Cycling in Minami-Echizen Town: Rural Refresh of Body and Mind

Posted on : January 11, 2024

Minami-Echizen Town, in the center of Fukui Prefecture, is a town rich in beautiful nature and rural scenery. Rows of cherry blossoms along the Hino River in spring, fields of lotus flowers in summer, golden rice paddies and colorful leaves in autumn–every season paints a different picture. There are plenty of interesting spots for the history or railroad buffs too. And a great way to get around this wonderful town is by bike.

Bicycles are available to rent at the roadside station Minami-Echizen Sankairi in Nanjo. Since it is an electric bicycle, it is a pleasant experience even for somewhat longer distances. In addition, there are many potential routes that are mostly flat, so even beginners or those who are not very active can enjoy themselves. Refresh body and soul with a pleasant ride in the countryside!

Contents:

・The Many Charms of the Nanjo Area in Minami-Echizen Town
・Getting to Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station
・How to Rent a Bike
・Two Great Cycling Routes
・Cycling Tour Report
・More Great Spots to Check Out in Minami-Echizen

The Many Charms of the Nanjo Area in Minami-Echizen Town

Minami-Echizen Town’s Nanjo area is blessed by abundant natural beauty–surrounded by mountains and with the Hino River flowing through its heart. The tranquil village life is most keenly felt by exploring on foot or by bicycle. The area is famous for lotus flowers, with the best time to see them being from late June to early August. Cycling with views of vast lotus fields is sure to become an unforgettable summer adventure (just don’t forget to take precautions against the heat). It’s a little far, but we have to recommend Hanahasu Park, a popular spot to visit.

Nanjo is also home to the old Hokkoku Kaido road, places visited by Emperor Meiji on his tour of the Hokuriku region, and a spot where you can go under the train tracks–a must-see for anyone who is interested in trains.

Cycling around Nanjo is great day out for anyone who needs an escape to the countryside, wants to get a glimpse of life in rural Japan, is fascinated by history or railways, or just feels the need to get out for some fresh air and exercise.

Experience the charms of cycling that you can’t see when you’re in a car or train. Let’s go cycling with your friends or family!

Getting to Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

Minami-Echizen Town is easily accessible by car or train. Here’s how you can get to Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station, where you can rent bicycles.

By Car

Next to Nanjo SA and Nanjo Smart IC on the Hokuriku Expressway

・From Fukui/Kanazawa: Right next to the Nanjo Smart exit, approx. 15 minutes after the Takefu exit
・From Kansai/Nagoya: Right next to the Nanjo Smart exit, approx. 10 minutes after the Imajo exit

approximately 6 hours from Tokyo, 2 hours from Osaka, or 2 hours from Nagoya

By Train

approximately 10-minute walk from Nanjo Station on the Hapi Line Fukui

Access to Nanjo Station

・From Tsuruga Station → approx. 20 minutes on the Hapi Line Fukui

・From Fukui Station → approx. 30 minutes on the Hapi Line Fukui

approximately 4 hours from Tokyo, 2 hours from Osaka, or 2 hours from Nagoya

How to Rent a Bike

Here are all the details you need to rent bicycles at Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station, which is a great way to get around while also having a basket to help carry things. Helmets can also be borrowed for free for the extra peace of mind.

Here are the four steps for renting a bicycle!

Step 1: Make a Reservation

Fill out the online reservation form by 5pm the day before you plan to use the bike.

There are five types of rental bicycles, mainly electric-assist bicycles. The mountain bikes do not have baskets, so you may want to bring a backpack. Bikes with child seats and kids’ bikes are also available. Prices start from 700 yen for adults and 500 yen for children for 4 hours.

Step 2: Arrival

Head to the cash register at the Market Me area on the second floor of Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station.

Step 3: Pick Up

You will need to present a photo ID (driver’s license, My Number card, etc.).

Step 4: Returning the Bike

Bikes will need to be returned to the roadside station by 5pm on the day.

For details, check the website!
https://kineno-nanjo.com/play/rentalcycle/

Two Great Cycling Routes

We have picked out will two easy cycling routes that anyone can enjoy.

Route One – approx. 5km, 1 hr

This route is great for beautiful rustic scenery. In summer, the lotus flowers will be in full bloom, and in autumn, golden rice fields shimmer in the breeze.

Google Maps route

Start: Depart from Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

↓ 15 minutes

Mikata Shimizu (freshwater spring)

↓ About 10 minutes

Domiya no Hasuda (great summer spot to view lotus flowers)

↓ About 10 minutes

Ruins of the outer moat of Somayama Castle Ninojo

↓ About 10 minutes

Straight road with beautiful views of Mt. Hino and rice fields

↓ About 15 minutes

Finish: Return to Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

Route Two – approx. 12 km, 3 hr

This route follows a section of the old Hokkoku Kaido road and passes under railway tracks and is a popular choice for history and railway fans.

Google Maps route

Start: Depart from Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

↓ About 30 minutes

Go north along the Hino River to the Hokuriku Shinkansen viewing spot (around Kamihira Fukibashi Bridge)

↓ About 30 minutes

Along the old Hokkoku Kaido road, the place where Emperor Meiji once rested, and the brick tunnel

↓ About 30 minutes

Restroom break at Nanjo Station

↓ About 30 minutes

Uguisu-no-Seki ruins, stone monument for Emperor Meiji

↓ About 20 minutes

Sabanami Tunnel

↓ About 20 minutes

Old Floodgate

↓ About 20 minutes

Finish: Return to Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

Note: It’s a good idea to use the restrooms at Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station or Nanjo Station.

Watch out for agricultural vehicles or pedestrians.

Please be considerate when traveling through residential areas.

Cycling Tour Report

We took some of Sankairi’s bikes out for a spin around Minami-Echizen!

On the day, you can finish the rental procedure at the counter of the Market Me shop on the second floor of the roadside station (rental bicycles must be reserved at least one day in advance). With your photo ID, you will get your bike and helmet in no time, and now you’re ready to go!

We tried out the three-hour course on a lovely clear fall day, perfect for a bike ride.

10:00 Setting off from Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

We started off with a pleasant ride along the Hino River, admiring Mt. Hino and the trees starting to change colors.

10:30 Arrived at the Hokuriku Shinkansen viewing spot (around Kamihira Fukibashi Bridge)

This is a great spot to get a beautiful view of the Hokuriku Shinkansen tracks, which opened in March 2024, and the surrounding area, with a beautiful contrast of sky and fields. You can also clearly see the Shinkansen tunnel disappearing into the mountains, and on the left (south) side of the tunnel you can see Myokenzan Kankiji Temple. This lesser-known vantage point provides panoramic views of the bullet train, expressway, mountains, and fields.

11:00 Traveling along the old Hokkoku Kaido road to Emperor Meiji’s rest area and the brick tunnel

We continued south along the old Hokkoku Kaido road to the Nakayama Residence, where Emperor Meiji rested during his tour of the Hokuriku region. The building was closed, so we settled for a snapshot in front of the gate. Next, we visited the brick tunnel, a rare spot where you can go under the train tracks. The ceiling is low, so we got off the bikes and crouched to get through.

11:30 Arrived at Nanjo Station

Following the old Hokkoku Kaido road, we arrived at Nanjo Station. There is a convenient map of the Nanjo area in front of the station. This is a good stop for buying drinks and using the restroom.

12:00 Uguisu-no-Seki ruins, Emperor Meiji stone monument

After crossing the railroad tracks, we head further south along the old Hokkoku Kaido road. Along the way, we come across the remains of what once was a checkpoint for travelers as well as a stone monument marking the spot where Emperor Meiji took a short rest.

12:20 Arrived at Sabanami Tunnel

The Saba Tunnel was built in 1992 and is closed to cars. Above it is the Saba Hakusan Shrine. The other side of the tunnel can be seen from the trains or cars that pass by, but only a handful of people have actually passed through it. Nearby is Meiji Tenno Gozenmizu Well and the Ryujindo temple.

Keep an eye out for the signs featuring local mascot Hasubo that mark neighborhoods in Nanjo.

12:40 Arrived at the old floodgate

Passing under the railroad tracks, we arrived at the old floodgate. It’s interesting walking through the channel where water once flowed. The railroad tracks are right next to the floodgate, so this is a great spot for railway fans to see trains up close. Last, we return to the roadside station to finish our wonderful tour.

13:00 Arrived at Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station and returned bikes and helmets

It took about three hours to complete the 12km tour. It had been quite a while since the last time either of us had ridden bikes, but there were many flat roads so it was easy going. The bikes were electronically assisted as well, so even those who are out of shape have nothing to worry about. We had great fun visiting the many lesser-known local gems such as the brick tunnel and Sabanami Tunnel. Spring cherry blossom trees or fields of lotus flowers in summer would also be fantastic times of year for a wonderful ride in the countryside.

More Great Spots to Check Out in Minami-Echizen

While you’re in town, you might as well check out these other great spots.

1. Gourmet Food and Shopping at Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

The place that rents out bicycles, Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station, is also a great place to explore in its own right. Market Me stocks souvenirs and specialties from Fukui Prefecture, as well as locally grown vegetables. With all the great stuff on offer, there’s plenty of fun to be had. There’s also Food Hall Me, where you can enjoy Fukui delicacies such as oroshi soba (with grated daikon radish) and seafood rice bowls, as well as a wide variety of other delicious fare, including Western cuisine and desserts! The premises also feature a kids’ room and outdoor playground, perfect for families with children. There’s plenty to see and do, so check it out!

Information:

Minami-Echizen Sankairi Roadside Station

39-2-2 Makiya, Minami-Echizen-cho, Nanjo-gun, Fukui Prefecture

Tel: 0778-47-3690

Hours: 9am-8pm (varies by store)

Closed: none

Map:https://goo.gl/maps/1k1BNvoBWaGPdEyEA