Tojinbo Cliffs
東尋坊 · Fukui Prefecture · Sakai City
Anto, Mikuni Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan coast, within Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park; the cliffs run about 1 kilometre.
Know before you go
- Red lines: there are no guardrails or handrails at the cliff edge — do not cross warnings or lean out over the edge for photos. Taboos: do not risk the waterside in strong wind, rain or heavy seas, and do not throw objects into the sea. Good manners: wear non-slip shoes and follow on-site announcements and lifesaving guidance. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) photographing with one's back to the sea while standing on wet, slippery rock
- (2) treating Tojinbo as an ordinary park and taking small children or people with limited mobility along the cliff-edge gravel paths.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
The legend behind Tojinbo’s name
A place-name legend recorded in Echizen Chiri Shinan, preserved by the Fukui Prefectural Archives, identifies Tojinbo as a monk of Heisenji Temple. It says fellow monks pushed him from the coastal cliffs while he was drunk, and that he pulled another monk and a temple boy down with him; a storm followed. This is a recorded folk tale, not established history.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
columnar joints of pyroxene andesite, formed by volcanic activity about 12–13 million years ago and later eroded by the sea; designated a National Natural Monument in 1935; the Oike (大池) cliffs are about 25 metres high.
Local customs
- (1) The clifftop walk (崖上遊歩道) over columnar joints above the Sea of Japan
- (2) Senjojiki (千畳敷), down to the water's edge to touch the rock columns
- (3) Tojinbo Tower (東尋坊タワー) viewpoint
- (4) Tojinbo sightseeing boat (東尋坊観光遊覧船) to see the cliffs from the sea
- (5) Tojinbo shopping street (東尋坊商店街) for Echizen crab and sweet shrimp in season.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Red lines: there are no guardrails or handrails at the cliff edge — do not cross warnings or lean out over the edge for photos. Taboos: do not risk the waterside in strong wind, rain or heavy seas, and do not throw objects into the sea. Good manners: wear non-slip shoes and follow on-site announcements and lifesaving guidance. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) photographing with one's back to the sea while standing on wet, slippery rock
- (2) treating Tojinbo as an ordinary park and taking small children or people with limited mobility along the cliff-edge gravel paths.
Locals appreciate DO
Please respect local residents, open areas, and on-site rules.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Getting there | Intercity: by bus or taxi from JR Awaraonsen or Mikuni Station; about 1 hour by car from Fukui City. Local: on foot in the cliff area. Tickets and payment: the cliffs themselves are free; the tower and boat charge separately; buses take IC cards or cash. Fare scales are as officially published. |
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Travel tips
- Clear days and sunset are best
- in winter the Sea of Japan is rough and boats may be suspended. Free cliff access and facility hours are as officially published.
Sources & verification notes
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