About the Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel
The Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel (旧北陸線第一観音寺トンネル, Kyū Hokurikusen Daiichi Kannonji Tonneru) is a former railway tunnel in Yokohama, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, completed in 1894 and entered on the national register as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 25 February 2016. It is a short bore, 82 m long and 3.9 m wide, curving gently along the foot of the hill.
The Wanayamadani Culvert lies about 400 m to the south, and the Second Kannonji Tunnel begins only about 80 m to the north. From here to the Yamanaka Tunnel six bores follow one another at short intervals, so the First Kannonji Tunnel marks the entrance to the densest stretch of the climb. Tsuruga City lists its location as spanning the Yokohama and Ohida districts. It is owned by Fukui Prefecture.
Why the First Kannonji Tunnel Was Registered
The Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji 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 was finished in 1894, two years before the Tsuruga to Fukui section opened in 1896, making it one of the earliest bores completed on the climb.
Tsuruga City's commentary for the Japan Heritage listing says the contract went to a consortium of local Hokuriku firms. The actual builder is not known, but the city rates the workmanship highly. It also notes that the tunnel was opened by cutting straight into the hillside, without the retaining walls that often wrap around a portal set into a slope.
What to Look for at the First Kannonji Tunnel
The portals are cut stone, almost symmetrical, with a pilaster on each side. According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, they are built entirely of andesite with an Edo-giri finish, in which the edges of each block are dressed to a narrow smooth margin. The effect is a crisp grid across the grey face of the portal, every block clearly outlined.
Inside, the arch is brick in stretcher bond and the side walls are stone. Look closely at the refuge niches: even their little arches are built of stone. On a line where refuges are usually turned in brick, that extra effort is a good measure of the care that went into the Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel.
Visiting the First Kannonji Tunnel
The Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji 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, so walkers should watch for vehicles from both directions.
Only about 80 m separate the north portal from the south portal of the Second Kannonji Tunnel, so you can compare the two in one look. The Agency describes the second tunnel as almost identical in structure and appearance, which makes it fun to hunt for small differences between the pair. When taking photographs, remember that you are on a road and choose a spot that keeps clear of traffic.
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Q&A
- Where is the Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel?
- In Yokohama, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. The Wanayamadani Culvert is about 400 m to the south and the Second Kannonji Tunnel about 80 m to the north, at the start of the densest run of tunnels on the climb.
- When was the Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel built, and when was it registered?
- It was completed in 1894 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 25 February 2016, together with the other twelve structures of the old line.
- What is special about the portals of the Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel?
- They are almost symmetrical cut-stone portals with pilasters, built entirely of Edo-giri dressed andesite. The tunnel was cut straight into the hillside without retaining walls around the portals.
- What is inside the Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel?
- A brick arch in stretcher bond above stone side walls, with refuge niches whose small arches are also stone.
- Can you go through the Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji 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 lane, so walkers should take care with traffic.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel |
|---|---|
| Location | Yokohama, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | 2016 (Heisei 28), registered |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Length 82 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 First Kannonji Tunnel
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00010956
- Cultural Heritage Online: Former Hokuriku Line First Kannonji Tunnel
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/284156
- Japan Heritage Portal: component property First Kannonji Tunnel
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/4967/
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Meiji-era infrastructure sheet: First Kannonji Tunnel
- https://www.mlit.go.jp/sogoseisaku/region/infratourism/assets/pdf/meiji/kinki068.pdf
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Former Hokuriku Line Second Kannonji Tunnel
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00010957
- Tsuruga City: List of national and prefectural cultural properties
- https://www.city.tsuruga.lg.jp/page/4435.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
