Our inn, [民宿上田屋A Traditional Coastal Fishermans Guesthouse uedaya], is a cozy, traditional Japanese guesthouse nestled in the quiet coastal area of Obama, Fukui Prefecture. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find a peaceful retreat where the sound of the waves is always present, and the beauty of nature changes with the seasons—from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn leaves. Our location is easily accessible by car from Kyoto, Osaka, and Ine, making it an ideal resting spot for travelers moving between Tokyo and the Kansai region or vice versa. Here, you can savor fresh seafood from the local Wakasa Bay and relax in a space that embraces the warmth of traditional Japanese design, including tatami rooms. We take pride in offering a heartfelt hospitality, ensuring that each guest experiences a relaxing and memorable stay in harmony with nature and local culture.

I have spent the past 20 years working as a free-diving fisherman in the waters of Wakasa. My work focuses on restoring the marine environment—preserving seaweed beds, removing sea urchins, and reviving coastal ecosystems. I also collaborate with local universities on research related to carbon neutrality in the fishing industry. My goal is to create a new, sustainable approach to fishing that respects and works in harmony with nature. At the same time, I have a deep interest in the history and culture of this region. Together with friends, I am involved in projects that blend local culture with tourism, aiming to share the authentic traditions and stories of this area with visitors from around the world. I enjoy open discussions and learning about different cultures, and many of my inspirations come from conversations with international travelers. Music is also a big part of my life—bands like Linkin Park, Green Day, and SUM 41 have shaped my taste since I was young. And above all, I truly love coffee; sharing a good cup with someone often becomes the start of a memorable conversation. Nature, culture, people, and music—these elements shape who I am and guide the experiences I offer. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing a little piece of Wakasa’s spirit with you.

Our inn is nestled in a small fishing village surrounded by mountains, located in a quiet inlet along the ria coastline of Wakasa Bay. Within a five-minute walk you can wander into the forested hills, and in just two minutes you can reach a peaceful beach. At night, the sky fills with countless stars—an environment where you can truly breathe deeply and step away from the noise of everyday life. Although we are not in a particularly convenient location, we are surprisingly accessible by car from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe—about 1 hour 45 minutes from Kyoto and roughly 2.5 hours from Osaka. For many travelers, this makes our inn an ideal car-trip destination—a gentle final stop where the stress of the city naturally melts away. A short drive away from the urban pace brings you into a landscape where Japan’s rural scenery remains beautifully intact. In today’s world, where there is always something to do, our village offers no flashy attractions or busy entertainment. And that is precisely the charm of this place. We invite you to enjoy the luxury of “doing nothing slowly,” embraced by nature. Collect driftwood on the shore and enjoy a small bonfire, listen to music while feeling the sea breeze, or simply read a book by the water. By stepping away from the speed of the city, you may feel your mind quietly settling as you connect with the natural world. While traveling by car is ideal, the Wakasa region is also historically significant. It has long been a cultural crossroads, home to many shrines and temples, making it an important place to explore Japan’s spiritual heritage. It is also a region free from overtourism, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing at your own pace in peace and quiet. If you need help planning your visit, please feel free to ask. For guests arriving by public transportation, we offer pick-up service from the nearest station for your convenience. We hope your stay here allows you to fully experience the nature, traditions, and culture of Wakasa—and