{
  "id": 8210966,
  "title": "This Hidden Gem in Fukui Is a Wellness Retreat for the Body and Soul",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/this-hidden-gem-in-fukui-is-a-wellness-retreat-for-the-body-and-soul",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T08:42:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tokyo Weekender",
    "slug": "tokyo-weekender",
    "url": "https://www.tokyoweekender.com/tw-collabs/fukui-wakasa-wellness-retreat/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tsuruga, the westernmost stop of the Shinkansen, is the perfect destination for those seeking a wellness retreat in Fukui. Along the quiet southern coast, Wakasa offers pristine beaches, tranquil shrines, and sprawling nature. The journey begins with a visit to Kehi Jingu, a 11-meter-tall vermilion torii gate established in 1645. Legend has it that a stone turtle at the shrine spouts water known as chomeisui, believed to grant 10 extra years of life. Nearby, Kagura Shopping Street boasts over 25 historic shops, operated by friendly locals who are eager to share their knowledge of the region's specialties. For those struggling with sleep, Nemuri no Salon Blue Moon offers sleep counseling services in a peaceful courtyard, allowing visitors to simply listen and nap. Half an hour away, on Lake Suigetsu, Unagiya Moemon serves wild-caught unagi eels caught in Lake Mikata. The lake's unique ecosystem provides a richer flavor, making the eel a perfect summer stamina food. At Mount Aoba, also known as the Fuji of Wakasa, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and spot 500 species of medicinal and useful plants. Aobayama Herbal Village, at the mountain's base, offers a cafe, shop, and a unique spice-blending session where guests can create their own unique blends of herbs and spices. Finally, Wakasa Surf Hotel Il Mare provides a serene escape with rooms that lack televisions and windows that face the beach, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the soothing sounds of the waves.",
  "summary": "Fukui city, the prefectural capital and busiest of the Hokuriku Shinkansen’s four Fukui stops, is often where travelers get off when visiting Japan’s land of dinosaurs. But stay on until the end of the line and you’ll reach Tsuruga — the shinkansen’s westernmost stop and the gateway to Wakasa, a quiet stretch of Fukui’s southern […] The post This Hidden Gem in Fukui Is a Wellness Retreat for the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Tsuruga, Fukui's Shinkansen stop, ideal for wellness retreat",
    "Kehi Jingu's 11m vermilion torii gate grants 10 extra years of life",
    "Wakasa Surf Hotel Il Mare offers TV-free, beach-facing rooms"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}