Perfect for exploring retro spots in Mikuni-Minato! 3 oldest tangible cultural properties

Located in the place where Fukui’s largest river ‘Kuzuryu River’ discharges into the Sea of Japan, Mikuni-cho in Sakai City is a historical port town. It has been flourishing as a ‘Gateway of Echizen’ because water-transport was developed 1,200 years ago. Since the infrastructure of the supply and distribution line was in good condition, there was a time that warlords who were famous during the period of the warring states such as Yoshikage Asakura and Katsuie Shibata built their resident castles here. Now, this place is called “Mikuni-Minato (三国湊)” and becomes popular sightseeing spots where visitors can feel the changing of the times. This time, we’re going to introduce 3 recommended spots which are the oldest in Fukui or Japan and designated as tangible cultural properties.

“Takidanji Temple” with a national treasure, important cultural properties and Fukui’s first Japanese garden designated as national scenic beauty

Built in 1375, “Takidanji Temple (瀧谷寺)” is a famous temple where Asakusa clan and Shibata clan, Matsudaira clan who was the feudal lord of the Fukui and so on had faith during the middle ages. When you step into the precinct, various historical architectures with a stately atmosphere welcome you: Sanmon Gate (山門) and Chinjudo Shrine (鎮守堂), the main hall, the entrance hall (客殿) and so on which are designated as important cultural properties of Fukui or Japan. Moreover, in the treasure hall in front of the main hall, over 400 precious things are housed such as a national treasure ‘Kondomouhousoubunkei (金銅毛彫相華文磬)’ and a national cultural property ‘Kenpon Chakushoku Jizo Bosatsu-zo(絹本着色 地蔵菩薩図像),’ Buddhist statues, Buddhist paintings and ancient documents. In addition, a vast Japanese-style garden which was designated as national scenic beauty for the first time in Fukui is also one of the highlights. It has created an elegant scenery in each season in front of the main hall since the middle of the Edo period.

Opening Hours	1st March to 31st October 8:00AM – 5:00PM／1st November to the end of February 8:00AM – 4:30PM
Address	1-7-15 Takidani, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute walk from Mikuni Station where it takes 46 minutes from Fukui Station by the Mikuni-Awara line of Echizen Railway
URL	http://www.takidanji.or.jp/index.php

Fukui’s oldest reinforced concrete building “Ex-main office of Morita Bank” with elegant and luxurious decorations

From the Edo period to the Meiji one, Mikuni-cho was a port of call for Kitamebune (北前船, northern-bound ships), which operated between Osaka and Hokkaido while selling and buying products. At that time, it seemed that this area was crowded with wealthy merchants who made a living from the shipping business. The Morita family, who was one of them, had thought the business would decline and founded Morita Bank in 1894. Then, they built “Ex-main office of Morita Bank (旧森田銀行本店)” in 1920. It can be learned that Morita Bank was growing through the classically Western Europe-style designed exterior and the beautiful interior with the plaster pattern based on white, decorations elaborately designed into detail and so on. This building is also famous as Fukui’s oldest reinforced concrete building and designated as a national tangible cultural property.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM　Closed on Monday and from 29th December to 3rd January ※It closed at 10:00PM if a night event is held.
Address	3-3-26 Minamihon-machi, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 7-minute walk from Mikuni Station where it takes 46 minutes from Fukui Station by the Mikuni-Awara line of Echizen Railway
URL	http://mikunikaisyo.org/morita/

Japan’s oldest Western-style breakwater “Mikuni Port Jetty” with a suttuning view of the sunset

“Mikuni Port Jetty (三国港突堤)” is one of the largest ports of the Meiji Era along with Misumi port (三角港) in Kumamoto prefecture and Nobiru port (野蒜港) in Miyagi prefecture. It’s also called ‘Essel Zutsumi’ because it was designed by a Dutch engineer, George Arnold Escher. Kuzuru River’s used to flood repeatedly, as a result, the sediment accumulated at the bottom of Mikuni port and prevented ships from navigating. Thus, this jetty was constructed to prevent waves, wind and sedimentation and has been functioning for more than 100 years since it was built. It was made using the European method for the first time in Japan and is designated as an important cultural property of Japan. You can not only know the architectural technology of those days with your feet and eyes but also take a photo of a stunning view of the sea taking on the glow of the evening sun.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM (Only weekdays)
Address	2 Shuku, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute walk from Mikuni-Minato Station where it takes 48 minutes from Fukui Station by the Mikuni-Awara line of Echizen Railway
URL	https://www.city.fukui-sakai.lg.jp/bunka/kanko-bunka/kanko/rekishi/tottei.html