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Coast · Fukui, Fukui
Tojinbo Cliffs
About 1 km of andesite column cliffs, up to 25 m high, above the Sea of Japan, on the Sakai coast, with a boat tour at the base of the cliffs and nearby Oshima Island.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Tojinbo Cliffs in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo is on the Mikuni coast in Sakai, about 25 km north of Fukui. For roughly 1 km the shoreline is made of volcanic rock columns—andesite that cracked into five- and six-sided prisms as it cooled millions of years ago—and the sea has carved them into cliffs up to 25 m high. It is a national natural monument and a place of scenic beauty.
From the top, visitors walk over the columns, which form natural steps, to near the edge, where you can see the sea hitting the base. There are no railings for much of the path, and the stones become slippery with rain and spray, so stay away from the edge and watch children. The sunset over the sea often draws visitors in the late afternoon.
Sightseeing boats leave the cove and travel along the base of the cliffs for about 30 minutes, showing the columns from below, including formations with given names, and they approach Oshima Island. The forested island is connected to the coast by a red bridge and has the Ominato shrine with short trails.
At the entrance to the cliffs, a street of shops sells grilled seafood, crab in season and souvenirs. The Awara hot-spring resort and the old Mikuni port, with merchant houses, are a few kilometers away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 2 hours, including the boat.
Best time
When the sea is calm for the boat, and in the late afternoon for the sunset. In winter, strong winds and waves often suspend boat service. Check before you go.
How to get there
From Awara-Onsen Station on the Hokuriku shinkansen: bus to Tojinbo in about 40 minutes. From Fukui, take the Echizen Railway to Mikuni and then a bus, or direct buses at some times.
Tip
Keep away from the edge, especially on wet rocks. Take the boat to see the true height of the columns.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tojinbo Cliffs
How were the Tojinbo cliffs formed?
By volcanic lava that split into andesite columns as it cooled millions of years ago, later cut by the sea into cliffs up to 25 m high.
How do you get to Tojinbo without a car?
By bus from Awara-Onsen Station in about 40 minutes, or by Echizen Railway to Mikuni and then bus.
Are there boat tours at Tojinbo?
Yes. Boats run along the base of the cliffs for about 30 minutes when sea conditions allow.
How much time should you allow for Tojinbo?
About 1 to 2 hours, including the walk over the columns and the boat.
Beyond the guide
