Mikatagoko Rainbow Line

The Mikatagoko Rainbow Line, also known as the Mikatagoko Toll Road, opened in 1968.

This scenic road spans Mihama Town and Wakasa Town and offers a panoramic view of the rias coast, a famous landmark of Wakasa Bay National Park, and the five lakes: Lake Kyuko, Lake Hyuga, Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, and Lake Suga.

All of these lakes are connected, and each lake has a different mixture of fresh and salt water, resulting in a slightly different blue color on the lake surface.

The road passes through mountainous areas, with a series of steep inclines and curves. On the way up the beautiful green hills, the road leads to the foot of Meijangdake (Mt. Meijang), from where the observatory on Meijangdake offers a magnificent view.

From Parking Lot 1, a cableway leads up to the summit park. To reach the summit of Mt. Baejodake, you can also use a lift or cable car.

From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Wakasa Bay and the Mikata Goko lakes. This road is known as one of the most scenic spots in Wakasa Bay.

It is 15 kilometers long and ranges in width from 6.9 meters to 108.6 meters.

The nearest IC is the Wakasa Mikata IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway, and the distance to the first parking lot is about 10 kilometers.

It used to be a toll road, officially named Mikatagoko Toll Road. However, in 2022, the Fukui Prefecture Road Public Corporation was dissolved and the management of the road was transferred to Fukui Prefecture.

Currently, the road is open to the public free of charge as Fukui Prefectural Road No. 273 Mikatagoko Rainbow Line. However, some sections are closed to bicycles and pedestrians and closed at night.

Mountaintop Park

Located at the summit of Umejodake on the Mikatagoko Rainbow Line, the park can be accessed from Parking Lot 1 via a lift or cable car. A separate admission fee is required to enter the summit park.

From the observatory at the summit park, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Wakasa Bay. It is a superb spot from which you can view all of the Mikata Goko (Five Lakes of Mikata) that stretch across the town of Mihama. The Sea of Japan and the Five Lakes of Mikata can be seen from any direction, east, west, north, south, and west.

Five terraces have been set up, and visitors can enjoy the view in a variety of styles, including footbaths and sofas.

The park is very large and offers many attractions such as an observatory, lift and cable car, rose garden, monument at the Lover’s Sanctuary, pledge key, tile throwing at Tengudo, Wago Shrine, outdoor sculptures, Goki no En, Friendship Bell, Medaka Village, Beetle House, Umejodake no Anzen Jizoson, and rest house. In addition, visitors can enjoy meals at restaurants and other facilities.