Is Obama, Japan Value Visiting?

I inadvertently left about half a day vacant throughout my August 2024 journey to Japan, and needed to go someplace I’d by no means been. The issue? I used to be in Kyoto, the place I used to reside—I’ve explored the whole metropolis, a number of instances, and mainly in all places round it.

If I’m sincere, I don’t know why I even thought to go to Obama which, despite being simply over an hour’s drive from Kyoto, is technically in Fukui prefecture. 

Nevertheless, as I feel you’ll agree all through my Obama Japan itinerary, this city on the Sea of Japan coast is a lot greater than its gimmicky identify. Whether or not you’re a Republican or a Democrat—and even an American in any respect—Obama-cho is a standout vacation spot.

Easy methods to Get to Obama

You will get to central Obama through public transport—particularly, by using a prepare to Tsuruga (the Thunderbird Restricted Specific from Kyoto or Osaka; the Shinkansen Tsurugi from Kanazawa) after which connecting to the native JR Obama Line from there. The difficulty is that whereas a number of of the sights I’m about to say are inside strolling distance of JR Obama Station, the most effective ones—the trio of outlying temples—are usually not.

Now, I get it: One in every of Japan’s main promoting factors is its glorious public transportation. Why, then, would you come right here and lease a automotive? However belief me that whether or not you’re in Obama or one other comparatively small city in Japan, having your individual set of wheels simply makes issues a lot simpler. With out having to fret about rare departures and arrivals or obscure native traces, you may focus way more on having fun with your self.

My Favourite Issues to Do in Obama

Discover Nishigumi historic district

 

Have you ever walked down a historic Machiya road in Kyoto or Nara and questioned what it might be like with out tons of of vacationers in all places? Effectively, you may see for those who set your GPS for Nishigumi Historic District upon arriving at Obama Station. Though there are sometimes Japanese tour teams right here, it’s largely abandoned.

Eat your approach via Wakasa Fish Middle

 

Obama is legendary for saba, aka mackerel. Though you’ll discover many eating places that serve this in your Obama journey information, the most effective place to pattern it’s on the Wakasa Fish Middle. Right here, you not solely eat saba-no-sashimi, however varied teishoku units that highlight cooked model of the fish’s flesh.

Benefit from the view from Obama Park Summit

 

As is the case with many viewpoints in Japan, the overgrowth of bushes blocks a certain quantity of the view from Obama Park Summit. Nonetheless, seeing the city within the context of each the Sea of Japan and the plush mountains of Fukui prefecture lets you put it actually and figuratively into perspective.

Take a ship journey to Sotomo

 

I ought to’ve put this one earlier in my Obama itinerary, provided that the ticket workplace and departure pier just isn’t removed from the Wakasa Fish Middle. Regardless, I do advocate making the boat journey out to Sotomo, which is a beautiful pure formation, even when it’s extra spectacular within the context of the remainder of Obama than it’s by itself.

See superb temples in your approach in (or out)

 

If I’m sincere, probably the most spectacular locations in Obama are usually not truly in Obama—effectively, not within the heart. I’m speaking a few trio of temples: the asymmetrical Jingu-ji and Mantoku-ji, which is dwelling to an astonishing backyard; and Myotsu-ji, notably its koi pond and five-story pagda.

Ought to You Keep In a single day in Obama?

I’ll be sincere in saying that I’ve not but had the pleasure of staying in a single day in Obama. I need to, and particularly did once I handed by Obama Machiya Keep whereas strolling via Nishigumi. Think about a Kyoto visitor home with none vacationers and barely any locals. Obama is particular sufficient as I day journey, however I’d like to see it at dawn or sundown, or after night time falls.

After all, for those who can’t discover any Obama accommodations that attraction to you, you may all the time keep a bit nearer than Kyoto, specifically in Tsuruga. Then once more, coming to Obama  on a day journey is an ideal acceptable possibility, as I feel this publish illustrates. I imply, once more, assuming you’re OK doing with out the superb mild originally or finish of the day, which most vacationers are.

 

Different FAQ About Visiting Obama, Japan

How do I get to Obama, Japan?

You will get to Obama, Japan both by non-public automotive or public transport—specifically, a Shinkansen or Restricted Specific prepare to Tsuruga, after which an area prepare from there. I personally advocate renting a automotive, as this lets you discover a trio of enchanting temples exterior the middle of Obama-cho.

Is Obama a spot in Japan?

Obama is certainly a spot in Japan! It’s a small city in Fukui prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast, positioned lower than two hours from main locations like Kyoto, Osaka and Kanazawa. It has no actual connection to former US President Obama, however is nonetheless a stand-out vacation spot.

Is Obama a Japanese identify?

Obama (小浜) is a Japanese identify, which implies “little seaside.” Nevertheless, the equivalent nature of its English spelling with the identify of former US President Barack Obama is merely coincidental, as Barack Obama himself has no Japanese heritage.

The Backside Line

I hope my Obama Japan itinerary has impressed you. The unhealthy information? In the event you’re against renting a automotive in Japan, will probably be tough to see all these locations in a day. The excellent news? In the event you don’t thoughts getting your individual set of wheels, then this place (which is alternatively generally known as Wakasa, or just “Nara by the Sea”) will amaze you. Whereas I actually can’t say Obama is my favourite place in Japan, it actually punches approach above its weight, and is way over merely a gimmicky vacation spot that shares a reputation with a former US president. Make your Obama journey much more particular once you rent me to plan it.