Fukui > Benkei no Sentaku Iwa (弁慶の洗濯岩): The Secret Coastal Rock You’ll Never Share
※Description:
Benkei no Sentaku Iwa (弁慶の洗濯岩) is a striking rock formation carved by the Sea of Japan’s relentless waves, standing alone along the rugged Fukui coastline. Located near Fukui City, this natural wonder offers a glimpse into legend and geology, wrapped in quiet solitude far from the tourist bustle.
Named after the famed warrior monk Benkei, Benkei no Sentaku Iwa (弁慶の洗濯岩) ties into tales of Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s escape from his brother Yoritomo during the Kamakura period. Legend says Benkei and Yoshitsune’s party stopped here to wash clothes while fleeing to Ōshu, leaving the rock with its evocative name. Geologically, it’s a product of erosion, where soft mudstone wore away, leaving harder sandstone layers stacked like a natural laundry board along the shore.
Exploring the Rock and Surroundings
Visiting Benkei no Sentaku Iwa (弁慶の洗濯岩) feels like stepping into a storybook scene. The rock’s layered form juts from the coast “a testament to nature’s artistry”, offering stunning sea views year-round. Spring brings coastal wildflowers, summer highlights the crashing waves, autumn paints the cliffs with subtle hues, and winter frames it in stark, snowy beauty. Nearby, the quiet beaches and small fishing villages of Fukui’s coast add a timeless charm, perfect for a reflective stroll.
Nearby Attractions
Tōjinbō Cliffs (東尋坊): Dramatic basalt cliffs just north, known for their rugged beauty and solitude.
Eiheiji Temple (永平寺): A Zen Buddhist sanctuary offering meditative calm, a short drive inland.
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (福井県立恐竜博物館): A world-class museum in Katsuyama, showcasing local fossil finds.
※NTRanking: 9.0 / 10
Benkei no Sentaku Iwa (弁慶の洗濯岩) scores high for its obscurity and peaceful setting. Rarely visited by foreign tourists and overlooked by many locals, it offers an authentic slice of Fukui’s coast with minimal crowds. Its natural and legendary appeal shines, though its small scale keeps it just below the top tier.
※How to Get There:
・From Fukui (approximately 40 minutes):
From Fukui Station (福井駅), take a local bus or taxi to the Nishihama (西浜) coastal area, which takes about 30 minutes.
From Nishihama, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the rock.
・From Kanazawa (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes):
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station (金沢駅) to Fukui Station (福井駅), which takes about 45 minutes.
From Fukui Station, take a local bus or taxi to the Nishihama (西浜) coastal area (about 30 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the rock.
・From Nagoya (approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes):
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Nagoya Station (名古屋駅) to Maibara Station (米原駅), which takes about 35 minutes.
Transfer to the JR Hokuriku Main Line to Fukui Station (福井駅), about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
From Fukui Station, take a local bus or taxi to the Nishihama (西浜) coastal area (about 30 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the rock.
・From Kyoto (approximately 2 hours):
Take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express from Kyoto Station (京都駅) to Fukui Station (福井駅), which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
From Fukui Station, take a local bus or taxi to the Nishihama (西浜) coastal area (about 30 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the rock.
※Address:
Konyucho, Fukui, 910-3405
