Mikuni Minato Port Town

Mikuni-minato, located on the Sea of Japan coast in present-day Fukui Prefecture, emerged as a thriving port town in the Edo period. From the 17th to 19th centuries it prospered as a hub for the Kitamaebune trading ships, which sailed between Osaka and Hokkaido carrying goods and culture across Japan. The wealth that flowed into Mikuni supported the construction of stately merchant homes, warehouses, and temples, many of which still remain today. A walk through the old town reveals a blend of Edo era townhouses and Western-style architecture from the Meiji period onward, reflecting the port’s long cosmopolitan history.
Aside from touring the historic townscape, you might want to try playing the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument) in a traditional setting or learn about Mikuni’s painted paper lanterns, a craft tied to the town’s famous Mikuni Festival. Held every May for over 300 years, this festival is one of the biggest in the Hokuriku region, drawing crowds to see its enormous festival floats topped with towering warrior figures. Seafood is another highlight in Mikuni, where restaurants near the port serve freshly caught specialties from the Japan Sea, including the celebrated Echizen crab in winter.
With its living traditions and historic scenery along the coast, Mikuni-minato is an excellent place to experience the spirit of an Edo period port town.