December 29 and 30 (Obama) 小浜

Obama Page 1
How interesting is this fishing town on the Sea of Japan? Without its bizarrely coincidental association with the President-Elect, I'm not sure any foreigners would even think of visiting it. Even the Lonely Planet fails to mention it, or any other points of interest in Fukui-ken. (I would say though that I'm not very impressed with the Lonely Planet when it comes to smaller towns and villages. Even the section on Nagoya, Japan's fourth largest city, was blatantly lifted from Nagoya's own tourist literature.) But, with an introduction and request by Anna, why not?

I planned on only spending a day in Obama, a quick trip in and out to see what the hooplah was about, and to buy some omiyage for Anna. As I wandered the streets though, I thought to myself that this would actually be an interesting way to spend a pleasant day away from the bigger cities, and hey, if you love Obama like Obama loves Obama, then all the better! So, I headed back to Nagoya and then returned the next day to finish my rounds. I figured maybe I could put together a little walk-through for future want-to-be tourists, because there are a few sights and tidbits of history that I gleamed through my short stay here. (More of that one to come!)

Highlights of the city include: fish market and fresh sushi, boat tour of Obama Bay, making my own laquered chopsticks (the area of Wakasa produces about 90% of the country's supply), strolling up the hill behind Obama park, some ancient temples with ancient Buddhist statues (from the 8th century), and, of course, buying Obama souvenirs (Obama Chopsticks, Obama Stickers, and Obama crackers).

Brief history: the town of Obama (lit. small beach) was once an important shipping port for early Nara, and was thus the entrypoint of many Buddhist traditions and artifacts. In addition to being an important center of laquered chopsticks, it also supplies fresh water to the Kyoto region.

Official English Website
http://www1.city.obama.fukui.jp/english/