The Echizen Coast, known for breathtaking views of unique cliffs, runs north-south along the Sea of Japan and is part of the Echizen-Kaga Coast Quasi-National Park.

Among the crystal clear waters at the southern end of this coastline, in Fukui Prefecture’s Minami-Echizen Town, are three fantastic beaches that bring scores of people from near and far every summer to enjoy scuba diving and other ocean fun.

For those looking for great seaside destinations this summer, we’ll give you the highlights of these three beaches, as well as other useful information like how to get there, parking, and facilities.

 

Kaburaki Beach: Have Fun in the Waves, Chill Out on the Pebble Beach

Kaburaki Beach, along the Isaribi Kaido (Route 305), is the largest beach in Minami-Echizen Town.

It is about a twenty-minute drive from the Nanjo Smart IC exit on the Hokuriku Expressway. Alternatively, it’s pretty easy to get to using public transportation as well. Just take the bus bound for Nukanagashima via Sakurabashi from Fukui Takefu Station and get off at the Yubae stop. The walk from here only takes a minute.

 

If you’re driving, the parking lot is very close to the beach, which makes it easy if you’ve got lots of beach gear to carry or you’re bringing smaller children along.

Revitalize yourself with the clear ocean waves and the pebble beach!

 

There is also a grassy park next to the beach, so it’s the perfect spot for the whole family to spend all day having fun and making summer memories.

 

Also nearby is the parking lot, public restrooms, and public showers you can use for a small fee. Everything you need!

 

 

Kaburaki Shop: A One-Minute Walk to a Restaurant by the Sea

Another nice thing about this beach is that there is a restaurant called Kaburaki Shop right behind the beach.

 

Try some fresh local fish, including seafood bowls and a sashimi set meal, as well as a variety of other dishes like curry, all at reasonable prices. Relax and enjoy your meal with a cozy ocean view.

 

There are also vending machines with cold drinks outside, and swim rings, goggles, beach sandals and more are available for purchase, so you don’t have to worry if you forget something or even come totally empty-handed.

 

 

Related article:
Six Child-Friendly Restaurants in Minami-Echizen Town to Enjoy with Kids!

 

Kono Beach: A Swimming Paradise, River or Sea!

Kono Beach is another great summer destination on the Isaribi Kaido, National Route 305. Despite being in a rural area replete with nature, it is easy to get to, being close to Route 8 and just a 10-minute drive from Kono Roadside Station. Kono Beach is also near the starting point of the Echizen-Kano Shiokaze Line sightseeing road, which has spectacular views of the Echizen Coast. The parking lot is right next to the beach, so it’s no problem to carry all your beach-going gear.

If you are traveling by train, take the bus from Fukui Takefu Station on the Hapi Line to Nukanagashima via Sakurabashi and get off at the Kono bus stop. It is about a two-minute walk from there.

Here, you can enjoy the clear Kono River that flows into the ocean, itself also clear enough to see all the way to the bottom. The choice is yours. You can explore the seashore, look for tide pools, and watch all the little creatures. There is more than enough fun to be had to spend all day and never get tired.

The grass park nearby is also great for relaxing and listening to the waves.

Other nearby comforts include public restrooms and paid showers just a short walk from the beach.

 

After all the fun, your stomach is bound to be rumbling, so stop by the seafood restaurant just across the road and try some fresh local flavors.

 

 

Nuka Beach: Exciting Ocean and Seaside Fun!

Just north of Kaburaki Beach is Nuka Beach. If you’re taking public transportation, take the Fukutetsu bus bound for Nukanagashima via Sakurabashi from Fukui Takefu Station on the Hapi Line, get off at Nukanagashima and it is a one-minute walk from there. It’s even easier by car, being about 30 minutes from the Nanjo Smart IC exit on the Hokuriku Expressway. The beach is a stone’s throw from the parking lot, so you can leave all your stuff in the car and jump straight into the water.

Jump into the crystal clear ocean from the pebbly beach, breathe in the wonderful ocean scent, and look for all the sea life scurrying among the rocks. Great times are guaranteed!

The parking lot and public restrooms are close by, and showers are available at the nearby minshuku Nagashima-so for a fee.

There are vending machines and a restaurant just across the road when it’s time for a break. There are also a few minshuku (Japanese bed and breakfast) here as well, so you don’t have to worry about lodging either.

 

 

Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae: After Fun in the Sun, Unwind in Hot Springs

Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae, located just behind Kaburaki Beach, is the perfect stop after spending time at the beach. The hot springs here are popular among the locals as well.

 

Relaxing in hot springs while watching the Sea of ​​Japan dyed orange by the sunset is pure bliss. The healthy chloride hot springs are great for relieving nerve and muscle pain, not to mention for refreshing both body and mind.

If that’s not enough of a reason to go, after your bath you can enjoy fresh seafood in the lounge on the second floor, also with great views of the sea.

 

 

Staying at a Minshuku: Delicious Seafood Right on the Sea!

A popular way to turn a day of fun at the beach into a weekend of fun is by staying at a cozy minshuku (Japanese B&B) by the sea.

You’re sure to find delicious local delicacies made with fresh seafood caught the same day by local fishermen.

There are sixteen minshuku to choose from, all with ocean views, so you are bound to find one to your liking.

Make it an overnight adventure you won’t forget.

Related article:

Enjoy Fresh Seafood at the Many Minshuku in Kono, a Fishing Village in Minami-Echizen

 

Kono Summer Festival: Fireworks Light up Sky and Sea

Every year in late July, the Kono Summer Festival is held at Kaburaki Beach, where spectacular fireworks color the night sky. The special fireworks that explode on the water’s surface are a must-see.

 

With rows of lively food stalls and bustling with visitors, everyone loves this annual event.

For more details, check the link below!／Kono Summer Festival

 

 

Well, there you have it.

 

As you can see, there’s plenty of fun to be had in summer in Minami-Echizen Town, like beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, hot springs, and summer festivals. Come for a visit!