Kehi no Matsubara: A Coastal Pine Paradise

Kehi no Matsubara, located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, is celebrated as one of Japan's three most stunning pine groves, alongside Miho no Matsubara in Shizuoka and Niji no Matsubara in Saga. This scenic area, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, spans approximately 1.5 kilometers and covers 400,000 square meters. It boasts around 17,000 Japanese red and black pine trees, creating a striking contrast between the white sandy beach and the verdant pines. The park offers well-maintained walking trails, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the pine forest. In the summer, the beach becomes a popular destination for swimming and relaxation, with amenities such as showers and changing rooms available. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for families with children. Kehi no Matsubara is not only a place of natural beauty but also rich in history and legend. According to local lore, during the reign of Emperor Shomu (724-749), foreign invaders were deterred by the sudden appearance of thousands of pine trees overnight, with white herons perched atop resembling battle flags. The park has also been visited by notable historical figures, including Emperor Meiji, Katsu Kaishu, and Takahama Kyoshi. Each year on August 16th, Kehi no Matsubara hosts a Floating Lanterns and Fireworks Show, creating a magical spectacle against the backdrop of the natural landscape. Red, blue, and yellow lanterns float on the sea, while fireworks light up the sky, drawing large crowds.