Obama(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Omae City, the top choice for sea views is Ominato Hotel, offering panoramic vistas of the Japan Sea from its premium ocean-facing rooms. The hotel features traditional Japanese tatami rooms combined with modern amenities, and guests can enjoy sunrise breakfasts on the private balcony. Nearby, Umikaze Ryokan provides a more intimate experience with access to a shared hot spring bath overlooking the waves. Both properties offer direct access to Omae Port, where you can witness daily fishing boat arrivals and local seafood markets. Staying here ensures immersion in Omae's coastal lifestyle and serene maritime ambiance.

For first-time visitors, the central district near Omae Station and Omae Port offers the most convenient base. This area combines easy access to public transport, local shops, and dining options, including fresh seafood stalls at the morning market. Walking along the coastal promenade at sunset reveals stunning views of the Japan Sea, while nearby attractions like Omae Shrine and Tide Sound Bridge add cultural depth. Accommodations here range from budget-friendly guesthouses like Umi Kaze Guesthouse to mid-range lodges such as Shimokita Inn, all providing authentic local charm and seamless connectivity to key sights.

Omae City hosts the annual Omae Fishing Lantern Festival in August, where hundreds of lanterns float on the harbor waters, creating a breathtaking night spectacle. Visitors can also participate in traditional mackerel drying workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations. At the Omae Municipal Museum, exhibits trace the region’s history from Jomon-era fishing practices to modern marine sustainability efforts. For a deeper connection, join a local family for a seafood preparation session, where you’ll learn to prepare salt-cured amberjack—a regional specialty—while hearing stories of life by the sea. These experiences highlight Omae’s deep-rooted respect for the ocean.

The must-try dishes in Omae City are Omae Mackerel Sushi and Salt-Cured Amberjack Sashimi. The mackerel is carefully cured using time-honored methods, resulting in a rich, umami-packed flavor, while the amberjack is preserved with local salt to enhance texture and freshness. Visit Omae Port Market Restaurant for the freshest catch delivered daily. Pair your meal with a chilled glass of Fukui sake or a local craft beer. Some hotels, like Umikaze Ryokan, even offer take-home Seafood Breakfast Boxes, perfect for travelers wanting to bring a taste of Omae back home.

Yes, Omae Family Resort is ideal for families, featuring a children’s pool, outdoor play areas, and hands-on activities like kelp-making workshops and mini-fishing trips. The resort offers connecting rooms and baby amenities, including cribs and high chairs. Located just 5 minutes from Omae Coastal Park, kids can build sandcastles and collect shells. Special packages include guided tours to the Omae Shrine and Lantern Festival, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for all ages. The staff speaks English and provides multilingual activity schedules.

For couples seeking romance, Umikaze Villa offers secluded, private wooden cottages with ocean-view decks and heated indoor hot tubs. The property specializes in couples’ dinner experiences—featuring locally sourced seafood and wine pairings—served under the stars on a rooftop terrace. During the Fishing Lantern Festival, guests can book a special stargazing dinner with candlelit tables and live folk music. Many rooms include traditional Japanese elements like shoji screens and futons, enhancing the tranquil, intimate atmosphere. It’s an ideal escape for those wanting privacy, natural beauty, and emotional connection.

Top photo spots in Omae City include the Omae Lighthouse at dawn, when soft light reflects off the water, and the Tide Sound Bridge during golden hour, framing the harbor in warm hues. The red torii gate at Omae Shrine surrounded by ancient pine trees creates dramatic silhouettes, especially during cherry blossom season. Don’t miss the sea caves and rock formations along the coastal trail—perfect for wide-angle shots and time-lapse videos. For night photography, the Fishing Lantern Festival offers long-exposure opportunities with glowing lanterns drifting across the bay. Bring a tripod and visit early to avoid crowds.

Yes, many hotels in Omae City provide guided cultural tours. Ominato Hotel and Umikaze Ryokan offer free or low-cost excursions including morning market visits, kelp farming demonstrations, and local dialect storytelling sessions led by elder residents. Tours often include hands-on participation, such as crafting traditional fishing nets or preparing seasonal dishes. Duration ranges from 2 to 3 hours, typically scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening. Some hotels also bundle these experiences into cultural discovery packages, which include materials, guides, and transportation—ideal for travelers seeking authentic local engagement.

Absolutely. Omae City is highly accessible by car, with a smooth 40-minute drive from Fukui Station via National Route 160. The city has well-maintained roads, ample parking at Omae Port and Central Plaza Underground Garage, and many hotels offering complimentary shuttle services. Renting a car allows easy access to scenic coastal routes, hidden coves, and viewpoints like Tide Sound Rock and White Egret Mountain Overlook. Driving along the coastline is particularly rewarding in spring and autumn, when the sea and sky blend into vibrant hues. Self-drive is the best way to explore Omae’s quiet, unspoiled beauty.

Omae City has a temperate maritime climate—hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Choose hotels with air conditioning and heating systems, such as Ominato Hotel and Shimokita Inn, for comfort year-round. In summer, opt for rooms with cross-ventilation or sea breezes; in winter, prioritize south-facing rooms or those with underfloor heating. Be cautious during the rainy season (June–September), as low-lying areas may flood—avoid ground-floor rooms near the coast. Hotels often provide rain gear rentals and non-slip shoe covers, helping travelers stay safe and dry.