DISCOVER FUKUI

The term “Five Lakes of Mikata (Mikatago)” is a collective name for five lakes: Lake Kugushi, Lake Hiruga, Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, and Lake Suga. The photo shows only a portion of the Five Lakes of Mikata, but the five lakes are scattered throughout the valleys of the low mountains as if they were scattered like jewels. However, what makes them fascinating is that even though they are so close to one another, each lake has different water quality (salinity) and depth. As a result, the blue hues of the lake surfaces vary gradually, creating a gradient effect. Because of this, the Five Lakes of Mikata are also known as the “Five-Colored Lakes.”

The Rainbow Line Summit Park is a spot where you can enjoy the Five Lakes of Mikata from above. The park is located at the summit of Mount Baijo, which towers between the Five Lakes of Mikata and the Sea of Japan, about a 20-minute drive from the Wakasa-Mihama Interchange on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway. If you’re coming by car, drive up the Mikata-Goko Rainbow Line Prefectural Road (closed at night) and head for the Summit Park First Parking Lot (paid parking). Once you arrive at the parking lot, first purchase your Summit Park ticket at the “Ticket Counter & Information Center” located directly in front of you. You can then ascend to the summit via cable car or chairlift.

Upon reaching the summit, all you see is blue in every direction. In fact, I’ve heard that the “Rainbow” in Rainbow Line comes from the concept of “seven shades of blue.” It refers not only to the five shades of blue in the Five Lakes of Mikata, but also to the blue of the Sea of Japan and the sky—making seven shades in total. You’re truly surrounded by a breathtaking blue panorama. What a luxury it is to have stunning views in every direction—360 degrees. Faced with such beautiful scenery, a smile naturally spreads across your face.

The “Rainbow Umbrellas” set up right at the lift exit are a popular feature of the summit park. Feel free to use them as you like. They’re perfect for protection from the sun or sudden rain, of course, but they also make great props for photos. Be sure to take one with you as you explore.

After a long walk, take a break at one of the five terraces designed around the concept of “a sky terrace floating above the Five Lakes of Mikata.” In addition to the “Five Lakes Terrace,” where you can relax on large sofas, and the “Central Terrace,” which offers a beautiful view of the Japan Sea horizon, the “Wakasa Terrace” lets you try your hand at “kawarake throwing”—tossing a sun-dried clay plate (kawarake) inscribed with your wish toward the lake! I especially recommend the “Mihama Terrace.” It’s the only one of the five terraces from which you can see all five lakes. And right beneath the breathtaking view spreading out before you is—believe it or not—a foot bath! The beautiful scenery and warm foot bath will soothe away the fatigue of your journey.

When you visit the Summit Park, you won’t want to miss the great food. There are three dining spots in total: two at the summit and one at the First Parking Lot. All menu items are available for takeout, so please enjoy them on the terrace while taking in the spectacular views.

At “RAINBOW,” the restaurant and café in the First Parking Lot, the glass-walled interior on three sides offers stunning views, and their pizzas—made with local ingredients like Wakasa beef (Wagyu), Mihama tomatoes, and hesiko—are a hit. Since the toppings and offerings change with the seasons, you might discover new Wakasa delicacies every time you visit. You can also relax and enjoy your meal indoors, so you’re all set even on rainy or windy days.

The Five Lakes of Mikata—mysterious lakes shaped by nature—offer more than just breathtaking views. As a Ramsar Convention-designated wetland, a site of global scientific significance, and home to traditional fishing methods… the more you explore, the more you’ll discover that its charm and the ways to enjoy it are endless. Once you’ve seen and learned about the charms of the lakes, we recommend trying some more active ways to enjoy them. There are plenty of fun activities available, such as cycling tours around the lakes, kayaking, and lake cruises. Why not discover a whole new side of the Five Lakes of Mikata?

There are still plenty of attractions to explore around the Five Lakes of Mikata! From Japan’s first bridal fashion museum, the “Bridal Land Wakasa Dress Museum” to the “Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum,” which displays varves that have accumulated on the bottom of Lake Suigetsu, the Wakasa-Mihama area is packed with experiences you can only see and enjoy here. Please click the links below for details on each attraction.