Have you heard of Mt. Fujikura in Minami-Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture? Mt. Fujikura is a fairly low mountain, at about 640 meters tall, just to the west of Imajo-shuku, a transportation hub that flourished in the Edo period. The trailheads are quite close to Imajo Station on the Fukui Hapi Line (formerly the JR Hokuriku Main Line), so it’s easy to hop off the train and go for a nice hike. There are plenty of things to see, including the beautiful beech forest at the summit and a look-out spot with panoramic views of the historic post town below. After coming back down, reward your efforts by taking a stroll around the post town, where you can enjoy the historic atmosphere as well as delicious treats.

We’re here to fill you in on all the charms of Minami-Echizen Town’s Mt. Fujikura and the great sightseeing in the surrounding area.

There is so much to see!

Imajo in Minami-Echizen Town, where Mt. Fujikura is located, was one of the Echizen domain’s leading post towns during the Edo period, and flourished as a railway town during the Japan National Railways era. Walking around historic Imajo-shuku will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time.

https://www.imajo-syuku.com/

 

Here are four things to look forward to on your next hike on Imajo’s Mt. Fujikura:

① Close to Imajo Station for easy access

② Panoramic views of the historic post town

③ Forest bathing among beautiful beech trees

④ Plenty of sightseeing nearby after coming back down

 

There are three main trailheads for Mt. Fujikura: one at Shiragi Shrine, one at Shirahige Shrine, and the Hachijuhakkasho trailhead, all of which are within about ten minutes on foot from Fukui Imajo Station on the Hapi Line. Being so easily accessible by train, day hikes are possible not only from within Fukui Prefecture but also from farther away, such as the Kansai area. It takes about four hours to hike up and down Mt. Fujikura, depending on your pace and how much you rest. With an altitude of 643.5 meters (2111 feet), it is a relatively easy mountain to hike, even for beginners. There is a popular optional route that includes traversing the neighboring Mt. Nabekura (516m), but may be a bit hard for beginners.

 

Mt. Fujikura Hiking Report

We chose the most popular route of the three trails, which starts from Shiragi Shrine, passes through the ruins of Hiuchiga Castle, and goes along a steep path up the ridge. We then came down via the Shirahige Shrine trail.

 

What to Bring

・Comfortable shoes (preferably hiking boots)

・Comfortable clothes (we recommend long sleeves, long pants, and quick-drying)

・Water or similar (at least 1.5 liters recommended for summer)

・Trail snacks

・Bear bells

・Rain gear (raincoat or similar)

etc.

Let’s Go for a Hike!

8am – Start from Imajo Station

There are no public restrooms on Mt. Fujikura, so it’s a good idea to use the ones at the station before you leave. Don’t worry if you would rather drive, there is a parking lot on the south side of the station with space for about ten cars.

It takes about five minutes to walk from the station through the historic post town district to Shiragi Shrine.

Shiragi Shrine, where the major Shinto kami Susanoo-no-Mikoto is enshrined, marks one of the trailheads up the mountain.

“8:15am – Hit the trail!
A donation box is place at the entrance to the trail and goes towards maintaining and protecting the trail and its environment.”

On the way to Mt. Fujikura, we first head for the ruins of Hiuchiga Castle on Mt. Atago (270m), which is roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Shiragi Shrine. On the way, let the forest of beech trees recharge your batteries as you pass through.

The remnants of stone walls and moats lie along the trail to the castle ruins.

“8:45am – Arrive at Hiuchiga Castle ruins
Enchanting panoramic views of the town of Imajo await you at the lookout from the castle ruins. The neighborhood you can see in the foreground is Imajo-shuku, and the tall mountain in the background is Mt. Hino, which straddles Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen City. You can also see Imajo Station, the starting point for the day, as well as the train tracks.”

The clearing at the Hiuchiga Castle ruins has been maintained as a little getaway for locals with a great view of the town. This is a good place to turn back if you think you are not strong enough to continue.

9:00am – After a short break, we set off again towards Mt. Fujikura. From the castle ruins, the climb continues steeply. Use the ropes provided for extra security.

9:40am – After the steep slope, we arrive at the power transmission tower. There is no shade here, so don’t forget to hydrate, especially in the heat. Having gained some altitude, villages to the south of Imajo are visible from here, as well as the Imajo 365 Ski Resort.

After a break, we head for another beech forest. From the tower onwards the path is relatively flat and easy.

On Mt. Fujikura, there are sign boards installed at various points along the way, so there is less of a chance of getting lost. The power company also patrols these trails.

We continue on this gentle path along the ridge. A cool breeze blows through the trail and the beautiful beech trees swaying soothes the soul. We hiked in the green summer for this report, but we also recommend hiking when the autumn leaves are ablaze with color.

10:30am – Reach Mt. Fujikura summit!

A cute sign hanging from a tree marks the summit. With the town nearby, the summit still has cell service, so you can upload that summit selfie right away.

There are no benches at the summit, so you can take a rest at the base of the nearby reflector. Arriving at lunchtime with something to eat and having lunch with a view is another great idea.

“11:00am – Start descent
Heading back towards the castle ruins from the summit, after about ten minutes, there is a fork in the road. As written on the signpost, the left path will take you to Shirahige Shrine.”

The trail to Shirahige Shrine is a series of stairs. Be careful when descending as they can be slippery when it rains. It’s fun to stop and check around your feet from time to time to see all the different types of moss that grow here.

On the way, there are the remains of a temple called Komyosho-ji and a Jizo statue. The pace tends to pick up when descending, but remember to take breaks and drink water as needed.

12:30pm – Arrive at Shirahige Shrine!

The trail comes down to the rear of this magical shrine, surrounded by cedar trees and moss. We stopped to pray to express our gratitude for having made it down the mountain safely.

After your hike, what better way to recharge than wandering around Imajo-shuku. You can get a feeling of the post town’s history and pop into any shops that are open.

Post-Hike Exploration of the Historic Post Town

Now let’s take a look at some spots to visit around Imajo-shuku after your hike.

Soft Shiratama Treats at Kanmidokoro Temari

This shop, renovated from a 100-year-old house, serves healthier and silky soft shiratama sweets, made with choice rice flour and tofu. In the summer, shaved ice is available as well.

 

 

Authentic Handmade Soba Noodles at Teuchi Juwari Rokusuke

 

Local Sake and Miso Make Great Souvenirs

Imajo no Yado Kaneori, Where You Can Take a Day Trip to the Baths

The D51 steam locomotive out front marks the cozy Kaneori inn. Even those who aren’t staying the night can enter the baths, so this is a great place to wash your sweat away from the hike. Fukui Imajo Station is eight minutes away on foot.

 

 

 

 

Summary: Go Hiking on Mt. Fujikura for All This and More!

Now you know all the highlights of Mt. Fujikura and the surrounding area. With its proximity to Imajo Station, it’s easy to enjoy a day out on Mt. Fujikura. Bring the family and friends along for the excellent hiking trails, and be sure to come back again and again with the changing seasons!

 

[Related links]

Check out our article on hiking and hot springs in Minami-Echizen:

https://www.minamiechizen.com/feature/16973/

Fuku Tabi article on Imajo-shuku:

https://www.fuku-e.com/fukutabi/detail_82.html

For more on Imajo-shuku:

https://www.minamiechizen.com/spot/19101/