One of the Great Bores of the Line
The Habara Tunnel runs for about 979 metres, close to a full kilometre, which places it among the longest tunnels on the former Hokuriku Line. It lies in the Habara district of Tsuruga, roughly six kilometres north of the site of the Kashiwagura Tunnel, on the climb toward the Kinome Pass. A tunnel of this length was a serious undertaking in the 1890s, and it was completed only after difficult work, a distinction it shares with the even longer Yamanaka Tunnel further along the line.
The Portal and Its Drainage
The portals are the first thing to hold the eye. Each is built in near-symmetrical cut stone with pilasters, and the parapet reaches out to left and right in a broad, confident line that gives the mouth an unusually grand presence. Behind and around the portal the builders set a drainage system of cut stone and brick, laid with a precision that goes well beyond the merely functional. On a wet day the water still runs through these channels as intended, more than a century after they were cut.
The length also means the interior is genuinely dark and cool through its central reach, so the experience of passing through is as much about air and echo as about masonry.
Value and Visiting
Habara was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2016 with the rest of the line, recognised for its contribution to the historic landscape. Among these structures it stands out for scale and for the ambition of its portal design.
The tunnel is owned by Tsuruga City and sits on the single-lane road that follows the old alignment. Traffic signals govern the long bore, headlights are needed, and stopping inside is not safe. As with the rest of the route, parts are closed from time to time for repair, so check current conditions before you visit.
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Questions and Answers
- How long is the Habara Tunnel?
- About 979 metres, close to one kilometre. It is one of the longest tunnels on the former Hokuriku Line, second to the Yamanaka Tunnel at 1,170 metres.
- What is special about its portal?
- The cut-stone portal has pilasters and a parapet that extends far to each side, giving it an imposing look. The finely built stone-and-brick drainage around the portal is another highlight.
- Who owns and manages it?
- The tunnel is owned by Tsuruga City. It was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property on 25 February 2016 together with the other former Hokuriku Line structures.
- Is it safe to drive through?
- It is open to traffic but single-lane, so follow the signals, keep headlights on, and do not stop inside. Confirm the route is open beforehand, as repairs sometimes close sections.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Hokuriku Line Habara Tunnel |
|---|---|
| Location | Habara, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure), registered 25 February 2016 |
| Registration No. | 18-0144 |
| Built | 1896 (Meiji 29) |
| Structure | Stone and brick; length 979 m, width 3.9 m |
| Owner | Tsuruga City |
| Access | On the former Hokuriku Line alignment (single-lane public road); obey tunnel signals; confirm road status before visiting |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, National Cultural Properties Database — Habara Tunnel
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00010952
- Tsuruga City Tourism Association — Former Hokuriku Line Tunnels
- https://tsuruga-kanko.jp/spot/history_culture/hokuriku-line-tunnel/
- Fukui Prefecture Official Travel Guide (Fuku-e.com)
- https://www.fuku-e.com/spot/detail_1640.html
Last verified: 2026.07.09