Mikata Five Lakes 🇯🇵 #japan #travel #fukui
## Mikata Five Lakes (Mikatagoko) in Fukui Prefecture
The Mikata Five Lakes, known as “Mikatagoko” in Japanese, are a remarkable group of five interconnected lakes located in southern Fukui Prefecture, near the towns of Mihama and Wakasa. These lakes are part of the scenic Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Park and are recognized internationally for their ecological and geological significance[1][2][5].
**Names and Characteristics of the Lakes**
The five lakes are:
– Lake Mikata (Mikatako)
– Lake Suigetsu (Suigetsuko)
– Lake Suga (Sugako)
– Lake Kugushi (Kugushiko)
– Lake Hiruga (Hirugako)[1][2][3][6]
Each lake has a distinct color, depth, and water composition. The differences in salinity-from freshwater to brackish to saline-create unique habitats that support a wide variety of fish and aquatic life. For example, Lake Mikata is a freshwater lake, while Lake Hiruga is as salty as seawater and is the deepest among the five[4][7]. This diversity means you can find both freshwater and marine fish species in the area[2][3][5].
**Natural Beauty and Activities**
The Mikata Five Lakes are famous for their breathtaking views, which change with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy plum blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful maple leaves in autumn, and serene landscapes in winter[2][5]. The best way to experience the lakes’ beauty is by taking a boat tour, as the lakes are connected by channels and canals[2]. The area is also popular for fishing, birdwatching-especially in winter when migratory birds like Steller’s sea eagles visit-and hiking along the nearby Rainbow Line, a scenic mountain road with panoramic views[3][5][6].
**Scientific and Historical Importance**
Lake Suigetsu is world-renowned for its “varves,” which are annual layers of sediment that have accumulated for tens of thousands of years. These varves serve as a global standard for dating geological and historical events, and in 2012, they were officially recognized as a calibration reference for radiocarbon dating[1][3][5]. The region is also rich in archaeological sites from the Jomon Period, indicating that people have lived here since ancient times[5].
**Conservation and Ramsar Site**
In 2005, the Mikata Five Lakes were registered as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, highlighting their value for biodiversity and as a habitat for over 10,000 waterbirds each winter[1][5][7]. The lakes are carefully managed to preserve their unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.
**Access**
The lakes are accessible by train via the JR Obama Line (Mikata, Kiyama, and Mihama stations), but taxis or cars are recommended for exploring the area efficiently[2][6].
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The Mikata Five Lakes offer a rare combination of natural beauty, ecological diversity, scientific value, and cultural history-making them one of Fukui Prefecture’s most treasured destinations.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikata_Five_Lakes
[2] https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/224/
[3] https://enjoy.pref.fukui.lg.jp/en/spot/spot-3/
[4] https://www.env.go.jp/content/000104020.pdf
[5] http://www.wakasa-mikatagoko.jp/en/search/entry/tourism-001.html
[6] https://www.gltjp.com/en/article/item/11128/
[7] https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/npr/ramsar_wetland/pamph/ramsarpamphen/mikatagoko.pdf
[8] https://go-centraljapan.jp/route/mountain/en/11.html
[9] https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/spot/02301-2500456/
[10] https://taru-fukui-album.com/mikata-goko/