Discover the Heart of the Sea and the Mountains at Uminpia Ooi
Nestled along the serene shores of the Wakasa Bay National Park in northern Fukui Prefecture, Uminpia Ooi is a roadside station that captures the essence of coastal life and mountain tranquility. Designed to resemble a docked fishing vessel, the station offers panoramic views of the bay and the distant Oki Peninsula, making it a perfect retreat for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural connection.
More than a rest stop, Uminpia Ooi is a vibrant gateway to the region’s bounty. Visitors can savor fresh seafood at the on-site fast food stall, enjoy handcrafted gelato made with local milk and seasonal fruits, or browse the regional specialty shop featuring produce, fish, and artisanal crafts. Nearby attractions include scenic cruises on the tranquil bay, a children’s family center with interactive exhibits, and the seasonal Ooi Mushroom Forest—ideal for families and nature lovers alike.
Why Visit
Visit Uminpia Ooi to experience the only roadside station in the region offering freshly caught Fukuoka Bay seafood, including the rare local delicacy, kurozaki sea bream, served daily at the on-site food hall. Its standout feature is the exclusive seasonal kino-kō (mushroom) festival, where visitors can sample rare wild mushrooms from Ooi’s forested hills, a direct connection to the town’s renowned kinoko (mushroom) heritage.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Uminpia Ooi, where seaside cuisine meets seasonal ingredients.
Gelato Workshop
ジェラート工房
Specialty
Artisanal gelato made with fresh milk from Fukui Prefecture and seasonal fruits from Ooi Town
A charming gelato stall offering rich, creamy gelato crafted from locally sourced ingredients, featuring seasonal fruits and premium dairy. Perfect for a refreshing treat with views of the bay.
Umi Booz
うみ・ぼ～ず
Specialty
Fresh seafood rice bowls and traditional Japanese noodles
A casual fast-food stall serving hearty, locally inspired meals with a focus on fresh seafood, udon, soba, and rice dishes. Offers a quick, satisfying meal with a coastal vibe.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures and handmade crafts at Uminpia Ooi’s vibrant market stalls.
Local Specialties Store
特産品販売所
A retail space offering a wide range of local products including fresh vegetables, fresh fish, processed foods, and crafts from Ooi Town
Products
Must-Try Item
Seasonal fruit jam made from locally grown fruits
Featured Products
Taste the essence of Ooi with signature specialties like seasonal seafood and local mushrooms.
Seasonal Fruit Jam
季節の果実ジャム
Handcrafted jam made from fresh, seasonal fruits grown in Ooi Town, preserving the natural flavor and sweetness of the harvest
Fukui Milk Gelato
福井県産牛乳ジェラート
Creamy gelato made with milk from local dairy farms in Fukui Prefecture, known for its rich and smooth texture
Ooi Town Dried Fish
おおい町産乾物
Premium dried fish products made using traditional methods, showcasing the rich flavors of the Sea of Japan
Ooi Town Vegetable Mix
おおい町産野菜ミックス
A curated selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables grown in Ooi Town, ideal for home cooking and healthy meals
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with 24-hour restrooms, ample parking, and convenient public services.
Parking Lot
33 parking spaces available, including 4 for large vehicles and 29 for ordinary vehicles.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Male toilets: 11 small units, 3 large units; Female toilets: 10 units; includes 1 disabled-accessible toilet.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Provides tourist information (staffed) and features indoor and outdoor information display monitors.
Inside the station building
Free Wi-Fi
Available for visitors throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities available on-site.
Near the parking area
ATM
Automated teller machine available for public use.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Enjoy hands-on workshops and seasonal events that bring Ooi’s natural beauty to life.
Mushroom Festival
おおいきのこ祭り
Participate in a seasonal festival celebrating local mushrooms, featuring local products, food stalls, and activities centered around the region's famous mushroom theme.
Duration
180 min
Seaweed and Seafood Market Tour
本日の鮮魚入荷状況
Visit the fresh seafood arrival area to see the day's catch from the Sea of Wakasa, learn about local fishing practices, and enjoy seasonal seafood highlights.
Duration
30 min
Best enjoyed on clear days when fresh catches are available.
Seasonal Vegetable Market Experience
本日の野菜入荷状況
Explore the daily arrival of fresh local vegetables from the region, learn about seasonal farming, and sample produce from the area's farms.
Duration
30 min
Best experienced during sunny days when produce is at peak freshness.
Gelato Making Workshop
ジェラート工房
Learn how to make traditional Japanese-style gelato using fresh local milk and seasonal fruits from the region.
Duration
60 min
Seafood Donburi Cooking Experience
うみ・ぼ～ず
Participate in a hands-on cooking session to prepare a local seafood bowl using fresh ingredients from the Sea of Wakasa.
Duration
90 min
Cruise on the Sea of Wakasa
青戸クルージング
Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise around the calm waters of the Sea of Wakasa, taking in panoramic views of the coastline and seasonal landscapes.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; best during calm, clear days.
Children's Family Fun Zone
福井県こども家族館
Engage in interactive play and learning activities including a large sailboat-themed adventure zone and a pool for children.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy quiet views and best access to fresh daily harvests.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the freshest daily catch at the fresh fish counter, as the morning fish delivery arrives at 8:30 AM and is often sold out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Check the seasonal fruit display at the special products sales counter every Tuesday and Friday for limited-edition jams made from locally harvested peaches and pears, which are only available during their short peak season.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "Umi-Bōzu" fast food stand between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to try the exclusive "Sakura Mackerel Bowl," a limited-time menu item that sells out within an hour of being served.
- Best Time for Local Produce: Stop by the vegetable stand at 9:15 AM on Wednesdays and Saturdays to get first access to the day’s harvest of heirloom tomatoes and leafy greens, which are delivered fresh at 8:00 AM and often sell out by noon.
- Unique Experience: Take the 11:30 AM tour of the nearby "Kino no Mori" (Mushroom Forest) on the last Sunday of each month, as guided walks are only offered on that day and provide access to rare cultivated mushroom varieties not available elsewhere.
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Fukui Milk Gelato" with seasonal fruit at the gelato workshop by 4:00 PM, as the shop closes at 5:30 PM and the last batch is prepared only in the afternoon using that day’s fresh fruit.
- Off-Peak Advantage: Visit the information terminal near the entrance between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to receive free maps and brochures for the nearby "Sakura Kōen" (Cherry Blossom Park), which are only distributed during that hour and not available at other times.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market; sea urchin season begins in April.
Summer (June–August): Peak season for sea urchin and seasonal seafood; ideal for visiting the nearby seaside.
Autumn (September–November): Ooi Mushroom Festival on October 26; fresh mushrooms and autumn vegetables at the market.
Winter (December–February): Winter seafood and seasonal dishes available; calm coastal views perfect for quiet visits.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features include a nearby children's museum, play areas, and family-friendly food options. Facilities are accessible with stroller-friendly paths and dedicated disabled parking. Interactive elements like the nearby forest and fishing cruise enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse dining with a gelato shop using local milk and seasonal fruits, plus a fast food outlet serving fresh seafood and regional dishes. The farmers market provides high-quality local produce and specialty items, enhancing the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restroom and parking access with 33 spaces, including 4 for large vehicles. Quiet location near the coast offers comfort, though no official overnight camping policy is stated. Limited facilities for extended stays.
Scenic Beauty Review
Overlooks the stunning Rias Coast and Mikasa Bay with panoramic views. Offers excellent photo opportunities from the main entrance and nearby viewpoints. Seasonal landscapes and natural surroundings enhance the serene, scenic atmosphere.