Machiya (townhouses) in Mikuni, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Mikuni is one of nice towns to visit in Fukui Prefecture. Today, I would like to introduce some areas in Mikuni. Soon after turning an arterial road along the seaport in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, there is a small street which has townhouses and merchant houses.

It used to be a busy area around here from Edo period (1603-1868) to the beginning (1868~1889) of Meiji period (1868-1912) for the trade of Kitamae-bune cargo ships. It is fascinating to walk in the historical townscape. It makes visitors feel as if they had stepped back in time.

The former Kishina house

The former Kishina house was built about 190 years ago (late in the Edo period), which was a machiya house. Machiya house is a type of residence and/or store in the central part of a city.

The Kishina family which used to run a lumber business and the family had lived in this house for generations. The house has been designated as a cultural asset of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. The house has been preserved to pass down the culture and history.

There is also an amazing gelateria, stylish cafes, variety stores, restaurants where you can have fresh fish and shellfish, etc. I can recommend you to see the ocean and relax at the beach, walk around the small street which has townhouses and merchant houses, learn some history of the area, and enjoy having Japanese foods, gelato and/or coffee.

T.F