Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo, A Line Of Columnar Volcanic Cliffs About 25 M (80 Ft) High On The Fukui Coast Of The Sea Of Japan, A Natural Monument With A Famous Sheer Edge, Boat Cruises And A Tower. Dramatic In Winter Storms, And Very Exposed In Any Wind. · Sakai, Fukui
Tojinbo is a stretch of dark columnar cliffs on the Sea of Japan coast of Fukui, near Mikuni. The rock is volcanic, split into tall pillars that stand in groups above the water, and the cliffs rise roughly 25 m with a sheer drop and, in places, no railings. It is a protected natural monument within a coastal park, and it is one of the best-known wild coastlines in the Hokuriku region. Say plainly what this is: the edge is dangerous, people do fall, and the area has a sad history of suicides, so rescue volunteers patrol and you should keep to the path. The walk itself is short and flat. Most visitors come for an hour or two, ride a boat along the base, climb the observation tower, eat grilled seafood on the shopping street and wait for the sunset. It suits families, couples and road trippers, and it is a day or weekend stop for people from Fukui, Kanazawa and Kansai. It is worth the detour in calm weather and in crab season. It is not worth it in a storm, when spray and wind make the rocks unsafe and access is closed.
Tojinbo, Mikuni-cho, Sakai, Fukui, on the Sea of Japan coast, reached by bus from Awara-Onsen Station or Mikuni-Minato Station, Sakai, Fukui, Japan
The cliffs are open air with no gate, so you can walk them at any hour, but go in daylight only; the rocks have no lighting and the edge is invisible after dark. The shops, the seafood stalls and the observation tower usually run from morning to late afternoon, closing around 17:00 or earlier in winter, and the tower takes its last entry before closing. Boat cruises run on a seasonal schedule and stop in rough seas. Access is restricted in storms and heavy swell. Buses from Awara-Onsen Station and from Mikuni-Minato Station run on a limited timetable, thinner in winter, so check the last bus back before you go. Confirm tower hours and fee with the town tourist office.