Five Lakes. Located inside the Mihama Station building, it offers bicycle rentals and provides information on recommended cycling routes, nearby tourist spots, and other attractions to help you discover the region's charm.
We offer a variety of bicycles for rent, including city bikes, hybrid bikes, and road bikes, to suit your needs. Please note that hybrid bikes and road bikes require advance reservations. For details on how to make a reservation, please see the end of this article.
Before departing, stop by the tourist information center to check maps, recommended routes, and information on nearby attractions.
The rental fee includes helmet rental, and we have a variety of sizes available.
This time I used a hybrid bike. The fee is 1,500 yen for up to 4 hours. Please note that hybrid bikes are popular, so reservations are required at least 3 days in advance.
Lake Kugushi and Lake Hinata
While the Mikata Five Lakes are often discussed as a single tourist destination, each lake possesses its own unique charm. This time, within a limited timeframe, we visited two of the five lakes: Lake Kugushi and Lake Hinata. These two lakes also offer a glimpse into the deep connection between the Mikata Five Lakes and the Nihon Sea.
Lake Kugushi is connected to the Sea of Nihon Sea and is a popular spot for boating and marine sports. As you drive along the lakeshore, the scenery gradually changes from that of an inland lake to something closer to the sea. The calm lake surface, the surrounding mountains, and the quiet fishing village create a landscape that is one of the most impressive sections of the course.
Further along towards Lake Hyuga, the connection to Wakasa Bay becomes even more apparent. Lake Hyuga is the only saltwater lake among the Five Lakes and the closest to the Sea of Nihon Sea. Scattered along the lakeshore are settlements that have long relied on fishing for their livelihoods, conveying the deep connection between people's lives and the water. The unique landscape, where the lake and sea seem to merge, is a precious place to experience the maritime culture of the Wakasa region.
The cycling course around the Mikata Five Lakes is approximately 30-35 km long and can be completed in 2-3 hours by experienced cyclists. However, since there are scenic viewpoints, cultural facilities, and cafes scattered along the route, it is recommended to allow half a day (4-6 hours) if you want to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.
Although we only visited two lakes this time, we were still able to fully appreciate the profound beauty of the Mikata Five Lakes. The fact that each lake has a different landscape, ecosystem, and history is what makes the Mikata Five Lakes so appealing.
I found a model of a space shuttle on the way to the first lake. It was such an unexpected encounter that I couldn't help but stop and take a picture.
The route passes through many charming fishing villages, each offering a landscape that will make you want to take pictures.
Uramigawa Pedestrian Bridge
Along the route, there are many spots that will make you want to take a little detour. This is the Uramigawa Pedestrian Bridge, where you can enjoy a view of the Uramigawa River, which connects Lake Kugushi and Lake Suigetsu.
Unanishi Shrine has watched over the local people for over 1300 years. Within its grounds stands a sacred cedar tree.
The Mikata Five Lakes are an ideal spot for birdwatching. A Ramsar Convention-registered wetland of international importance, it is home to a diverse range of wild birds throughout the year. A leisurely bike ride might allow you to spot herons, egrets, kingfishers, and other waterfowl along the lakeshore. Furthermore, various migratory birds arrive in spring and autumn, offering different birdwatching opportunities depending on the season.
The true charm of the Mikata Five Lakes doesn't lie in a single viewpoint or tourist attraction. Rather, its charm lies in the journey itself.
As you follow the route that winds through lakes, forests, and fishing villages, you'll see a landscape where nature, history, and the lives of the people are still deeply intertwined. Taking your time to explore it slowly will give you an experience that goes beyond a simple cycling route. It's a journey that deepens your understanding of the local climate, culture, and the people who live there.
For details about bicycle rentals, please see the following link: https://wakasa-mihama.jp/rental-bicycle/
Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) 35-7 Matsubara , Mihama Town , Fukui Prefecture Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM (Inside JR Mihama Station) TEL: 0770-32-0222 FAX: 0770-32-1249 https://wakasa-mihama.jp/
Brian Keith Eastlake, a writer promoting the charms of the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas as part of the Fukui Prefecture Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team, also posts daily on Instagram. Please check it out! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wakasabayexplorer/
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