Tojinbo is a dramatic cliff formation made up of columnar joints of pyroxene andesite, located at the northern tip of Fukui Prefecture. It is also famous as a recurring setting for a well-known Japanese suspense TV drama that airs every Tuesday. In other words, it’s the place where actors seem to wash ashore as corpses every week. It’s also where suspects, cornered by police or detectives, often confess their crimes.

The origin of the name “Tojinbo” is said to come from a violent monk named Tojinbo who committed countless misdeeds against the local people. One day, he was made drunk and pushed into the sea, and the place came to be known as Tojinbo. Doesn’t that sound like a suspense story in itself? Perhaps he was pushed off the cliff on a Tuesday as well.

Access

From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Board either the Kagayaki or Hakutaka service and get off at Awaraonsen Station. From the station, take a bus and get off at the Tojinbo bus stop. From there, walk toward the cliffs along a street lined with souvenir shops and food stalls to reach the site.

If you’re traveling by Hokuriku Shinkansen, I highly recommend booking Gran Class. On the Kagayaki service, meals and drinks are included. The seating is arranged in a 2+1 layout, so even solo travelers don’t have to worry about sitting too close to others. There is only one Gran Class car per train, with just 18 seats in total, so be sure to reserve early.

A Sightseeing Boat Is Highly Recommended

When visiting Tojinbo, taking a sightseeing boat is highly recommended. You can admire the cliffs from the sea, which offers a completely different perspective. Getting to the boat requires descending down the cliffs, which adds a bit of thrill. The boat rocks on the high waves characteristic of the Sea of Japan, and a guide provides detailed explanations about Tojinbo during the ride.

Watch Your Step

You are free to walk around on top of the Tojinbo cliffs. However, the footing can be unstable, so be careful while walking. Leather shoes and high heels are not recommended—wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. Strong winds are also common, so take extra care.

IWABA CAFE

IWABA CAFE is located right near the Tojinbo cliffs. From the café, you can also see the Tojinbo monument. The fish burger I ordered there was incredibly filling—guaranteed to leave you more than satisfied.

Oshima Island

Nearby, there is a place called Oshima Island, which is connected by a red bridge. It is rich in nature and features slab joints as well. If you’re visiting Tojinbo, be sure to stop by Oshima Island too.