About the Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel
The Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel (旧北陸線曲谷トンネル, Kyū Hokurikusen Magaridani Tonneru) is a former railway tunnel in Ohida, 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 260 m long and 3.9 m wide, curving gently along the foot of the mountain.
The Second Kannonji Tunnel is about 50 m to the south and the Ashitani Tunnel about 100 m to the north. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the Magaridani Tunnel as one of a string of bores built along the foot of the Kinome pass, the difficult barrier between the old provinces of Echizen and Wakasa. It is owned by Fukui Prefecture.
Why the Magaridani Tunnel Was Registered
The Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel was registered with the other twelve structures of the old line, as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency notes that its components, down to the brick arches over the refuge niches, match those of the Habara and Sorojidani tunnels, so it shows the standard build of this stretch in a typical form.
Tsuruga City goes further and praises the workmanship. Its commentary for the Japan Heritage listing describes the stone and brick as laid carefully, almost like a training piece, using bricks supplied by the government. The contract was held by a consortium of local Hokuriku firms, and the builder is thought to be the same one who worked on the Second Kannonji Tunnel next door.
What to Look for at the Magaridani Tunnel
The portals are stone; inside, the arch is brick in stretcher bond and the side walls are stone. The refuge niches set into the walls are topped with small brick arches, so the pairing of stone wall and brick arch repeats all the way through.
The thing to look for is the neatness Tsuruga City singled out. The stone courses keep an even height and the brick joints run true, as if the masons were following a model. Because of the curve, you cannot see the far end from inside, and that sense of a bend vanishing into darkness is part of the character of the Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel. From the south portal of the Iradani Tunnel, two bores to the north, its mouth appears behind that of the Ashitani Tunnel.
Visiting the Magaridani Tunnel
The Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani 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. It is a single lane 3.9 m wide with a curve, so walkers should listen and watch for vehicles and keep moving inside.
The gaps to the neighbouring tunnels are only about 50 m and 100 m, so on foot you can compare the Second Kannonji, Magaridani and Ashitani portals in quick succession. 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
- How do you read the name of the Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel, and where is it?
- It is read Magaridani. The tunnel is in Ohida, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, with the Second Kannonji Tunnel about 50 m to the south and the Ashitani Tunnel about 100 m to the north.
- When was the Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani 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 is the Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel constructed?
- Stone portals and side walls with a brick arch in stretcher bond, and brick arches over the refuge niches, the same set of components as the Habara and Sorojidani tunnels.
- Who built the Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel?
- According to Tsuruga City, a consortium of local Hokuriku firms, probably the same builder as the Second Kannonji Tunnel. Government-supplied bricks were used and the work is described as careful.
- Can you go through the Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani 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, curving lane, so walkers should take care with traffic.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel |
|---|---|
| Location | Ohida, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | 2016 (Heisei 28), registered |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Length 260 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 Magaridani Tunnel
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00010958
- Cultural Heritage Online: Former Hokuriku Line Magaridani Tunnel
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/243708
- Japan Heritage Portal: component property Magaridani Tunnel
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/4969/
- Japan Heritage Portal: component property Iradani Tunnel
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/4971/
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Meiji-era infrastructure sheet: Magaridani Tunnel
- https://www.mlit.go.jp/sogoseisaku/region/infratourism/assets/pdf/meiji/kinki066.pdf
- Tsuruga City: List of national and prefectural cultural properties
- https://www.city.tsuruga.lg.jp/page/4435.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
