Mikatagoko

The Mikata Five Lakes (Mikata Goko) are a group of lakes spanning Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in Fukui Prefecture, and they are also registered as part of Japan Heritage. The five lakes—Mikata Lake, Suigetsu Lake, Suga Lake, Kugushi Lake, and Hiruga Lake—are all connected. They are linked by man-made waterways such as the Urami River (between Suigetsu and Kugushi), the Saga Tunnel (between Suigetsu and Hiruga), and the Horikiri channel (between Suga and Mikata). Even though they connect, each lake has different characteristics—freshwater, seawater, or brackish water. In the area there is Mikata Kannon, said to have been carved in a single night by Kobo Daishi, and people with disabilities come daily to pray. The area is also popular with tourists thanks to attractions like the Torihama Shell Mound, Wakasa Mikata Jomon Museum, Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum, and the Wakasa Town Lake Cruise. For a beautiful panoramic view from above, it’s recommended to visit the Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line (toll road). There are also walking trails, so if you have time, strolling while enjoying the scenery is a great option. Access to the Mikata Five Lakes is about a 20-minute drive from the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway Wakasa-Mihama IC.