TRAVEL
guidebook

NAGAHAMA

NAGAHAMATSURUGATSURUGAMINAMIECHIZENMINAMIECHIZEN
Travel to Photogenic
Japanese Heritage Sites

Go See the Treasures of JapanThe Railway
That Crossed the Sea
The Railway of Miracle andTrajectory that Connected with the World
Nagahama City, Tsuruga City and Minamiechizen Town Tourism Cooperation Council ｜ Published: March 2022

FY2021 Subsidy for Cultural Resource Utilization Project, Agency for Cultural Aﬀairs

FUKUI

福滋 県境
鉄道遺産
回廊

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To
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SHIGA

Imajo

Tsuruga

Nagahama

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To

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Biwa lake

The Railroad Heritage Corridor
Linking Fukui and Shiga
For centuries, Nagahama City, Shiga
Prefecture; Tsuruga City, Fukui
Prefecture; and Imajo in Minamiechizen
Town, Fukui Prefecture prospered as key
transportation hubs. Nagahama served as aterminal for water and land transportation,connecting the Sea of Japan and thePacific Ocean. In Tsuruga, railroads andports connected land and sea
transportation. Imajo served as a base forrailroads that passed through themountains.
As Japan modernized in the late 19th andearly 20th century, key railroad routes
connected these three places, and they
helped support Japan’s cultural andeconomic development.

Introduction
Everything Began with a Plan to Connect
the Sea of Japan and Lake Biwa by Railroad.

In the late 19th century, Japan took its first steps toward modernization.

INDEX

Railroads symbolized the development of civilizations, transporting people to a new era.

P.3

Story 1The Train Whistle of Modernization: From Nagahama to Tsuruga and Imajo｜
Overcoming the Challenges of Railway Construction

P.5

Story 2The Opening of the Railway and Urban Prosperity｜
The Steam Locomotives and People that Crossed Mountain Passes

P.7

Story 3

Great Changes to the Port, Brought by the Opening of the Railway

The line connecting Nagahama, Tsuruga, and Imajo was one of the first important lines to be built. It is a treasure trove ofrailroad heritage, telling the story of the dawn of Japanese railways.
This heritage lives on to this day — join us on a journey through a century of memories.

P.1

P.2

STORY 1

Overcoming the Challengesof Railway Construction

The Train Whistle of Modernization:
From Nagahama to Tsuruga and Imajo

History of Railroad Construction
Nagahama‒Tsuruga‒Imajo

Japanese Railroads Built by Japanese People:
Taking on the Challenge of Building Tunnels
Initially, Japanese railroads were built under the guidance ofRailroads in Operationin 1882
The plan was to connect shippingon the Sea of Japan, which hadflourished in the centuries before,
with railroad transportation.

Japan’s first railroad plan, drafted in 1869, aimed to connect the
major cities in eastern and western Japan with the Sea of Japanand the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the main Tokyo–Kyoto line,

Imajo

Tokyo (Shimbashi)

Tsurugamountains. For 800 years, people had dreamed of a way to deal
Kyoto
Kobe

Nagahama
Otsu

Yokohama

Osaka

The Nagahama–Tsuruga Route Opens,
Connecting the Sea of Japan with Inland Areas

The Kyoto–Kobe railroad is fully opened

1880

Construction begins on the Nagahama–Tsuruga
railroad Opening of the Kyoto–Otsu railroad

1880

Construction begins on the Nagahama–Tsuruga
railroad / Opening of the Kyoto–Otsu railroad

1882

Opening of the Nagahama–Kanegasaki (Tsuruga)
railroad (except the Yanagase Tunnel)

1884

Completion of the Yanagase Tunnel; the Tsuruga Line,between Nagahama and Kanegasaki (Tsuruga), is fully
openedtraining institute for railroad engineers, and the JapaneseJapan’ s first railroad ferry (Nagahama–Otsu) begins
operationtechnicians who were trained at the institute went to work on theconstruction project. In 1880, the Osakayama Tunnel between

1889

The Tokaido Line (Shimbashi–Kobe) is fully opened /Railroad ferry services are discontinued

1892

The Railway Construction Law is announced to the
public (the Hokuriku Line between Tsuruga andToyama was designated for construction in the firstphase)

began construction that same year, and was completed by

1896

Opening of the Tsuruga–Fukui railroad

Japanese workers alone. The 1,352-meter Yanagase Tunnel, the1899

Tsuruga Port is designated as an open port (port forinternational trade)

1902

successfully, as another step toward Japan’s modernization

Start of regular ferry services between Tsuruga and
Vladivostok

through the adoption of foreign technology and know-how.

Nagahama Station moves to its present location (witha new station building)longest tunnel in Japan at the time, was also completed

Crossing through Yanagase

network that connected the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.

On the route between Nagahama and Tsuruga, four tunnels were dug
between Yanagase and Tone alone. The construction of the Yanagase tunnel
was difficult, due to the soft soil and the many water springs. This marked
the first time dynamite was used in Japan, but rock drills did not work wellfor this task. As a result, much of the work had to be done by hand, using
pickaxes and chisels. Two years after the partial opening of the
Nagahama–Tsuruga line, the tunnels were finally completed.

This network used Tsuruga, a city on the Sea of Japan coast, as a
hub between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Nagoya, using the railroad
to connect them with cities and towns on the coast of Lake Biwa,
as well as the countries on the other side of the Sea of Japan. At
the suggestion of Inoue Masaru, then-Director General of theInoue Masaru

Railway Bureau, Nagahama was chosen as the base forInoue was instrumental in Japan’s
modernization, by promoting theconstruction of railroads. He was
known as the “Father of theRailway.”

serve as a railroad hub. In 1882, just ten years after Japan’s first

their own. Working with foreign engineers, Inoue established aOvercoming Challenges

Emperor Meiji’s government aimed to build a transportation

for goods from the North region of Japan, and its willingness toOpening of the Shinbashi–Yokohama railroad

1877

Building on this experience, the Nagahama–Tsuruga railroad

Japan had to be transported by land from Tsuruga to Kyoto andtransportation on the lake, due to its prosperity as a transit point

Inoue Masaru’s goal was railroads built by Japanese engineers on

Japanese workers.

and Tsuruga–Lake Biwa. For centuries, goods from the Sea of

this route was finally practical.

1872

Kyoto and Otsu was completed — a project handled entirely by

there were three branch lines: Tokyo–Yokohama, Kyoto–Kobe,

with these difficult mountain passes—and now, with the railroad,

Construction ordered for the Tokyo–Yokohama,
Kyoto–Kobe, and Tsuruga–Lake Biwa railroads

foreign engineers, but as Director General of the Railway Bureau,

Building the Most Important Route Connecting
the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean

Osaka, via Lake Biwa, but this route had to pass through the1869

From the Biography of Inoue Masaru

railroad opened, the Nagahama–Tsuruga line began operation.
Two years later, the Yanagase Tunnel opened, marking the startof the Hokuriku Line’s history.

1909

Tsuruga Station moves to its present location (with a
new station building)

1912

Start of Europe–Asia international train service
between Shimbashi and Kanegasaki, connecting to
Vladivostok

1913

Hokuriku Main Line is fully opened between Maibara
and Naoetsu

1957

Construction of Hokuriku Tunnel begins; Fukasaka
Tunnel opens
The Tamura–Tsuruga line is AC-electrified (the former
line remains as the Yanagase Line)

Crossing through Yamanaka Pass
The route between Tsuruga and Imajo was particularly difficult. It required
twelve tunnels, including the 1,170-meter-long Yamanaka Tunnel, through asteep mountainous area with a 2.5% grade — the limit of railroad technology
at the time. The rock was so hard in some places that a full day’s work would
only make 15 cm of progress, and construction was repeatedly halted due toflooding. This extremely challenging project was completed in 1896, after
three years of hard work.

1958

The former Nagahama Station building is designatedthe first Railway Monument

1962

Opening of the Hokuriku Tunnel; the Tsuruga–Fukui
route is fully electrified (the former line between
Tsuruga and Imajo, through Yamanaka Pass, is closed)

1964

The Yanagase line is closed

1983

The former Nagahama Station building is reopened asa railroad museum

1987

The Japanese National Railways are privatized2016

The tunnels of the former Hokuriku Line, between
Tsuruga and Imajo, are nationally registered as
Tangible Cultural Properties

2020

This story of railroad heritage, across threecommunities, is recognized as a Japan Heritage Site

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nd
ou

Extending the Hokuriku Line to Transport Goods
to and from the Sea of JapanIn 1892, Extension construction to Toyama of the Hokuriku Lineextend the Hokuriku Line, section by section, and the
Tsuruga–Fukui route opened in 1896.

P.3

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steep hills along the way pushed the limits of the railroad

Steam Locomotive
on Steep Hill
(Between Tsuruga and Imajo)

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0.9% L=5,170 m

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began, based on a plan for state-run railroad lines. The routetechnology of the era. Workers overcame many difficulties to

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Side View ofthe Kinomoto–Imajo
Route

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P.4

STORY 2
D51-Class SteamLocomotive(Imajo Station)

The Opening of the Railway and
Urban Prosperity

Japan’s first smoke collector, toprevent smoke from the steam
locomotive chimney from entering
the cabin, was developed at the
Tsuruga engine depot.

Nagahama’s Transformation into a Railroad
Terminal, Developing Industry and Culture
In 1882, the railroad line between Nagahama and Tsuruga wasopened, and two years later the line was extended to Ogaki,
making Nagahama Station a major terminal connecting Tsuruga to
the north, Ogaki to the east, and Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe via
railroad ferry service. Nagahama Station was located next to theport and cargo warehouses of the railroad ferries. There weremany stores in the surrounding area, including forwarding
agencies, and brokerage businesses that loaded and unloaded

The Steam Locomotives
and People That Crossed
Mountain Passescargo. At the time, many people would come to watch and ride thesteam trains.

The Former Nagahama Station (circa 1897)

Using Steam Locomotives for Steep Routes

1800-Class Steam Locomotive
From One Hundred Years of the Japanese National
Railways: A Photographic History

To Tsuruga

The section between Nagahama and Tsuruga (through Yanagase)

SuijyoNagahama
Railroad Ferry ▼Nagaoka

FukayaSekigahara

Line Opened in 1889
To Otsu

MaibaraChanges in the Railroad
Lines between Nagahama
and Sekigahara
The Nagahama–Fukatani line
stopped operation in 1889, andwas later closed.

and the section between Tsuruga and Imajo (through Yamanaka)required powerful steam locomotives to make it up the steep hills.
When the line was opened, specially-made steam locomotives
from England were used between Nagahama and Tsuruga. In the20th century, the first two D51-class steam locomotives (themost-manufactured locomotives in Japanese National Railways
history) were deployed to the Tsuruga engine depot, which was

Tsuruga and Imajo, Busy Railroad Stations for Steep Mountain Passes

Manufactured in the UK by Kitson, foruse on sloped lines.
This locomotive was used between
Nagahama and Tsuruga and Sekigahara,and between Kyoto and Otsu.

Switchbacks for
Climbing Steep Slopes

located between two sections that were difficult to travel through.
These locomotives were sized to fit through the Kotone Tunnel,

Courtesy of Imajo Hatago Juku (NPO)and became the key to crossing through these mountain passes.
Trains would stop at Tsuruga and Imajo Stations to refuel, and to connect or disconnect additional
locomotive engines that would push trains from behind, in order to make it through steep, mountainous
areas. Vendors began to take advantage of this, selling items like newspapers to waiting passengers; this also
led to the popularity of boxed meals like the sea bream sushi sold at Tsuruga Station, as well as the Imajo
soba noodles sold by a stand that opened on the platform of Imajo Station in 1930. As more and more people

The Difficult Tunnels of Japan’s Most
Challenging Section of Railway

traveled during the 20th century, these stations became even busier, with many locomotives, facilities, andstaff members at both.

In the series of tunnels through Nagahama, Tsuruga and Imajo,
the smoke from the steam locomotives was so thick that

The Hokkoku Kaido Route:passengers’ faces would turn black with soot. In summer, theA Land Route Connecting People and Culture

inside of the locomotive could reach 70–80°C, so the train crew

Yamanaka Signal Station at the Time:
Main line shown to the left, train on thepassing siding shown to the rightThis system, which combines a train
turnaround line and a passing siding, wasdesigned to climb steep sections, and was
installed at three locations between Tsuruga
and Imajo: Shinbo, Habara and Yamanaka.

Switchbacks at
Yamanaka Signal Station

would cover their faces with hand towels soaked in water as they
Many of Japan’s railroad lines are based on the land routes developedby the Shogunate government during the Edo era (1603–1868). Post
towns established along these routes were involved in the spread ofpeople, goods, and information, and formed their own unique culturesand landscapes.
The area along the former Hokuriku Line includes Imajo-shuku, whichprospered as one of the finest post towns in modern-day Fukui
Prefecture; Kinomoto-juku, along the route to Kinomoto Jizoin Temple,
one of Japan’ s three great Jizo temples; and Nagahama-juku, whichstill retains the atmosphere of a port town.

Imajo-shuku (circa 1930)
Courtesy of Imajo Hatago Juku (NPO)P.5

Yamanaka Tunnel

walked through.
This section of the railway had steep hills and tunnels, and a highrisk of avalanches in winter, earning it the title of “Japan’s mostchallenging section of railroad section.” Because of these
unpleasant conditions, crew members were paid extra to work

(Northbound and southbound trains
each had their own passing siding.)

3
Turnaround
line

4
2

Tunnel dug to extend
the effective length

Passing siding

1along this section of the railway, based on how bad the smoke

1 Enter the turnaround line from the main line

would get in their train car.

2 Back up to enter the passing siding (southbound)
3 Northbound train passes through the main line
4 Build speed and re-enter the main line, toward Yamanaka Tunnel

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STORY 3
Tsuruga, the “Port of Humanity,”
and the Story of “Visas for Life”

Great Changes to the Port,
Brought by the Opening of the Railway

In 1940, during World War II, Sugihara Chiune served as
vice-consul at the Japanese consulate in Lithuania; in order tosave Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany, he defied his orders
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, and issued theserefugees “Visas for Life.” Tsuruga Port is also known as the “Portof Humanity,” because it was the only port where the Jewish
refugees saved by these visas came ashore.
The people of Tsuruga warmly welcomed these refugees by

Sugihara
ChiuneIn a single month, Sugihara issued 2,139
visas to Jewish people fleeing persecution,
before leaving the consulate.
Diplomatic Record Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

opening public baths to be used for free, and by giving the
refugees apples and other fruits. Words of gratitude from these
Jewish refugees are still preserved in Tsuruga.

Connecting Japan and Europe
through Europe–Asia
International Train Service
Tsuruga Port prospered as a center of maritime trade, including
the Kitamaebune trading ships. However, as the Hokuriku Linewas extended to other places along the Sea of Japan coast, andrailroads became the main way to transport goods, the port began
to decline. Local business owners grew concerned about thissituation, and campaigned to turn Tsuruga into an international

Steamer Ship at
Kanegasaki Pier(circa 1930)

With the completion of the Hokuriku Tunnel in 1962, the section

Tsuruga Port connected to places
as far away as Paris, France. The
city bustled with both foreign andJapanese travelers using theEurope–Asia international train
service.

heritage of those days, a reminder of the old Hokuriku Line, has

through Yamanaka Pass between Tsuruga and Imajo was closed;
then, in 1964, the Yanagase Line was also closed. The railroad
been preserved unchanged as a cultural property closely
connected to the community.

Opening of the Hokuriku Tunnel
The Hokuriku Tunnel was the longest in Japan
at the time. When this tunnel opened, thesection through Yamanaka Pass was closed.

From the Tsuruga Municipal Museum
Collection

As a result, Tsuruga Port was designated as an international port
in 1899. After that, when the Trans-Siberian Railway acrossNagahama Port

Russia was fully opened, regular trips between Tsuruga andJapan’s First Railroad Ferry

Vladivostok were established, making this the shortest route from

Connecting Economies via the Sea

Japan to Europe. In 1912, Europe–Asia international train service
was opened between Shimbashi in Tokyo and Kanegasaki(Tsuruga Port), for direct travel to Europe via Vladivostok.
Tsuruga Port became Japan’s gateway to the world.

The Kitamaebune
Trading Ships

Cruise Ship Entering
Tsuruga Port
Even today, Tsuruga Port is aninternational port, where large
foreign cruise ships andinternational cargo ships stop.

RELATED HISTORY

port.

The End of the Old Hokuriku LineThe Europe–Asia International Train
The Old Nagahama Port (1912)

The People Who
Crossed the Sea ofJapan from Tsuruga

Route Map
The railroad connected Tsuruga to Europe
across the sea — with a single ticket,
travelers could go from Shimbashi inTokyo to Paris.

P.7

Europe–Asia Connecting
Ticket via Siberia
Routes shown include Tokyo to Berlin,
via Tsuruga and Vladivostok.

The athletes of Japan’ s first Olympic
delegation, including Kanakuri Shizo,
traveled to Stockholm using this train
service. Likewise, the poet Yosano Akiko
took it to France. The explorer Roald
Amundsen, who became the first person
to reach the South Pole, also used thistrain to leave Japan.

The inner moat of Nagahama Castle, built by Hashiba Hideyoshi,
was excavated and maintained next to Nagahama Station.

Passing Kitamaebune Trading
Ships on the Sea of Japan

From the Photograph Collection to Commemorate 25 Years Since the

Old photograph from the Ida family collection, courtesy

Imperial Visit to the Keiunkanof the Wakasa History Museum

Nagahama Port has been a key shipping hub on Lake Biwa sincethe 16th century, when it was built by order of Hashiba Hideyoshi.
In the 19th century, the local businessman Asami Matazo andothers recognized the importance of railroads and transportation on
the lake; with their help, Japan’ s first railroad ferry service began
here in 1882. When the railroad between Otsu and Maibara openedin 1889, the railroad ferry service was discontinued. However, thelake transport service, which played a important traffic route inJapan, still operates in a different from today for tourist.

These shipping routes developed during the Edo
era (1603–1868), and became a major economic
trunk line connecting Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku,
and western Japan. When Kitamaebune trading
ships arrived at ports, they would sell goods
brought in from other places, and pick up local
goods to sell at other ports. These ships earnedhuge fortunes during the second half of the 19th
century in particular, and contributed greatly to
Japan’s modernization.

P.8

NAGAHAMA｜TSURUGA｜MINAMIECHIZENJAPANHERITAGE

305

Nanjo Sta.

Nanjo SIC

Japan Heritage Story Area

MAP

Nationally Registered Tangible
Cultural Properties

1

4

5

6

305

P.11
3

7

Remains of
Yamanaka Signal Station

Yunoo Sta.
Imajo IC

YamanakaRock Shed

476(Switchback)

8

10

11

12

2

14

Remains ofOgiri Station

1 Yunoo Tunnel

Dead-end Tunnel

P.11

Imajo Sta.

Yamanaka Tunnel

P.11‒14

Minami-Imajo Sta.

4 Iradani Tunnel

365

Minamiechizen
Town

5 Ashitani Tunnel
9 View of Suizu

6 Magaridani Tunnel

END OF EXAMPLE ROUTE

Remains of
Suizu Station

7 No. 2 Kannonji Tunnel

Walk around Imajo-shuku,
and the Imajo Station water tower
and coal supply platform

8 No. 1 Kannonji Tunnel
96Magaridani Tunnel （260 ｍ）

14

The tunnel is made of government-issued
bricks, and the stones and bricks are more
carefully stacked than in the other tunnels.
Seeing through the Ashitani and Iradanitunnels, in a straight line from the tunnel
exit, is one of the highlights.

Kashimagari Tunnel （87 ｍ）

The entrance and all the interior walls are
made of bricks, with a special design. It is
now used as a walkaway that runs
alongside a national route. Inside, there isold-fashioned lantern-style lighting, for acloser look at the different brickwork on
the side walls and arches.

15

Yanagase Tunnel （1352 ｍ）

When it was completed in 1884, after four
years of work due to difficult conditions, it
was the longest tunnel in Japan. Thistunnel was constructed solely by Japaneseengineers — a testament to the technicalexpertise that contributed to thedevelopment of Japan’s rail network.

View of Suizu

10 Sorojidani Tunnel

One of the most beautiful
spots on the Hokuriku Line. It
is said to have been admiredby Emperor Taisho from his
train.

11 Funagaya Tunnel

10 min. drive

476

Remains of
Yamanaka Signal Station

13

12 Habara Tunnel

HabaraEmbankment

1 min. drive
Yamanaka Tunnel,
dead-end tunnel

14 Kashimagari Tunnel

MINAMIECHIZEN
365

P.15‒18

Tsuruga Sta.

Tsuruga IC

27

Tsuruga Jct.

Kotone Tunnel

P.15

Nishi-Tsuruga Sta.

13

Habara Embankment

Known for its gentle curve,
reminiscent of the sceneryseen by train passengers in
the past.

1

Yunoo Tunnel （368 ｍ）

Much like Kashimagari
Tunnel, the entrance to the
Tsuruga end, this tunnel has
all-brick interior walls.

4

Iradani Tunnel（467 ｍ）

This tunnel was built with thesame design as Kashimagari,
Habara, and Yamanaka
tunnels.

5

Ashitani Tunnel （223 ｍ）

This tunnel was built withcarefully selected materials
supplied by the government.

7

No. 2 Kannonji
Tunnel（310 ｍ）

Inside the tunnel, you can see
the remains of overhead
communication lines andsockets, from when it wasconstructed.

17

Plaques

These plaques by Ito Hirobumi
and Kuroda Kiyotaka weredisplayed at major tunnels, asa sign that railroad
construction was a central partof national policy. The originalplaques are now on display at
the Nagahama Railway
Museum.

Awano Sta.

15 Yanagase Tunnel
８

Tsuruga-minami SIC

Japan Heritage Story Area

Shin-Hikida Sta.

Tsuruga
City

16 Remains of Nakanogo Station

Next Stop：TSURUGA
To Yanagase Tunnel (50 min. drive)

Walk around near Keiunkan,
Kurokabe Square, etc.

Next Stop：MINAMIECHIZEN
Yamanaka Tunnel (20 min. drive)

10 min. walk
Visit the Former Nagahama Station(Nagahama Railway Museum)Omi-Shiotsu Sta.

Former Hokuriku Line Tunnels

NAGAHAMA

Yogo Sta.

10 min. drive

START OF EXAMPLE ROUTE

Walk around near
Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse365

10 min. drive
Sea bream sushi boxed lunch(Tsuruga Station)

Kinomoto IC

Nagahara Sta.

Kinomoto Sta.

P.19

NagahamaCity

10 min. drive
Yanagase Tunnel, Kotone Tunnel

8

No. 1 Kannonji
Tunnel （82 ｍ）

This tunnel was constructedusing low-cost local
materials.

10

Sorojidani
Tunnel（401 ｍ）

This tunnel features anerosion control dam above
one entrance, and drainage
channels to prevent flooding.

11 Funagaya Tunnel（64 ｍ）

12

Habara Tunnel （979 ｍ）

This tunnel’ s entrances are
made of stone. It is short andstraight enough to see
through to the other end.

A tunnel that goes up anddown inside, and contains thehighest point of the area’ sslope.

Yanagase Tunnel:“Bansei Eirai”

Takatsuki Sta.

TSURUGA

365

Odanijo SIC
Kawake Sta.

Tsuruga End of Habara Tunnel:“Yokoku Kankyu”
Torahime Sta.

Travel Time to Each Area
８

By CarImajo End of Habara Tunnel:“Eisei Mukyu”

Hokuriku
Expressway

Hokuriku
Expressway

Hokuriku
Expressway

Osaka

NagoyaTsuruga
100 min. Nagahama
30 min.
ICIC

20 min.

Imajo
IC

Kanazawa

Remains ofOgiri Station

The remains of the platform
are still here, and a wheelfrom a steam locomotive ison display.

P.9

3

Remains of Yamanaka
Signal Station

The only remaining
switchback between Tsuruga
and Imajo. It is a precious
remnant of the railroad
technology that was once
used to travel through themountain pass.

16

Remains ofNakanogo Station

A portion of the platform thatserved as the base station for
traveling through Yanagase
can still be seen today, infront of the Yogo branch
office of the Nagahama city
hall.

18

Former Nagahama Station
Turnout Point No. 29

The oldest remaining turnout
point in Japan, which wasused for about 80 years after
the opening of Nagahama
Station. It was manufactured
at the Kobe Factory of theRailway Bureau.

Nagahama
Railway Museum
Tamura Sta.

17 Plaques

Tsuruga End of Yamanaka Tunnel:“Ko Kauji”

By Train

Hokuriku Main Line:
Limited Express

Hokuriku Main Line:
Local Train

Hokuriku Main Line:
Limited Express,
transfer to Local Train

Osaka

NagoyaImajo End of Yamanaka Tunnel:“Tokusui Koei”

Nagahama Sta.

80 min.

60 min.
2

Nagahama IC

P.20‒22

Tsuruga
100 min. Nagahama
30 min.
Sta.
Sta.
80 min.

15 min.

Imajo
Sta.

Kanazawa

18 Former
Nagahama Station
Turnout Point
No. 29

８

Sakata Sta.

90 min.

Maihara IC
Maibara Sta.

Maihara Jct.

P.10

Walking Around a Post Town
Walk along the Railroad Heritage

The townscape still has
its old post town atmosphere.
During the Edo era (1603–1868), Imajo-shuku was one of themost prosperous post towns in modern-day Fukui Prefecture. A
kilometer-long stretch of the town still has its old layout, almost
completely unchanged, down to the width of the road. Even
today, visitors can see buildings and local culture that tellstories of this post town’s lively history.

Nationally Registered
Tangible Cultural Property

Showa Kaikan
This old-fashioned building,over 90 years old, served as botha town hall and community center.
Every train stopped at Imajo Station before crossing
through mountain passes, making Imajo a lively railroad
town. Those days live on today, through parts of the oldstation that still remain, as well as the local food culture.

Known throughout Japan

Imajo Soba

The Imajo soba noodle stand,originally built on the platform of
Imajo Station in 1930, has long
been a place for travelers to get aquick meal on their way to or fromthe Hokuriku region.

Pushing the Limits ofRailroad Technology to
Travel through Mountain Passes.

It was built in 1930, by the local
businessman Tanaka Wakichi at
Wakihonjin trace. The building’s
three-story reinforced concrete
construction was rare at the time.

A Kilometer-Long Stretch of an Old Post Town, Still Lively Today

Takano Yoshibei Shoten
A family-run shop that has specialized in
ume plum products for generations. Their
specialties include sweetened mashedume plum, and ume plum syrup.

Difficult mountain passes stand between Tsuruga andImajo. Cutting-edge technology of the time was used tobuild the old Hokuriku Line, from building the railroad torunning the steam locomotives. Explore various railroad
heritage sites, for a look at what life was like in the past.

Sake Breweries
Sake brewed in Imajo has beenBends
enjoyed by travelers for centuries.
in the Road
Today, there are four sake
Meiji-denbreweries along the road.
Horiguchi Brewery

KitazenBrewery
Hakukoma
Brewery

Imajo Station Water Tower
and Coal Supply Platform

One of Japan’sFirst Prestressed
Concrete Structures

At the top of the Yamanaka Rock
Shed, there is still a structure toprotect the signal station passing
siding.

D51-Class 481 Steam Locomotive
On display in the parking lot of the
Imajo Residents’ Center.

These dried persimmons aresmoked — a rare technique inJapan. They were prized as aconvenient food for travelers
along the Hokkoku Kaido Route.

Yamanaka Tunnel
The Remains of Railroad
Technology Used to Cross
Steep Mountain Passes

MINAMIECHIZEN

Sta.

Imajo Dried Persimmons:
A Source of Energy for
TravelersNationally Registered
Tangible Cultural Property

P.11

Imajo

Hatakeyama Brewery

Former Hatago
Wakasaya Inn

Post Town Food

This structure, built in 1953,
protected the railroad tracks fromfalling rocks and soil. It features anattractive form, with a series ofcolumns that reflect its mechanicalcharacteristics.

This is the longest tunnel between
Tsuruga and Imajo. The Imajo end
still has the remains of aswitchback that helped trains
make their way up the steep
slope.

Former Residenceof Kyoto Jingoro

Showa
KaikanImajo Machinami
Information Center

Yamanaka Rock Shed

Equipment Remains fromthe Era of Steam Locomotives
Imajo Station’s old water tower
and coal supply platform, whichwere used to refuel steam
locomotives, can still be seen at
the station, for a unique contrast
to today’s railroad.

Guidepost fromthe Bunsei Era(1818–1830)

Nationally Registered
Tangible Cultural Property

The road bends near the entrances to thispost town, making it impossible to see very
far down the road. This was meant as adefensive measure, to prevent sudden
invasions by enemies.

Dead-End Tunnel(Next to Yamanaka Tunnel)
Back when the switchback was inuse, it was extended by digging atunnel to allow longer trains to
use it, in order to increase train
traffic. This tunnel is only open on
one end, because it was used forchanging direction.

Inquiries ｜ Minamiechizen Town Tourism and Town Development Section — Tel. (0778) 47-8002

Chameshi “Tea Rice”:
A Local Classic Brought
by Travelers
This dish is a must-have at any
event in Imajo. It is said to be
based on Nara chameshi “tearice,” brought here by travelers.

Municipally Designated
Historic Site

Prefecture-DesignatedTangible Cultural Property

Guidepost from the
Bunsei Era (1818–1830)

Former Residenceof Kyoto Jingoro

A stone pillar guiding travelers
along the Hokkoku Kaido Route.

A large machiya townhouse,scarred by the swords ofthe Mito Tengu Group.

It was built in 1830, the carvingson it read “Right : Road to
Kyoto,Tsuruga,Wakasa” and“Left : Road to Kyoto,Ise,Edo”

This was the residence of one of
the most prominent families in
Imajo-shuku, and the Mito Tengu
Group stayed here at the end of
the Edo era (1603–1868). The roof
features a firebreak wall called anudatsu, a sign of the family’s
wealth.

TRAVEL guidebook

P.12

Imajo-shuku Historic Post Town

All Roads through the Mountain Passes
Met in Imajo, Making It One of Fukui’s
Most Prosperous Post Towns
Imajo long served as a gateway to the landroutes connecting the Hokuriku region with
Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). During
the Edo era (1603–1868), Imajo developed
as a post town due to its valuable location
as a transportation hub. The townscapestill retains many signs of those prosperous
days, such as the town’s defense-oriented
layout, and the accommodations forimportant travelers located in the center oftown.

Haneso-Odori Dance

Walk Around
This dance is designated an intangible folk cultural property by Fukui Prefecture. It is performed in a variety of
costumes, with dancers dressed as warriors, priests, or townspeople, and evokes the image of travelers dancing
happily together.

Your Starting Point for Visiting Imajo:
Explore the Town’s History and Culture
Learn all about the history of Imajo, whichflourished as a post town and railroad hub.
The displays here include a 1/45 scalemodel of the lively Imajo Station as it wasaround 1960, doll dioramas depicting
events that occurred in Imajo-shuku, andvideo footage from the past.
Address: 74-3-1 Imajo, Minamiechizen
Town, Nanjo District (inside Imajo Station)
Hours: 9:00 to 16:00
Closed: New Year holidays

Imajo Machinami Information Center

P.13

MINAMIECHIZEN

Minamiechizen
From a Post Town on the Hokkoku Kaido
Route to a Railroad Hub.
Encounter the sights seen by travelers centuries ago. During the Edo era(1603–1868), Imajo was one of the most prosperous post towns in the
Hokuriku region. Later, in the Meiji era (1868–1912), it flourished as a railroad
hub for people and goods crossing through the mountain passes. A walkaround town makes the perfect way to explore the local history of travel, andthe way it connected people and culture.

Tel.: (0778) 45-0074

Model: Tanaka Yusuke (Local Lifestyle Artist); Clothing by: Kabuku (Fukui City)TRAVEL guidebook

P.14

Walk Around the Center of Town
Walk along the Railroad Heritage
Tsuruga City-Designated Cultural Property

Ruins of
Kanegasaki Castle

Kotone Tunnel
Japan's Oldest Remaining Railroad Tunnel.

Rem

Tsuruga Red Brick
Warehouse

Mt. Tezutsu
Observation Towerlo s eet

In Tsuruga, the port is near the center of town,
making it a great place to explore on foot, or witha bikeshare bicycle. Enjoy the history of Tsuruga‘sprosperity through admiring its powerfularchitecture and enjoying its unique food culture.

Por

Kehi Jingu
Shrinet L in8

Look for the distinctive red
e-bikes. Bikeshare users cantake out or return bicycles at
any of the Tsuruga Share
Cycle bike ports aroundcentral Tsuruga.

uga

Yoroppa-ken
Tsuruga Main Store

surm S tr e

Nakaikemi
WetlanddT

Former Owada Bank
Headquarters BuildingMuseu

An Easy Way to Get Around Town

of C

Tsuruga Railway Museum(Former Tsuruga Port Station)

Walk Around and Discover This
Port Town’s Prosperous History.

Tsuruga Share Cycle

a in sThis tunnel is unchanged from when it was completed in 1881. It was
built to fit the standards of the late 19th century, so it is fairly small: just
6.2 m tall and 16.7 m long. The D51, Japan’s most-produced steam
locomotive, is said to have been designed to fit this tunnel.
See map on p. 9–10 for the tunnels of the former Hokuriku Line

Former Tsuruga Port Station
Lamp House

Port of Humanity
Tsuruga MuseumeMegane (“Glasses”)
Bridge

Ts

ur

ug

a

St
a.

Starting in 1882, with the opening of the railway, trains
carried passengers and freight between Tsuruga Stationand the former Tsuruga Port Station, on these
now-decommissioned tracks.

The Railroad That Crossed the Sea,
Connecting Japan with the World.
Much of Tsuruga’s remaining railroad heritage dates
back to the early days of the railroad — a sign of just
how important the railroad was. Pay a visit to theheritage sites for a sense of how Tsuruga became aneven more important shipping hub as transportation of
goods transitioned from the Kitamaebune trading ships
to the railroad, connecting Tsuruga with the world.
Museum Street

The Food Culture of Tsuruga

Old-Fashioned
Boxed Meals
from the Station

Sea Bream
Sushi
Pressed sushi made from sea
bream caught in and around
Tsuruga Bay. These boxed meals
were originally sold at Tsuruga
Station, while passengers waited forthe additional engine to be added toor removed from their train.

“Scallop”
A Tsuruga Yoroppa-ken
Specialty

Megane (“Glasses”)
BridgeTsuruga Railway Museum

The Remains of a Late-19th-Century
Railroad Bridge in Tsuruga

Learn All About Tsuruga’s Railways
under a Distinctive Pointed Roof

This bridge was built in 1881, so
trains could cross the canal. Learn
about where the railroad tracks
once were, and about the railroad
construction technology of thetime.

This is a reproduction of thedeparture and arrival terminal for
the Europe–Asia international train
service between Japan andEurope. Inside the museum arematerials related to Tsuruga’ srailroads.

Address: 2 Kanawa-cho,
Tsuruga City

(Former Tsuruga Port Station)

Address: 1-25 Minato-machi,
Tsuruga City
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed:Wed. (or following day if
Wed. is a national holiday), New
Year holidays
Tel.: (0770) 21-0056

P.15

TSURUGA

Inquiries ｜ Tourism Exchange Division, Tsuruga City Tourism Section Tel.: (0770) 22-8128

Tsuruga City-DesignatedCultural Property

A Tsuruga Yoroppa-ken exclusive:
a pork cutlet served with
demiglace sauce. This dish’s
origins remain a mystery, but it
has a fashionably Western-stylefeel, typical of Japanese port
towns.

Kehi Jingu Shrine

Former Tsuruga Port
Station Lamp House

Oboro Shaved Kombu Kelp:
Made Possible by the
Kitamaebune Trade Ships

One of Japan’s Oldest Remaining
Railroad Buildings

Kombu kelp was brought to Tsuruga
from Hokkaido by the Kitamaebune
trading ships. After being processedin Tsuruga, such as shaved into this
iconic oboro, it was then shippedout to the Kansai region.

This warehouse once stored fuelfor the lanterns used to lighttrains. The inside of thewarehouse has been recreated, toshow lamps and fuel being stored.

Address: 1-19 Kanegasaki-cho,
Tsuruga City

The Main Shrine of the Old
Hokuriku-do Region,
with One of Japan’s Largest
Wooden Torii Gates
The shrine’s magnificent Great Torii
Gate is one of the three largest
wooden torii gates in Japan, alongwith those at Kasuga Taisha Shrine
and Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine
grounds contain spots known for
mystical power, such as theChomeisui “water of long life” spring.

Nationally-Designated
Important Cultural Property

Former Owada Bank
Headquarters Building
Modern Architecture Tells the Storyof the Port Town of Tsuruga
This bank was built in 1927 byKitamaebune trading ship owner
Owada Shoshichi, and the fatherof Tsuruga’s modernization. The
building is now used for the
Tsuruga Municipal Museum, andcontains a variety of exhibits.

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00

Address: 11-68 Akebono-cho,
Tsuruga City

Address: 7-8 Aioi-cho, Tsuruga City

Closed: New Year holidays

Hours: 5:00 to 17:00(Opens at 6:00 Oct. to Mar.)

Closed: Mon. (or following day if Mon.
is a national holiday), New Year holidays

Tel.: (0770) 22-0794

Tel.: (0770) 25-7033

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00

TRAVEL guidebook

P.16

Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum

Walk Around

Tsuruga

The Only Port in Japan
Where Jewish Refugees with
“Visas for Life” Came Ashore
This museum tells the story of how Tsuruga
Port came to be known as the “port ofhumanity,” such as when Polish orphans
were welcomed here in 1920s, and when
Jewish refugees came ashore in Tsuruga in
1940s, saved by the “visas for life” issued
by Sugihara Chiune.
Address: 23-1 Kanegasaki-cho, Tsuruga City
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Wed. (or following day if Wed. is anational holiday), and New Year holidays
Tel.: (0770) 37-1035

Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property

Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse Former Warehouse of the Standard Oil Company of New York

View of Tsuruga Port
from the Mt. Tezutsu
Observation Tower

Brick Warehouses with
an Old-Fashioned Feel
These warehouses were built in 1905 for oil
storage, and serve as a symbol of Tsuruga
Port’s prosperity as an international portthat connected to Europe. Inside one
warehouse is a giant diorama showing
Tsuruga in the mid 20th century; the otherwarehouse contains restaurants.
Address: 4-1 Kanegasaki-cho, Tsuruga City
Hours: 9:30 to 17:30 (Diorama Building)
Closed: Wed. (or following day if Wed. is anational holiday), New Year holidays
Tel.: (0770) 47-6612

P.17

TSURUGAThe Diorama Building shows Tsuruga town in the early 20th
century.

The observation tower looks
out over Tsuruga Port, theTsuruga Peninsula, and Kehi
no Matsubara to the west,
and the Nakaikemi Wetland
to the east. This small
mountain is a relatively easy
climb — 171.3 meters
above sea level at thepeak — making it a greatplace to enjoy the view.

A Port Town That Served as
the Gateway to the World.
Tsuruga has long served as a gateway to mainland Asia, and as a hub of shiptraffic on the Sea of Japan. In the late 19th century, it became an international
port. Tsuruga was Japan’s first city on the Sea of Japan coast to beconnected to a railroad, and the feel of this port town reflects its importantrole in transporting goods.

Model: Tanaka Yusuke (Local Lifestyle Artist); Clothing by: Kabuku (Fukui City)TRAVEL guidebook

P.18

Walk Around Town
Nagahama’s Culture Grew fromthe People Who Lived There

Walk Aroundthe Post Town of

The culture and prosperity of Nagahama were built
through the townspeople, particularly wealthy merchants.
Today, the townscape blends new and old, incorporating

Kinomoto

the spirit of the townspeople from the Meiji era(1868–1912) who eagerly adopted new forms of culture.

Daitsuji Temple
H id den P

Nagahama Gobo
Omotesando

ath
of th
e Sa
mur
ai

Kurokabe
Glass Shop

Nagahama
Hikiyama Museum

Otemon Street
Nagahama
Former Kaichi School

Honjin PharmacygahNaThe 22nd-generation head of the
Takeuchi family was Japan’s firstlicensed pharmacist. The oldsignboards for medicines can still
be seen at the former main shop.

Fermentation Culture and Kinomoto
Kinomoto has a long
history of brewing sake,soy sauce, and otherfermented items. In
winter, visitors can buy
vegetables pickled withkoji — at a bookstore,of all places.

A Post Town That Prospered
as the Gateway to Jizoin Temple
The post town of Kinomoto-juku, where the Hokkoku
Waki Okan and Hokkoku Kaido Routes intersected,
once bustled with travelers and visitors to Kinomoto
Jizo-in Temple. Experience the old-fashioned feel ofthe town’s streets, lined with old merchant houses.

Saladroll is a famous local favorite
in Kinomoto. These rolls are filledwith takuwan pickled daikon
radish and mayonnaise. Give one
a try!

NAGAHAMA

Meiji Station Road

Keiunkan
Otemon Street

The street, with its walls made of reused wood from boats, and gas-lamp-shaped streetlights, retains theold-fashioned atmosphere of Nagahama in the Meiji era (1868‒1912), when it ﬂourished as a railroad town.

Kohoku Library
Shiga Prefecture’s Oldest
Private Library

A huge, six-meter-tall Jizo statue
welcomes visitors, along withmany frogs. The temple festival isheld in August, and draws large
crowds.

The Kohoku Library is the oldest
library in the prefecture, with overa century of a history. It is still
open today, with the aim ofoffering younger members of thecommunity with chances to learn.

Address: 944 Kinomoto,Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama City

Address: 1362 Kinomoto,Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama City

Hours: 8:00 to 17:00

Hours: 10:00 to 16:00 (closes at
14:00 on the 2nd, 4th, and 5thSun. of the month)

Closed: Open seven days a week
Tel.: (0749) 82-2106

Closed: Mon., 1st and 3rd Sun. of
the month, and national holidays
Tel.: (0749) 82-4867

P.19

Nagahama
Railway Museum

Grilled Mackerel
Somen Noodles:
A Classic Local Favorite

Home to One of Japan’s
Three Largest Jizo Statues:
the “Buddha of the Eyes”

A Surprisingly
Tasty Combination!

Nagahama
Castle HistoricalMuseum(in Ho Park)The Food Cultureof Nagahama

Kinomoto Jizoin Temple

Saladroll

Hokkoku Kaido Route

ta.
aS
am

The Birthplace ofJapan’s First
Licensed Pharmacist

Inquiries ｜ Tourism Promotion Division, Nagahama City Industry and Tourism Section Tel.: (0749) 65-6521

This local dish is made bysimmering grilled mackerel in asweet and savory broth, thencooking somen noodles in thatsame broth. It is also served on
special occasions, such as during
the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival.

Nationally-Designated
Important Cultural Property

Nationally Registered
Tangible Cultural Property

UNESCO Intangible
Cultural Heritage

Daitsuji Temple

Kurokabe Glass Shop

Nagahama
Hikiyama Museum

The Temple That Protects
the Town of Nagahama

An Architectural Symbolof Kurokabe Square

Daitsuji is a branch temple of Otani
Shinshu Buddhism (Higashi
Honganji Temple). Visitors can see avariety of cultural properties here,
including the main hall and the large
reception hall, which are said tohave been built using the remains ofFushimi-Momoyama Castle.

This glass shop is inside awooden, Western-style building
painted with black plaster. It was
originally built in 1900 as the
Nagahama branch of the former
Hyakusanju Bank.

The Nagahama Hikiyama Festival
began as a celebration of the birthof Toyotomi Hideyoshi’ s first son(16th century). The museum’ s
displays include two spectacular
hikiyama floats that are usedduring the festival.

Address: 32-9 Motohama-cho,Nagahama City

Address: 12-38 Motohama-cho,Nagahama City

Address: 14-8 Motohama-cho,Nagahama City

Hours: 10:00 to 16:00

Hours: 10:00 to 18:00

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00

Closed: New Year holidays

Closed: Open seven days a week

Closed: New Year holidays

Tel.: (0749) 62-0054

Tel.: (0749) 65-2330

Tel.: (0749) 65-3300

Hikiyama: the “Moving Art Museums”

TRAVEL guidebook

P.20

Prefecture-Designated Cultural Property

Former Nagahama Station Building
Nagahama Railway Museum

Walk Around

Japan’s Oldest Remaining Station Building

Nagahama

Nagahama Station was built in 1882, fromlime concrete. The building’s architecture wasbased on the Western-style.
Step inside, and experience the old-fashioned
atmosphere of the stationmaster’s office andthe waiting room.
Behind the building, you can see genuine
steam locomotive class D51, and can learn
the Hokuriku Line history.
Address: 1-41 Kitafuna-cho, Nagahama City
Hours: 9:30 to 17:00
Closed: New Year holidays
Tel.: (0749) 63-4091

National Site of Scenic Beauty

Keiunkan

Luxurious Accommodations
with a Beautiful Garden
Keiunkan was built by Nagahama
businessman Asami Matazo as atemporary residence for Emperor Meiji.
Enjoy a walk through the Japanese garden,
built by master gardener Ogawa Jihei VII.
Each year, the Nagahama Bonbai
Exhibition, a traditional seasonal exhibitionof ume plum bonsai trees, is held here fromJanuary to March.
Address: 2-5 Minato-cho, Nagahama City
Hours: 9:30 to 17:00
Closed: Preparation period for the
Nagahama Bonbai Exhibition (December)
Tel.: (0749) 62-0740

Lake Biwa and Nagahama
A Town Where Water Transported
People, Goods, and Culture.

The History of Nagahama, Which
Developed alongside Water Transport
Lake Biwa has long been a key transport hub,carrying goods from the North region of Japan to
Kyoto and Osaka. Nagahama’s prosperity beganwith the port built here by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the
16th century. During the Meiji era (1868–1912),
Nagahama developed further as a terminal for
railroad ferries, and developed a unique local culture,established by wealthy merchants and townspeople.

P.21

NAGAHAMA

Nagahama connected shipping over lake Biwa with transportation byrailroads, to serve as a bridge between eastern and western Japan. Even
today, the city is still full of memories of this lively era, when steam
locomotives, railroad ferries, and modern buildings arrived one after another.
The Former Nagahama Port (1912)

Model: Tanaka Yusuke (Local Lifestyle Artist); Clothing by: Kabuku (Fukui City)TRAVEL guidebook

P.22