[Wakasa Town] How to enjoy your stay at a lakeside inn ~ Lakeside Inn PAMCO and Wakasa Town sightseeing boat Lake Cruise ~

2026.10.06

This report details our experience staying at the Lakeside Inn PAMCO in Wakasa Town, where we savored a special accommodation plan featuring the autumn delicacy, bigfin reef squid. We enjoyed the spectacular views of Lake Suigetsu, craft beer, and seasonal seafood from Wakasa. The following day, we took a special tour on a sightseeing boat, learning more about the lake's charms, including traditional fishing methods and annual sediment layers.

Learn about the lake on a "premium cruise" and enjoy the autumn delicacies of Wakasa, including Wakasa reef squid.

The Tsuruga and Wakasa area is blessed with abundant nature, including the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains, and rural areas. In particular, the "Mikata Five Lakes," which spans Wakasa Town and Mihama Town, are registered under the Ramsar Convention and are recognized as an internationally important wetland. The Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line, which offers panoramic views of the Mikata Five Lakes and the Nihon Sea, is a popular tourist spot and one of the top attractions in the Reinan region.

Of course, you can enjoy the view from the mountains, but roads have also been built around the lake, creating a beautiful landscape that is perfect for driving and cycling.

The area around the Mikata Five Lakes boasts numerous unique accommodations, thanks to its proximity to both the lake and the sea. This time, we visited one of them, Wakasa Town's Lakeside Inn PAMCO, to experience their seasonal "Squid Tasting Accommodation Plan." Furthermore, Wakasa Town Lake Cruise will be introducing a new program in the autumn of 2026. We'll also be sharing our experience with the first in the series, the "Eel Trap Fishing Observation Cruise."

"PAMCO" stands for "Passionate Movement for Communication." It embodies the desire to be a place that connects the hearts of visitors and those who live in Wakasa, through the rich natural environment, with passion and vitality.

Enjoying the sunset by the lake

Lakeside Inn PAMCO

Lakeside Inn PAMCO is a hotel situated on the shores of Lake Suigetsu. Lake Suigetsu is the largest of the Five Lakes of Mikata and is known for its 45-meter-long, approximately 70,000-year-old layers of sediment known as annual sedimentation. Such extensive annual sedimentation in one location is unparalleled, and for this reason, it is also called the "Lake of Miracles."

The lake's surface reflects the color of the sky, displaying a variety of hues depending on the weather. While the daytime scenery is magnificent, I was also curious to see what it would look like at sunset and sunrise. I was really looking forward to my stay.

Lakeside Pavilion PAMCO Entrance

Check-in at Lakeside Inn PAMCO is from 3:00 PM. Keep in mind that the surrounding area is rich in nature, so it gets completely dark once the sun sets. We decided to check in with a little extra time to spare and wait for dusk.

The top floor, the 3rd floor, has four Western-style rooms, all facing Lake Suigetsu. The Western-style rooms are equipped with toilets and unit bathrooms. The rooms facing the mountains are Japanese-style rooms (8 tatami mats each), of which there are three on the 3rd floor. Additionally, the 2nd floor has three Japanese-style rooms (8 tatami mats each) separated by partitions, but these do not have private bathrooms or toilets; guests will need to use the shared facilities.

The appearance of Western-style room 303

Dinner starts at either 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM. You choose your preferred time at check-in. Taking a bath before dinner is also recommended. There is no open-air bath, but you can enjoy a view of the lake from inside.

After your bath, you can order a craft beer brewed by the inn and serve it in your room. Enjoy the view of the lake as dusk falls, and cool down with a chilled craft beer. Savor this luxurious moment that only a traveler can offer.

Unfortunately, it was raining on the day of the interview. Nevertheless, the scenery was beautiful.

Men's bath (the women's bath is also symmetrically designed)

Autumn in Wakasa is the season for bigfin reef squid.

We had dinner at the restaurant. (Private dining rooms are available as an optional extra.)

First, we toasted with the inn's proud craft beer. They brew three types here: plum beer (using plums from Wakasa), Alt (barley aroma, richness similar to dark beer), and Kölsch (dry taste, subtle bitterness and acidity). Unfortunately, the plum beer was still being brewed and was sold out. I was very disappointed, as I had heard that it was a unique beer made with plums from Wakasa that you wouldn't find anywhere else. I'll save it for next time. In addition, they also offer different Japanese craft beers each season, so being able to compare them is another attractive feature.

Now, the much-anticipated dinner has begun. The inn is located on the lakeshore, but the sea is also quite close. Therefore, the meals mainly consist of fresh seafood. In addition, ingredients from the lake and mountains are used according to the season, allowing guests to enjoy dishes with a strong regional flavor. In winter, crab and pufferfish courses are also offered, and many repeat customers come specifically for these.

In Wakasa Town, bigfin reef squid are in season from mid-September. This "Accommodation Plan to Enjoy Bigfin Reef Squid" uses a generous 300g (enough for two people). The body is eaten as sashimi, and the tentacles can be chosen to be grilled with butter and soy sauce or with salt. You are sure to be satisfied with the sweetness, umami, and texture of the sashimi. According to the head chef, the squid are carefully prepared and then left to rest overnight to create a rich flavor and texture.

Wakasa's autumn delicacy: Bigfin reef squid (image shows a 300g portion for two people)

Other dishes included an appetizer of seasonal vegetables. The white sesame dressing with pear, fig, melon, muscat grapes, and sweet potato was particularly impressive. When the appetizer is well thought out, it raises expectations for the dishes that follow. Other appetizers that day included grilled Spanish mackerel in yuzu marinade and seared Spanish mackerel with grated daikon radish and ponzu sauce. There were five kinds of sashimi (dai-riki, Spanish mackerel, striped jack, sea bream, and sweet shrimp). Of course, each one was full of flavor.

Left) Appetizers featuring seasonal ingredients Right) Five kinds of sashimi directly from Wakasa Bay

Particularly noteworthy is the inn's signature dish: whole deep-fried flounder. The flesh is plump and juicy, and even the head and tail are crispy and flavorful. It pairs wonderfully with craft beer, making it a truly memorable dish.

Our specialty: "Whole Deep-Fried Flounder." Enjoy it whole, from head to tail!

The rice used is home-grown Koshihikari. Along with the homemade heshiko (fermented mackerel), you'll notice just how exceptionally delicious the rice from Wakasa is. For dessert, there's panna cotta and seasonal fruit. The jam, made with ripe plums, has a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it another dish that embodies the spirit of Wakasa.

The next day, while overlooking the lake in the morning light, we enjoyed a truly Wakasa-style Japanese meal. The meal featured Wakasa plums, fresh eggs, rock seaweed, grilled mackerel, and fresh vegetables, all designed to highlight the deliciousness of the rice. Even without a buffet, it was so good that we were practically begging for seconds!

Restaurant overlooking the lake

Experience the deliciousness of Wakasa's breakfast rice.

Enjoy the lingering feeling with a cup of coffee after the meal.

A lodging where you can fully enjoy nature.

Lakeside Inn PAMCO operates "Let's Play in Nature," a nature experience program. It offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy the nature of Wakasa , including kayaking, cycling, and trekking. Bicycle rentals are also available, so please enjoy them in conjunction with your stay.

The hotel lobby is lined with craft beer brewing tanks.

Rental bicycles are available. It is also certified as a "Waka Cycle Cyclist-Friendly Inn."

For more details about Lakeside Inn PAMCO, please check their official website or other sources.

[Lakeside Inn PAMCO] 64-9-1 Kaiyama, Wakasa-cho, Mikata- Wakasa Town, Fukui Prefecture TEL: 0770-47-1727 Official website : https://wakasa-pamco.com/

Wakasa Town Sightseeing Boat Lake Cruise

Right in front of Lakeside Pamo is the Kaiyama Pier, the departure and arrival point for the Wakasa Town sightseeing boat, Lake Cruise. The regular service takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to tour Lake Suigetsu and Lake Suga. There are five departures per day, with the first departure at 9:10 (the last departure is at 14:00). The service operates from March to late December, and is closed during the winter. The lake viewed from the boat is a space far removed from everyday life. Why not make it a memorable part of your trip?

Then, in the fall of 2026, a new project, the Premium Cruise, will be introduced. A special tour has been set up that will allow you to get a glimpse of Lake Suigetsu's "true face," which is not usually seen.

This season's theme consists of four different types. The content will deepen your understanding of the lake as you listen to detailed explanations.

[Eel trap fishing tour]

Natural eels inhabit the Mikata Five Lakes. Known as the narrow-mouthed blue eel, there are eel restaurants scattered around the lakes that serve wild eels.

The fishermen continue to uphold a traditional fishing method that has been practiced for over 400 years: eel trap fishing, where specially made tubes are lowered to the bottom of the lake and the fishermen wait. On this tour, you can see the real fishing site and experience firsthand the tension and excitement just like the fishermen themselves.

Dates: September 5th (Sat), 19th (Sat), October 3rd (Sat), 24th (Sat), 2026

Participation fee: Adults 3,900 yen (tax included), Children 3,000 yen (tax included) *Includes boat fare, insurance, guide fee, and binoculars rental fee.

Minimum number of participants: 6 people

Meeting time: 15:45

[Real Annual Layer Cruise]

Lake Suigetsu lies dormant beneath a 45-meter-long layer of annual sediment (striped sediment accumulated on the lakebed) representing 70,000 years of history. This was made possible by the lakebed's unique environment, characterized by minimal water flow and no agitation by living organisms. On this tour, a curator from the Fukui Prefecture Annual Sediment Museum will be on board to provide live commentary on the magnificent drama that the Earth has unfolded.

Dates: October 25th (Sun), November 15th (Sun), November 29th (Sun), December 13th (Sun), 2026

Participation fee: Adults 3,900 yen (tax included), Children 3,000 yen (tax included) *Includes boat fare, insurance, guide fee, and binoculars rental fee.

Minimum number of participants: 6 people

Meeting time: 10:45

[Birdwatching Cruise]

The Mikata Five Lakes are registered under the Ramsar Convention and are protected as an internationally important wetland. Here, you will find an extremely rare ecosystem with diverse water depths and water qualities (freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater), attracting many wild birds. In particular, migratory birds fly in from autumn to winter. On this tour, a member guide of the Wild Bird Society of Japan will accompany you, providing real-time explanations on how to distinguish between bird calls, the beauty of their feathers, and the stories behind their behavior. Even beginners can enjoy this tour, so why not take this opportunity to start birdwatching?

Dates: November 8th (Sun), December 6th (Sun), 12th (Sat), and 20th (Sun), 2026

Participation fee: Adults 3,900 yen (tax included), Children 3,000 yen (tax included) *Includes boat fare, insurance, guide fee, and binoculars rental fee.

Minimum number of participants: 6 people

Meeting time: 14:45

[Gillnet fishing observation cruise]

One of Japan's oldest fishing methods is gillnet fishing. This method involves stretching a strip of net vertically along the fish's migration route and waiting for swimming fish to come into contact with the mesh. By adjusting the size of the mesh, smaller fish can be avoided, contributing to resource management. On the tranquil lake, you can witness the wisdom of fishermen who live in harmony with the lake.

Dates: November 7th (Sat), 21st (Sat), December 5th (Sat), 19th (Sat), 2026

Participation fee: Adults 3,900 yen (tax included), Children 3,000 yen (tax included) *Includes boat fare, insurance, guide fee, and binoculars rental fee.

Minimum number of participants: 6

Meeting time: 14:45

(Scenes from eel trap fishing on September 5th ①) Detailed explanation deepens understanding of the fishing method.

(September 5th, eel trap fishing scene ②) Visiting a real fishing site

(September 5th, eel trap fishing scene ③) The fishermen will pull their boat right up to you, so you can ask them questions directly!

For details and the latest information on Wakasa Town sightseeing boat Lake Cruise and Premium Cruise, please check the official website.

[Wakasa Town Sightseeing Boat Lake Cruise] 68-20 Kaiyama, Wakasa- Wakasa Town Kami-Naka-gun, Fukui Prefecture TEL: 0770-47-1127 Closed: Thursdays Official website: https://wakasa-lakecruise.com/

*The information presented is current as of the day of the interview.

*Please note that the contents of the meals at the inn may vary depending on the availability of ingredients on the day, even if you choose the same plan.

*Please check the official website for the latest and most detailed information.

[Interview dates: (Cruise) September 5, 2026, (Accommodation) September 14, 2026]

Yamada , Writer promoting the charms of the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas, Fukui Prefecture Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team

We also share the charm of the area on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tsurugawakasa_writer

I share glimpses of my life as a member of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team and behind-the-scenes stories from my interviews on note : https://note.com/reinan_writer53