Mikata Goko

Mikata Goko (Mikata Five Lakes) is a group of five scenic lakes in Fukui Prefecture, each with different salinity levels creating unique colors ranging from fresh blue to deep green. The highlight is the Rainbow Line mountain park, where a cable car takes you to the Goko Terrace summit for 360-degree views over all five lakes and Wakasa Bay. The lakes are Lake Mikata, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Kugushi, and Lake Hiruga. Lake Suigetsu is particularly famous for its annual sediment layers (varves) that have been used to calibrate radiocarbon dating worldwide. This is a remote destination best visited by car or taxi. The area is not accessible by bicycle or on foot. From the main parking area (Parking Lot 1), you can take the cable car directly to the summit. If Parking Lot 1 is full, use Parking Lot 2 which has a shuttle bus to the main area. You cannot walk between them.