About the Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel
The Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel (旧北陸線伊良谷トンネル, Kyū Hokurikusen Iradani Tonneru) is a former railway tunnel in Motohida, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, completed around 1895 and entered on the national register as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 25 February 2016. It is 467 m long and 3.9 m wide, and bends gently as it runs along the foot of the mountain.
The Ashitani Tunnel lies about 90 m to the south, and about 90 m to the northeast is the mouth of the Yamanaka Tunnel, the longest on the old line. At 467 m, the Iradani Tunnel is the third longest of the eleven surviving tunnels, after Yamanaka and Habara. It is owned by Fukui Prefecture.
Why the Iradani Tunnel Was Registered
The Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel was registered with the other twelve structures of the old line, as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. It belongs to the last cluster of bores on the climb toward the summit, just short of the Yamanaka Tunnel.
Its own story is one of difficulty. Tsuruga City's commentary for the Japan Heritage listing says the work was extremely hard and that the contractors and builders changed several times. In the end Kajima-gumi, then the firm with the most experience of railway tunnelling, took the job on directly.
The finished tunnel is also unusual in its materials. On a line where most portals and side walls are stone, only the Kashimagari Tunnel at the Tsuruga end and the Yamanaka and Iradani tunnels at the Imajō end are brick right through, inside and out, a treatment the city describes as special. The Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel is one of that small set.
What to Look for at the Iradani Tunnel
The portals are basically brick, with dressed stone used only at the points that define the design: the keystone at the crown of the arch and the coping and string course above. The stone has an Edo-giri finish, in which the edges of each block are cut back to a narrow smooth margin. Set into the red brick, these pale lines of stone sharpen the outline of the whole portal.
Look, too, at the two sides of each portal. The Agency for Cultural Affairs points out that the left and right halves are shaped differently because the tunnel cuts along the foot of a slope. Compare the side that meets the hillside with the side that does not, and you can see how the wing walls were adjusted to the ground.
Inside, the side walls are in English bond and the arch in stretcher bond. Stand at the south portal of the Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel and look back, and the mouths of the Ashitani and Magaridani tunnels line up one behind the other, a reminder that this bore is one link in a chain.
Visiting the Iradani Tunnel
The Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel is part of the road along the old line and can be passed through by car or on foot. There is no fee and no reception point. The bore is a single lane 3.9 m wide and its curve hides the far end, so walkers should watch for approaching headlights and keep moving once inside.
The easiest place to study the portal is the 90 m open stretch between the south portal and the Ashitani Tunnel. Beyond the north portal the road enters the Yamanaka Tunnel after only about 90 m, so any look at that side has to fit into that short gap. When taking photographs, remember that you are on a road and choose a spot that keeps clear of traffic.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Fukui
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel
- [ Eiheiji Temple & Tojinbo Cliffs Day Trip ]
Q&A
- How do you read the name of the Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel, and where is it?
- It is read Iradani. The tunnel is in Motohida, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, with the Ashitani Tunnel about 90 m to the south and the Yamanaka Tunnel about 90 m to the northeast.
- When was the Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel built, and when was it registered?
- It was completed around 1895 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 25 February 2016, together with the other twelve structures of the old line.
- How was the Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel built?
- According to Tsuruga City, it was an extremely difficult job and the contractors and builders changed several times. Kajima-gumi, then the most experienced railway tunnelling firm, finally carried out the work directly.
- What is special about the portals of the Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel?
- They are brick, with Edo-giri dressed stone at the keystone, coping and string course. The left and right sides are shaped differently to fit the slope at the foot of the mountain.
- Can you visit the Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel, and is there a fee?
- Yes. It is part of the road along the old line and is open to cars and pedestrians, with no fee or reception. It is a single, gently curving lane, so walkers should take care with traffic.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel |
|---|---|
| Location | Motohida, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | 2016 (Heisei 28), registered |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Length 467 m, width 3.9 m |
| Owner | Fukui Prefecture |
| Public Access | Open to traffic as part of a road; no fee or reception |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00010960
- Cultural Heritage Online: Former Hokuriku Line Iradani Tunnel
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/292670
- Japan Heritage Portal: component property Iradani Tunnel
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/4971/
- Japan Heritage Portal: component property Kashimagari Tunnel
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/4961/
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Meiji-era infrastructure sheet: Iradani Tunnel
- https://www.mlit.go.jp/sogoseisaku/region/infratourism/assets/pdf/meiji/kinki064.pdf
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Former Hokuriku Line Yamanaka Tunnel
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00010961
- Tsuruga City: List of national and prefectural cultural properties
- https://www.city.tsuruga.lg.jp/page/4435.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
