Mikuni Minato — Historic Port Town and Sunset Viewpoint

**Merchant house tour:** Kyukishina-ke Residence is the highlight — a 250-year-old mansion with original tatami rooms, a courtyard garden, and a second-floor warehouse displaying kitamae-sen ship models and Edo-period maps showing trade routes to Hokkaido. Volunteer guides (Japanese language) sometimes offer free tours explaining the merchant family's history and trade practices. The mansion's architecture uses cryptomeria and keyaki wood joinery without nails — a testament to Edo craftsmanship. **Sunset timing:** Mikuni Sunset Beach is a 15-minute walk from the historic district. The beach faces due west — sunset occurs over the horizon year-round. Summer (June–August) sunsets happen around 19:00; winter (December–February) around 17:00. The combination of river mouth, fishing boats, and Sea of Japan horizon creates layered compositions. The Takamidai Park observation deck (10-min walk uphill) offers an elevated perspective. **Geisha culture:** Mikuni historically supported a geisha district serving wealthy merchants. The Ryokuseikai (緑清会) geisha house still operates — evening performances (¥15,000/person, traditional banquet with dance and shamisen music) can be arranged through the Sakai City Tourism Office with 1 week advance notice. Limited to groups of 4+. **Mikuni Festival (May 19–21):** The annual Mikuni Matsuri features 6-meter-tall parade floats (yamakasa) shaped like kabuki warriors, carried through the town by 100+ participants. The festival originated in 1717 and remains one of Hokuriku's largest. The town's population swells from 20,000 to 100,000+ during the festival — book accommodations months ahead.