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Get a Feel for Traditional Culture at Mikuni Minato, Thrived during Edo-Period through Trade with Kitamaebune Merchant Ships

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Get a Feel for Traditional Culture at Mikuni Minato, Thrived during Edo-Period through Trade with Kitamaebune Merchant Ships

 

 
 

Mikuni Minato, a vital port town that flourished in Japan during the Edo period, is located in Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. With numerous historical buildings, visitors are able to take in the nostalgic charm while strolling around the area. We take a closer look at the “Mikuni-meguri-tour,” a premium one-night, two-day tour that gives visitors a detailed insight into the culture of this flourishing port town. Why not take a special tour and visit Mikuni Minato?

 

What Are “Kitamaebune Merchant Ships”? About the Town of Mikuni Minato

Sea routes were established between Osaka and Hokkaido from around the mid-18th century by “Kitamaebune” merchant ships engaged in trade along the Sea of Japan. Mikuni Minato had long boomed on the back of river transportation, and as a port of call for these Kitamaebune merchant ships, became a major logistics hub that prospered significantly, with countless mansions, warehouses and townhouses of wealthy merchants lining the streets. Even today, buildings that exude the prosperity of those days still remain around the Mikuni Minato area, making the nostalgic, retro townscape perfect for a stroll.
The “Mikuni-meguri-tour” is a special one-night, two-day tour giving visitors the chance to spend time exploring the prosperous town of Mikuni Minato as a Kitamaebune merchant ship crew or family member.

Above Mikuni Minato

 

Join the Special One-Night, Two-Day Tour “Mikuni-Meguri-Tour”

On the first day of the tour, check in at the accommodation and get started on your tour of the town of Mikuni Minato. As the oldest reinforced concrete structure existing in Fukui Prefecture, the former Morita Bank Head Office features an elegant exterior with classic Western design elements and intricately patterned interior by Japanese traditional method of plaster: “Shikkui.” The former Kishina Family Residence is a townhouse constructed around the late 19th century as the home of a lumber magnate. After exploring the area, set out for a sunset cruise of Tojinbo and witness the striking cliffs of the area.

 
The former Morita Bank Head Office

 

The former Kishina Family Residence

 

The highlight of this tour is being able to experience the culture of Mikuni Minato. At Mikuni Shrine, visitors can be recipients of special prayers used to ensure the safety of those embarking on dangerous voyage across the seas or success with business, as well as enjoy dancing and Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) performances.

 

At Mikuni Shrine

 

Wind down with a extraordinary dinner crafted lovingly using local ingredients. Dine at Ryorijaya Uoshirou, a traditional teahouse that opened in the early Meiji period with its main building registered as a national tangible cultural property.
 
Dine at Ryorijaya Uoshirou
 

Kick off the Second Day with an Early Morning Stroll along Tojinbo

Guests can be taken for an early morning walk along Tojinbo if they so wish. Relish in the sweeping, breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan from atop the cliffs.

Tojinbo (Cliffs)

Explore the long-established stores of Mikuni Minato. The Kondo Kobijutsu Antique Shop features countless valuables such as chests and vessels that harken back to the former days of yore. The tour also includes a stop at Machinokura, a museum showcasing the history of shipping in Mikuni Minato and the works of literary figures associated with the town.

 

The Kondo Kobijutsu Antique Shop

A full tour guide is available in English. Click here for more information.
 

 
Today, we looked at taking a trip to Mikuni Minato, a port town that flourished based on trade with Kitamaebune merchant ships during the Edo period. Visit Mikuni Minato to enjoy the retro townscape, traditional culture, and delicious food!

 

Information

Access to Mikuni Minato | 三国湊
■From Tokyo Station
Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes to Awaraonsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
■From Osaka Station
Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes to Tsuruga Station on the JR Thunderbird limited express, and approximately 30 minutes from Tsuruga Station to Awaraonsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen

Approximately 20 minutes drive from Awaraonsen Station to Mikuni Minato (pick-up and drop-off by the accommodation facilities available depending on the time)

*The above article is based on a coverage made in December 2024.
*Prices, business hours and other information in this article are subject to change.Please check the latest information on the official websites before your visit.


*Sponsored:General Incorporated Association Mikunikaisyo  *PR
 

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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 01 24,2025 Author:DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team

 

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