If You’re Visiting Obama, This Is the Place to Be! 7 Must-See Tourist Attractions That Capture the Charm of Obama

Obama City in Fukui Prefecture is blessed with beautiful seas and abundant ingredients, offering a wealth of attractions where you can enjoy stunning natural rock formations and breathtaking views, as well as savor gourmet cuisine and hot springs. Not only are there popular beaches for summer swimming, but there are also many attractive sites that showcase the region’s culture, traditions, and history—making Obama a year-round destination. Here, we introduce seven recommended tourist attractions in Obama City.

1. “Sodōmon” – a place where you can casually enjoy the breathtaking natural sculptural beauty that Obama proudly presents to the world

Often referred to as Sodōmon, this attraction is what Obama City proudly presents to the world. It is said that the American CNN network once featured it in its “31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan.” Located on the eastern side of Obama Bay along the Naigai Peninsula, Sodōmon is a sea-eroded cave that stands as a representative scenic spot of Wakasa Bay National Park. Carved by the relentless forces of the Sea of Japan over many years, it continues to captivate countless visitors with its stunning natural artistry. Nearby attractions such as Senjōjiki, the Couple’s Turtle Rock, and Lion Rock Cave allow you to appreciate the intricate beauty of the rugged, ever-changing coastline.

Since it is impossible to see every remarkable natural formation on foot in a single day, you can opt for the “Sodōmon Cruise,” which lets you enjoy the splendid coastal scenery from the water.

2. Mermaid Terrace – The Symbol of the "Yaohime Legend"

According to an old legend known as the “Yaohime Legend” in Obama, a daughter who unknowingly ate meat from a mermaid lived to be 800 years old while remaining youthful and beautiful. As a tourist attraction, two mermaid statues have been placed along the coastline, a site known as Mermaid Terrace.

Many visitors come here to pray for eternal youth and long life. It’s also one of the top scenic spots in Obama Bay, where you can watch a magnificent sunset as the sea is painted in shades of crimson—a perfect setting for a romantic stroll. The approximately 800-meter walking route from Mermaid Terrace to Obama Park offers a leisurely stroll amid various types of flowering trees.

3. "Mermaid Beach Seawater Bathing Area" – a hidden gem in Obama where you can leisurely enjoy a day of sea bathing

Extending roughly 400 meters from Mermaid Terrace to the base of Mt. Atoseyama, Mermaid Beach is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a relaxing day at the seaside.
This white-sand beach is renowned for its pristine sands and clear, transparent water, making it a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

Thanks to wave-breakers and seawalls, the waves remain calm—ideal for families with small children. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, and nearby, a local fishing gear shop offers rentals and helpful advice, ensuring that even first-time visitors can enjoy fishing with ease.

4. "Wakasa Obama Roadside Station" – Enjoy the gourmet cuisine and traditional crafts of Obama

Located about 2 km from Mermaid Terrace, this roadside station offers a taste of Wakasa Bay’s gourmet delights and local specialties. Obama is celebrated as a food town, where you can find an abundance of fresh local vegetables, soy-sauce dried mackerel, grilled mackerel, and various seafood products. At the gourmet corner, you can try dishes such as tai katsu and ice cream made with locally grown figs—experiences unique to Obama.

The city is also known as one of Japan’s leading producers of lacquered chopsticks, with intricately layered lacquer work that often incorporates shells and eggshells. You can purchase everyday items as well as exquisite works of traditional craftsmanship. There’s even a workshop where you can try your hand at lacquer chopstick polishing—a delightful way to feel like a craftsman for the day.

5. "Obama Machi-no-Eki (Asahiza)" – a retro-themed hub perfect for using as a base for sightseeing

Opened in May 2016, Obama Machi-no-Eki, also known as Asahiza, is a new tourist facility that serves as a hub for exploring Obama. This site revives the former wooden, gabled playhouse “Asahiza,” which existed in Sumitomo Ward during the Meiji period, preserving its historical ambiance. Once a popular venue for local entertainment in the Meiji era and even used as a cinema during the Showa period, this restored playhouse is now a rare gem, as few such structures remain in Japan today.

In addition to providing tourist information for Obama, the facility also rents out bicycles, making it convenient for first-time visitors to explore. The food corner serves fresh seafood from Wakasa Bay, and you can even capture memorable photos with a retro bus as a backdrop.

6. "Wakasa Obama Food Culture Center" - Experience the unique local cuisine and traditional crafts of Obama, and relieve the fatigue accumulated from your outings

This facility is the focal point of efforts to promote Obama as a food town. Housed in a three-story building, it offers a wealth of attractions that appeal to visitors.
On the first floor, there’s a museum dedicated to the history, traditions, and culture of food. One booth focuses on sushi—a cuisine that, despite Japan's heritage, remains a fresh discovery even for visitors—detailing its origins and the secrets behind its delicious taste.

The second floor showcases exquisite traditional crafts such as Wakasa lacquered chopsticks and washi paper production, and also offers hands-on experiences. With a session lasting about 20 to 40 minutes, you can easily fit this activity into your sightseeing itinerary. There are also on-site hot spring facilities and dining areas where you can enjoy local flavors, making this center an ideal stop to relax during your visit to Obama.

7. "Forest Water PR Center" - Be soothed by the delicious water and the aroma of herbs in the mysterious ambiance of Obama

Located in Jingūji, Obama City, and just about a 5-minute drive from Higashi-Obama Station on the JR Obama Line, the Forest Water PR Center offers a rejuvenating experience surrounded by nature. Historically, this area has long held the tradition of “Omizatori” (water fetching) and “Omizuokuri” (water sending), reminiscent of practices at Nara’s Todai-ji Nigatsu-do. This mystically charged tourist attraction features Wakasa washi paper dolls that recreate the water-sending ritual, mesmerizing visitors with its mysterious ambiance. Here, you can learn about the importance of water and the surrounding forest, which has been chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waters.

Inside the café, you can savor delicious coffee and herbal tea made with natural water, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing break during your tour. There are also various herb products, skin creams, and health teas that make perfect souvenirs, along with a selection of wooden crafts and handmade items—ideal for those who appreciate nature.

◎ Summary

Obama City offers an array of attractions that showcase its breathtaking natural wonders, rich legends, culinary delights, and traditional crafts. Whether it’s marveling at the dramatic coastal formations at Sodōmon from a cruise, exploring the symbolic mermaid statues and relaxing at Mermaid Beach, or sampling the local flavors at the Wakasa Obama Roadside Station and experiencing hands-on crafts at the Food Culture Center, there’s something for everyone. With diverse modes of transportation available—be it walking, cycling, or even cruising—the charm of Obama is ready to be discovered. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this remarkable city!

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If You’re Visiting Obama, This Is the Place to Be! 7 Must-See Tourist Attractions That Capture the Charm of Obama