Mihama: Coastal Culture, Rice Terraces, and Lemons

Sugahama is located on the western side of the Tsuruga Peninsula and is a nature-rich area surrounded by sea and mountains. A trip to Mihama offers several specific themes to explore in Sugahama: a coastal tradition, rice terraces, and experiences and food centered on charcoal and lemons. If you are looking for a hotel in Mihama, you can consider whether you would like to plan your trip around a specific event date or focus on scenery, local produce, and activities.

Scenery and Rice Terraces

Sugahama’s rice terraces cover about 266,000 m² and were recognized in 2022 as “つなぐ棚田遺産～ふるさとの誇りを未来へ～” (Heritage Rice Terraces: Connecting the Pride of Our Hometown to the Future). Together with their location on the western side of the peninsula and the surrounding sea and mountains, they form a scenic highlight. Alongside the coastal themes, the terraced landscape is another distinct aspect to consider when planning your stay.

The “精霊船送り” on August 15

During the annual “精霊船送り” on August 15, an approximately 8-meter-long boat made of miscanthus, wheat straw, and bamboo is pulled from Sugahama’s coast out to sea in the evening, fitted with a sail, and set adrift. The tradition is designated an intangible folk cultural asset of Fukui Prefecture. Its fixed annual date makes the event a clear starting point for planning your trip: if you would like to make it the occasion for your visit, plan to be there on the evening of August 15.

Charcoal-Making Experiences and a Treehouse

The Sugahama WakuWaku Cooperative offers charcoal-making experiences. This adds an activity centered on charcoal production to the options alongside scenery and traditional customs. If you are weighing different focuses for your stay, this offering presents a different theme from the terraces or the coastal event held on a set date.

Next to the “Herb & Lemon Garden” stands a treehouse with hammocks and swings; from above, you can see across the lemon field. If you would like to include the treehouse in your travel plans, check in advance whether access is possible.

Lemons and Regional Cuisine

In the Sugahama district, lemons are grown at the “はーぶ＆れもん園” (Herb & Lemon Garden). Sugahama lemon pizza is made with a sauce prepared from whole lemons grown locally. Pizzeria&Cafe WAKUWAKU at “菅浜わくわくかん” serves wood-fired pizza made with local ingredients, including organic lemons grown in Sugahama. The lemon pizza is distinguished by its sauce; at the café, the wood-fired oven and local ingredients are part of the pizza offering. Alongside scenery and tradition, you will also find specific ways to explore local cuisine.

There is a useful distinction when choosing your dates: the “精霊船送り” takes place on August 15, while the terraces, lemon cultivation, and charcoal-making experiences offer other points of interest. If the tradition is your main reason for traveling, decide on the anniversary date first; otherwise, you can choose your hotel in Mihama based on your other interests.

For an overview of the wider area: Mikata District.