From the Ancient Capital to “Kyoto by the Sea,” Wakasa & the Saba Kaido, and On to Kaga Hyakumangoku — A 3-Day/2-Night “New Golden Route” Exploring Japan’s Pristine Landscapes and Spiritual Heritage

Travel directly from Kyoto Station to "Kyoto by the Sea" with zero transfers.

One of Japan's Three Great Views, this sandbar stretches roughly 3.6 km and is lined with thousands of pine trees. It is famous for the "matanozoki" view—looking upside down between your legs from the observation deck—making the sea and sky invert so the sandbar looks like a bridge to heaven. At Chion-ji Temple, worship the deity of wisdom (famous for the proverb "three heads are better than one") and savor a fresh seafood lunch from the Sea of Japan.

At Chion-ji Temple, worship the deity of wisdom (famous for the proverb "three heads are better than one") and savor a fresh seafood lunch from the Sea of Japan.

A traditional fishing village where roughly 230 unique wooden "Funaya" (boathouses)—featuring a boat garage on the first floor and living quarters on the second—line the bay. Sitting right at the water's edge, they look as though they are floating on the sea; visitors can discover Japan's timeless essence via sightseeing cruises or peaceful strolls along the shore.

A historic port town that flourished as a vital naval and commercial port on the Sea of Japan. Savor fresh seafood and local sake at the "Maizuru Port Toretore Center" seafood market or at local dining spots throughout the city.

A post town along the "Saba Kaido" (Mackerel Highway), which historically carried seafood (primarily mackerel) caught in the Sea of Japan to Kyoto. A clear canal (Maegawa) flows through the town, lined symmetrically with tile-roofed machiya townhouses and storehouses. Learn about transport heritage at the Saba Kaido Museum and sample the region's famous grilled mackerel sushi (Yaki-saba-zushi).

An ancient temple said to have been founded in the early Heian period by the military commander Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. Surrounded by a dense cedar forest, its main hall and three-story pagoda are Fukui Prefecture's only National Treasure buildings, housing an impressive array of wooden Buddhist statues.

Located at the western end of the Obama castle town, this historic district once thrived as a entertainment and merchant quarter. It is an atmospheric area featuring clusters of temples and traditional machiya houses with red-ochre lattices (bengara) and mushiko barred windows.

Savor lunch while experiencing the rich culinary culture of Wakasa, historically revered as "Miketsukuni"—a land designated to supply gourmet foods to the Imperial Court.

A facility where you can experience the traditional craft of "Wakasa Lacquerware," created by layering lacquer with seashells, eggshells, and gold leaf, then polishing it down. The workshop, where you polish your own pair of custom chopsticks under an artisan's guidance, makes for an ideal travel souvenir.

An observation spot offering panoramic vistas of the Sea of Japan and the "Mikata Five Lakes"—five lakes that display distinctly different shades of blue due to variations in depth and salinity. Equipped with open-air footbaths and terrace cafes, it is the perfect spot to relax while taking in stunning views.

Check in to your hotel in Tsuruga City (Overnight in Tsuruga).

An ancient shrine historically revered as the guardian shrine of the Hokuriku Region. Its vermilion Torii gate is counted as one of Japan's Three Great Wooden Torii Gates alongside Kasuga Taisha and Itsukushima Shrine. Within the grounds, sacred water known as "Chomeisui" bubbles up, believed to grant good health and longevity.

A nostalgic modernization heritage site built in 1905 as petroleum storage warehouses. Inside is a massive, meticulously crafted diorama theater depicting historic Tsuruga when it was linked by rail and sea directly to Vladivostok and Europe. Visitors can also enjoy walking around Kanegasaki Green Park along the bay.

One of the largest seafood markets on the Sea of Japan coast. With roughly 50 specialty vendors and eateries offering freshly caught crab, local fish delivered directly from Tsuruga Port, and processed marine goods, visitors can enjoy a hearty seafood rice bowl lunch and shop for local culinary souvenirs.

Return to Tsuruga Station and head to the Shinkansen ticket gates.