Tojinbo Cliffs Travel Guide

Basalt sea cliffs at Tojinbo in Fukui Prefecture

Tojinbo Cliffs Complete Travel Guide

Tojinbo Cliffs is a dramatic one-kilometer stretch of basalt sea cliffs on the Sea of Japan coast in Fukui, best known for its columnar rock formations and a short sightseeing boat cruise that runs right along the base of the cliffs.

Quick Facts

PriceFree to walk the cliff-top paths. The sightseeing boat cruise is paid, with adult tickets from around yen 1,800; Tojinbo Tower observation deck is a separate paid ticket, around yen 500 for adults.
Time needed1 to 1.5 hours for the cliffs and nearby shops; add about 30 minutes if you take the boat cruise.
Best timeLate afternoon for warm light on the basalt columns, or around sunset over the Sea of Japan.
Good forPhotographers, geology fans, and travelers looking for a dramatic coastal detour from Fukui City.

Best Things to Do

  • Walk the cliff-top path above the roughly 25-meter basalt columns.
  • Take the approximately 30-minute sightseeing boat cruise past formations known as Candle Rock and Lion Rock.
  • Go up Tojinbo Tower for a wider view over the cliffs and coastline.
  • Browse the seafood restaurants and souvenir shops along the approach to the cliffs.

Tickets and Fees

Checked in July 2026: the sightseeing boat generally runs 9:00 to 16:00 from April to October and 9:00 to 15:00 from November to March, but it does not operate in high waves and schedules can change with weather. Check the official boat operator's site for the day's operating status before heading out.

How to Get There

From JR Fukui Station, take the Echizen Railway Mikuni Awara Line to Mikuniminato Station (about 50 minutes), then a short local bus (about 10 minutes) to the Tojinbo stop. Direct buses also run between Awara Onsen Station and Tojinbo.

Nearby Attractions

Fukui day-trip pairings include Maruoka Castle and Eiheiji Temple, both reachable from Fukui City.

Book Before You Go

Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.