Cultural assets

Five Lakes of Mikata

Monuments (places of scenic beauty) / Wakasa

The scenic region known as the Five Lakes of Mikata (Mikata Goko) is located next to Wakasa Bay and includes lakes Mikata, Suigetsu, Suga, Kugushi, and Hiruga, as well as the Tsunegami Peninsula. The region historically supported fishing, salt manufacturing, and shipping industries, all of which played a significant role in trade between the Wakasa region and other areas of the country, especially Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. The Five Lakes of Mikata and the surrounding area are designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

Geobiology of the Region
Geological research suggests that the five lakes were originally created approximately 200,000 years ago. Their present forms were shaped around 1,500 years ago, influenced by tectonic plate movement and changes in the climate. At the bottom of Lake Suigetsu, the largest of the five, lies 70,000 years’ worth of sediment deposits, layered in horizontal stripes. As one layer is formed per year, the stripes correspond with the age of the lake. Research data from the deposits is used as a world standard for geological dating.

The lakes are connected by canals and tunnels, but the mixing of water from the sea means that each has a different salinity, creating a wide range of environments that support diverse flora and fauna. Lake Mikata is a freshwater lake, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, and Lake Kugushi are brackish, and Lake Hiruga is a saltwater lake. As a result, the species of fish in each lake varies slightly. The area also serves as wintering grounds for many ducks and other migratory birds, as well as Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, birds of prey that follow the migrating flocks there each year.

History and Commerce
A port located near Lake Kugushi, called Kiyama no Tsu, played a significant part in Japan’s maritime history even before the development of Obama. From the mid-Heian period (794–1185) to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), goods unloaded there were transported to the capital in Kyoto via the post town of Kumagawa-juku and the Wakasa Kaido, a major trade route that connected the Wakasa region with Kyoto.

In the Kamakura period (1185–1333), sea bream, sardines, and abalones were delivered to Kyoto (then the capital of Japan) as delicacies from the Wakasa region. In the Edo period (1603–1867), eels sent to Kyoto were popularly known as “Jakushu eels,” referencing an alternative name for Wakasa. Records from the late Edo period explain that live eels were transported from the Wakasa region all the way to Kyoto thanks to innovative strategies like placing water tanks at post stations along the routes.

Documents kept by the O’oto family of the Tsunegami Peninsula, collectively designated Cultural Properties of Fukui Prefecture, provide valuable information about the history of the region from the late Heian period to the Meiji era (1868–1912).

Sightseeing in the Area
There are many ways to enjoy scenic views of the Five Lakes of Mikata as they change throughout the seasons. Sightseeing boats depart at set times for short cruises on the lake, walkways along the edge can be used for strolling, and an 11.24 km-long toll road known as the Rainbow Line offers scenic views of the region by car. At the end of the Rainbow Line on top of Mt. Baijo is Mountain Peak Park, a spacious destination with several terraces and lookout points that provide panoramic views of the lakes, Wakasa Bay, and the surrounding mountains.

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Japan Heritage Utilization Promotion Council of Obama City and Wakasa townFukui Prefecture, Obama City, Wakasa town

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