Tojinbo Cliff is the most famous tourist attraction spot in Fukui Prefecture. The tall cliffs are made up of countless natural columns of stone created 12 to 13 million years ago by volcanic activity and are one of just three columnar joints examples in the world. Over the centuries, the harsh waves of the Sea of Japan have carved out the stones. Today, the shoreline is lined with deep valleys, pools of water and cliffs as high as 30 meters. It has also been designated a national monument and a place of scenic beauty.

Tojinbo Cliffs were formed about 13 million years ago, when magma rose almost to the surface and cooled and hardened underground, forming pentagonal and hexagonal rocks in the process. Later, tectonic movements brought the rocks to the surface, where waves and wind scraped and eroded the softer surrounds, giving the area its present distinctive appearance. The large-scale columnar joints of dacite, extending about one kilometer, are geological rarity similar only to Mount Kumgang on the Korean Peninsula and the west coast of Norway in Scandinavia, and are considered of incalculable value.

The name Tojinbo is said to derive from the name of a monk from the Heian period (794-1185). Tojinbo, a monk of Hakusan Heisenji Temple [Heisenji Hakusan Shrine today], was a very violent person who caused nothing but trouble. One day, Tojinbo was summoned by a monk Magara Kakunen, his rival in love for Ayahime, and was pushed off a cliff when he was drunk. The naming of the “Tojinbo cliffs” is said to came after the monk “Tojinbo”, because the sea surged violently for 49 days following the incident.

From the top of the cliffs, see a breathtaking view of the turbulent waves of the Sea of Japan crashing into Tojinbo Cliffs. Climb up to the tip of the cliff and look down for a compelling view. Selected as one of the “Best 100 Sunsets in Japan”, the changing colors of the sea and sky at Tojinbo Cliffs during magic hour are a sight to behold, there is also a rare chance of green flash phenomenon.
“Tojinbo Cliffs” are famous for the view from the top of the cliffs, and another spectacular sight is the view from the sea. From "Tojinbo Cliffs Sightseeing Boats", take in a view of Tojinbo Cliffs only seen from the sea, while feeling the pleasant breeze from the waves. Views of "Hachi-no-Su Iwa", a formation resembling a large beehive, and "Lion Iwa" [Lion Rock], may only be seen from the boat.

Off the coast of Tojinbo Cliffs is a small island called "Oshima". The island is reached on foot via a beautiful 224-meter vermilion-lacquered bridge. The island has long been revered by the locals as "the Island of Gods" and is shrouded in a mysterious ambience. The entire island is covered with vegetation, so, walk a kilometer-long promenade, admiring over 100 year-old towering trees and magnificent sea cliffs. From Tojinbo Cliffs, take a leisurely walk along the Araiso Promenade and enjoy the scenery of the Sea of Japan.