Fureai Park Sanribama (Michi no Eki Mikuni)

Fureai Park Sanrihama (Michi no Eki Mikuni) serves as both a roadside station and cultural gateway to the historic port town of Mikuni in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. This facility represents the modern evolution of Japan's roadside station network, which launched in the mid-1990s to provide comprehensive rest stops for travelers while showcasing regional specialties and local culture.

The park holds particular significance as a showcase for Mikuni's agricultural heritage, most notably the cultivation of "Hana Rakkyo" or pickled scallions. These distinctive vegetables are grown underground for three years and develop a uniquely crunchy texture with abundant fine fibers that has made them a prized local delicacy. The region's rakkyou cultivation has been thriving for generations, establishing Mikuni as a center for this specialized crop that flourishes in the coastal climate and sandy soils.

Visitors can explore the direct sales store featuring fresh seasonal produce from local farmers, including vegetables, fruits, and fresh seafood from nearby waters. The facility's restaurant offers authentic Fukui regional cuisine, with specialty dishes including rakkyou ramen that incorporates the local pickled scallions, traditional sashimi sets, and karaage featuring locally sourced ingredients. The park also hosts seasonal events, particularly during early November when the beautiful rakkyou flowers bloom, creating a scenic backdrop for local product sales and community festivities.

The roadside station provides standard amenities including free parking, 24-hour restroom facilities, free Wi-Fi, and vending machines. As part of Japan's comprehensive michi-no-eki network, the facility serves as an information hub where staff provide local tourism guidance and directions to nearby attractions such as the dramatic Tojinbo Cliffs and historic Mikuni town center.

Located in Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, the park is accessible by car via major regional highways. The nearest railway access is Mikuni Station on the Echizen Railway Mikuni Awara Line, from where local buses or taxis can reach the facility. The location positions visitors conveniently for exploring the broader Mikuni area, including the nearby Mikuni Sunset Beach and the UNESCO-recognized natural formations along the Echizen coastline. Admission to the park is free, though individual purchases at the restaurant and shop are charged separately.