熊川宿

若狭熊川宿
おでかけMAP
kumagawajuku town map

SIGHTSEEING
  • Wakasa Kumagawa-juku Roadside Station
    Roadside Station / Rest Facility
    The roadside station was designed and constructed to fit the traditional townscape aesthetics of Kumagawa-juku. It was opened in 1999 and renovated in 2016. Many people use the station as a relay point along the historical Saba Kaido routes or as an entryway when traveling to Wakasa from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. Parking capacity: 74 cars, 14 large vehicles, 4 accessible spaces Amenities: Electric vehicle rapid charging station, environment monitoring post
    Address11-1-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-9111
  • Saba Kaido Museum
    Exhibition Facility
    Adjacent to the Wakasa Kumagawa-juku Roadside Station is the Saba Kaido Museum, located in a traditional storehouse-style building with white-plastered walls. The museum collaborated with Kyoto Seika University’s manga department to create large information posters and other artwork introducing the history of the Saba Kaido trading routes. Exhibits include a diorama and video providing more information about the network of roads that connected Wakasa to the old capital. This is a great way to learn about the Saba Kaido for people of all ages, even for those who do not speak Japanese.
    AddressAddress: 11-1-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-9111
  • Kumagawa Trail Gateway
    Rest Facility
    The parking lot and plaza were built to serve as a starting point on the Kumagawa Trail, which passes from Kumagawa-juku to the former site of Kumagawa Castle, the Kouchi River Dam, and Mt. Wakasa Komagatake.
    Address11-1-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Kumagawa Guardhouse
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    The guardhouse was built at the entrance to Kumagawa-juku to monitor the flow of people and goods in and out of the post town. After a historical investigation, it was restored to its original appearance and opened to the public in 2011. Two figures inside represent officials who checked travel permits and collected taxes on transported goods. The display includes a set of three weapons for making arrests: a sasumata (a pole with a U-shaped forked end to pin suspects in place), a tsukubo (a pole with a T-shaped end used to trip, push, or pull suspects), and a sodegarami (a pole with iron spikes to snag clothing).
    Address18-2 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-0330 (Kumagawa-juku Museum (Shukubakan))
  • Gongen Jinja Shrine
    Shrines and Temples
    This shrine, located close to the mountain slope in Kamincho, is dedicated to a deity protecting from floods and fire. Residents also refer to it as “Gongen-san”. It is said that a long time ago, when white stones appeared on the streets in Kamincho, the village was struck by floods and fires. The people then decided to enshrine the white stones, which is how Gongen Jinja Shrine came to be.
    AddressKumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Jakushu Ninja Dojo
    Ninja Dojo / Sword Dojo
    Shuriken throwing is available anytime! Reservations are required for ninja classes.
    Address16-36 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-68-8007 (Nino Sculpture Shop)
  • Nino Sculpture Shop
    Wood Carving
    The owner of this shop studied in the town of Inami in Toyama Prefecture, which has long been famous for intricate wood carving as its main trade. Woodworking classes and hands-on wood carving experiences are available.
    Address16-36 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-68-8007
  • Oiwa (Child-Protecting Rock)
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    Children often climb on this rock, but apparently, no child has ever been injured while playing here, which is why it is also known as komoriiwa (the child-protecting rock). In addition, the rock is said to have some relation to the nearby Gongen Jinja Shrine and its legend. In any case, this large rock on the roadside has been watching over the countless people passing by since long ago.
    AddressNear 20-32 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Chujobashi Bridge
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    Since long ago, this bridge has been an important structure providing passage between Kamincho and Nakancho areas for people and transported goods. In 1999, after Kumagawa-juku was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, the handrails on the bridge were replaced with wooden railings for a more atmospheric look. At night, the bridge is illuminated by lights installed beneath the handrails.
    AddressNear 39-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Former Residence of Henmi Kanbei
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    This property once belonged to Henmi Kanbei (1842–1909), the first mayor of Kumagawa. In addition to the main house, originally built in 1858, it contained a sake brewery, a garden, and a storehouse in the rear. The residence was designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Wakasa administration as a characteristic example of a post-town machiya townhouse. After restoration, it became a multipurpose facility with a café and lodgings, modeling how traditional buildings of Kumagawa-juku can be preserved and upgraded for future generations. The interior is open for viewing during café business hours.
    Address30-3-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone090-8807-9364
  • Kumagawa-juku Wakasa Art Museum
    Exhibition Facility
    A traditional house that used to be a bank and then a sake brewery has been renovated and opened as an art museum by the Wakasabi and B Net nonprofit organization. The museum displays artwork created by children and people with disabilities, as well as contemporary art, aiming to strengthen the Kumagawa-juku community and improve integration through art.
    Address39-5-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-64-1788 (Wakasa Monozukuri Bigakusha Educational Facility)
  • Kumagawa-juku Museum (Shukubakan)
    Scenic and Historic Locations / Exhibition Facility
    This Western-style building was constructed in 1940 as the Kumagawa Village Office by Ito Takenosuke, who was born in Kumagawa-juku and became the second president of the Itochu Corporation, one of Japan’s largest trading companies. It later housed an agricultural cooperative, but in 1997 became a museum that preserves and displays various documents and objects related to the history of Kumagawa-juku and the Saba Kaido network of trade routes.
    Address30-4-2 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-0330 (Kumagawa-juku Museum (Shukubakan)), 0770-45-9111 (Wakasa Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Department)
  • Kumagawa Kudzu Promotion Society
    Kudzu Production
    This small plant produces and sells Kumagawa kudzu starch, which has long been renowned for its excellent quality. The Confucian scholar Rai San’yo (1780–1832) highly praised it in one of his letters. Visitors can participate in the kanzarashi stage of extracting starch from kudzu roots (reservations required).
    Address30-6 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-0135 (Kumagawa Community Center, Kumagawa Kudzu Promotion Society)
  • Nagayamichi Road
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    This narrow alleyway once led to a single-story building called a nagaya (“longhouse”), which served as military barracks. It housed up to 16 ashigaru, low-ranking foot soldiers who reported to the town magistrate. The path to the barracks came to be known as the Nagayamichi, or “road to the nagaya”. The building itself no longer exists, but the alleyway retains its historic name.
    AddressNear 39-5-3 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Site of Kumagawa-juku Magistrate’s Office
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    This site was once occupied by an administrative compound where civil affairs related to governing the Kumagawa area and the Obama domain were handled. The first administrative buildings were constructed during the rule of Kyogoku Takatsugu (1563–1609), the first lord of the Obama domain, and under Sakai Tadakatsu (1587–1662) it became the magistrate’s office. The buildings were demolished in 1871, when the domain system was abolished by the Meiji government. At present, the site contains a traditional processing plant making starch from kudzu (Japanese arrowroot) and a small water-filled habitat for the rare Genji fireflies.
    Address30-6 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Kumagawa Biotope
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    In the back of the former site of Kumagawa-juku magistrate’s office is a habitat for the rare Genji fireflies, equipped with a waterwheel. In the summer, the fireflies can be seen dancing beautifully in the night. The firefly-viewing season is from around mid-June until the end of the month.
    Address30-6 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Entrance to the Site of Kumagawa Castle
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    Across a wooden bridge in the back of the former site of the Kumagawa-juku magistrate’s office, there is a gate that serves as the entrance to the site of Kumagawa Castle. The mountain trail passes Shiraishi Jinja Shrine and several viewing points before reaching the site where the main keep used to stand.
    Address30-6 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Kumagawa-juku Traditional Townscape
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    Take in a great view of the unique townscape of Kumagawa-juku: the traditional machiya townhouses with white and red walls and slatted windows, thick-walled storehouses, and the Maegawa channel running along the storefronts. The architecture of the buildings may differ slightly from one to the next, but the way they line the main street creates a sense of continuity in the townscape.
    AddressKumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Maegawa Channel
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    The Maegawa channel runs along the main street and through the entire town of Kumagawa-juku. The section flowing through the Kamincho area intakes water from the Amasu River in Shiga Prefecture, while the section that runs through the Nakancho and Shimoncho areas is fed by the Kouchi River. The picturesque channel served as an important water source in the past and remains an integral part of the traditional townscape of Kumagawa-juku.
    AddressKumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Kaido Shared Office Hishiya
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    This traditional machiya townhouse facing the Maegawa channel used to be a prosperous shipping and wholesale business, which is reflected in its size and imposing appearance. The two-story structure was renovated while preserving the original aesthetics and became a shared office that is renting out space to several businesses. It also serves as the reception for the Yao-Kumagawa traditional lodging facilities.
    Address30-6-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-1777
  • Kakujoji Temple
    Shrines and Temples
    This temple used to belong to the Shingon school of Buddhism, but it is said that after a visit from Rennyo (1415–1499), the leader of the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) school, Kakujoji was converted to Jodo Shinshu, similarly to Tokuhoji Temple. There is a large ginkgo tree on the grounds that is estimated to be about 300 years old.
    Address30-11 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Shiraishi Jinja Shrine
    Shrines and Temples
    This shrine is dedicated to guardian deities of Kumagawa: Hikohohodemi no Mikoto (a sea deity), Shirahige Myojin (a deity of guidance), various mountain deities, and the spirit of Sakai Tadakatsu (1587–1662), one of the lords of the Obama domain.
    Address30-9-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Site of Kumagawa Castle
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    The short mountain trail leading to the site of Kumagawa Castle can be reached from behind the Noh theater on the grounds of Shiraishi Jinja Shrine or from the former site of Kumagawa-juku magistrate’s office. The castle is said to have been built sometime in the sixteenth century, and its rulers were the Numata family. The hiking trail was renovated during 2019 and 2020 and has three viewing points on the way up to the former site of the main keep. The mountain’s height is 185 meters above sea level, and the route takes about 15 minutes one way.
    Address30-9-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Tokuhoji Temple
    Shrines and Temples
    Tokuhoji is a memorial temple of the Numata family, the lords of Kumagawa Castle, and originally belonged to the Tendai school of Buddhism. Rennyo (1415–1499), the leader of the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) school, spent some time in Tokuhoji in 1475, and the temple was later converted to Jodo Shinshu and now belongs to its Hongwanji branch. On the grounds are a bronze statue of Rennyo, the Numata family stone pagoda, and the site of a pine tree where Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616), the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, is said to have rested.
    Address33-26 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-0319
  • Okuramichi Road
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    This road was used to carry shipments of rice unloaded from boats on the bank of the Kita River to Obama domain’s storehouses that used to stand on the grounds of what is now Matsunoki Jinja Shrine. Because of this, the path came to be known as Okuramichi, or the “storehouse road”. The alleyway is quite atmospheric with the mossy stone wall, wooden fences, a small water channel, and various seasonal plants, such as hydrangeas, cosmos, and nandina (heavenly bamboo).
    AddressNear 38-30 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Takagen Henmi Gen’uemon Residence
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    There used to be many large machiya townhouses like Takagen in the Nakancho area, which served as residences for wealthy business owners or housed prosperous wholesale businesses. The building preserves such traditional architectural features as the white-plastered walls and slatted windows of the second floor. It is an example of a cultural heritage site reflecting the lifestyle and activities of the commoner class. Please note that the interior is not open to the public.
    Address38-30 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Matsunoki Jinja Shrine
    Shrines and Temples
    This shrine is dedicated to Matsunoki Shozaemon (1625–1652), a village leader who sacrificed his life for the farmers suffering from heavy taxation. He advocated for the revision of tax rates, breaking the law that forbade lower-class citizens from directly petitioning the government, and was executed at a young age of 28. Matsunoki became a local hero for his sacrifice, and taxes were eventually lowered. The shrine grounds are a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
    Address33-23-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Historic Residence of the Ogino Family
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    The Ogino family operated a business called Kuramiya at this location for generations. The main house is the oldest remaining traditional machiya townhouse in Kumagawa-juku. The property includes the main building that was used both as a residence and for commercial purposes, an adjacent baggage storehouse, and other structures. Architectural features such as the short wing walls under the eaves and the white plaster reflect the prosperity of the family’s business. The two koma-tsunagi metal rings attached to the front of the house were used to tie horses. The residence was nationally designated an Important Cultural Property in 2014. Please note that the interior is not open to the public.
    Address38-17 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Minna no Gallery
    Exhibition Facility
    The former Kumagawa Police Station building was renovated to complement the traditional townscape of Kumagawa-juku in 1983. The plan was developed by the architect Fukui Uyo, a professor at the University of Fukui and member of the Architectural Institute of Japan. In 2015, the interior was remodeled to serve as an art gallery. At present, the facility is used both as a gallery and a space to hold woodworking classes.
    Address38-4 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Magari (Bend in the Road)
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    The L-shaped bend in the road between the Shimoncho and Nakancho areas of Kumagawa-juku is referred to as the Magari (“the Bend”) by the residents. It is considered a remnant of military defenses from the time when a mountain castle overlooked the village. Similar constructs called masugata (literally “box shape”) were used in castle towns to impede the advance of potential attackers. In addition to defensive purposes, the Magari also served as a communal place for posting regional laws and orders.
    AddressNear 34-12 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Murata Museum
    Exhibition Facility
    This building was once the home of Murata Torakichi, the founder of Kikunoi, a restaurant with three Michelin stars established in Kyoto in 1912. With the assistance of Torakichi’s grandson Murata Yoshihiro, the third-generation owner of Kikunoi, the former residence was transformed into a facility dedicated to the food culture of Wakasa that flourished along the Saba Kaido trade routes used to transport seafood to the old capital of Kyoto.
    Address37-19 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-0330 (Kumagawa-juku Museum (Shukubakan))
  • Yoshichi Rest Area
    Rest Facility
    A rest facility with space for exhibitions and hands-on classes in Japanese-style tatami rooms. Other amenities include a break room and restrooms. The name of this facility was chosen by the residents of Kumagawa-juku as a tribute to a man called Yoshichi, who is considered a paragon of filial piety in the area.
    Address36-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-0330 (Kumagawa-juku Museum (Shukubakan)), 0770-45-9111 (Wakasa Tourism, Commerce, and Industry Department)
  • Nishiyama Inari Jinja Shrine
    Shrines and Temples
    On the mountain slope near the Shimoncho entrance to Kumagawa-juku you will find Nishiyama Inari Jinja Shrine. It was built sometime in mid-Edo Period (1603–1867) and is dedicated to Inari, a deity of agriculture and commerce. The spirit of Inari is said to have been brought directly from Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head Inari shrine located in Kyoto. Each autumn, Nishiyama Inari Shrine holds an ohitaki ritual where wooden sticks with people’s prayers written on them are burned in a sacred fire.
    AddressKumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Yoshichi Stone Monument
    Scenic and Historic Locations
    This stone monument near the Shimoncho entrance to Kumagawa-juku is a tribute to a man named Yoshichi, who is considered the epitome of filial piety in the area. Yoshichi lived in Kumagawa-juku with his wife approximately 300 years ago. Though the two were very poor, they never failed to provide food for their elderly parents. When the lord of the Obama domain heard about the couple’s respect and devotion to their parents, he praised their commitment and gifted them with rice to support the entire family.
    AddressKumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Kouchi River Dam
    Public Facility
    The Kouchi River Dam in the upper reaches of the Kouchi River was completed in June 2019. It is managed by the Fukui Prefecture. You can take in the expansive view of the Kouchi Reservoir and the body of the dam from the roof of the Kouchi River Dam Observation Post. Future development plans include a road around the reservoir, an observation deck, a mountain stream park, a flower-viewing area, and a picnic area.
    Address71-4-1 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-2081 (Kouchi River Dam Observation Post), 0770-56-0970 (Kouchi and Otsuro River Dam Management Office)
  • Coneru
    Rice Flour Bread Bakery
    Rice-flour bread made with home-grown Koshihikari rice*. We also offer a variety of menu items including rice-flour bread with local ingredients. Open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM〜,(Sales end when the bread is sold out.) *One of the most popular brands of rice that accounts for 1/3 of all rice grown in Japan.
    Address16-18 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-62-4030
  • Nino Sculpture Shop
    Wood Carving
    The owner of this shop studied in the town of Inami in Toyama Prefecture, which has long been famous for intricate wood carving as its main trade. Woodworking classes and hands-on wood carving experiences are available.
    Address16-36 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone0770-68-8007
  • Kumagawa-juku Parking Lot
    Parking Lot
    A parking lot in the Kamincho area. Until the early 1870s, this used to be the location of a sake store, which was later replaced by a sawmill and then a hospital.
    Parking capacity: 50 cars. Large vehicles are not allowed.
    Please do not park in front of fire hydrants.
    For those using the parking lot, please consider a donation to help fund the Townscape Preservation Association.
    Address22-33 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Kitahara Body Make Gym
    Fitness,relaxation,Gym
    When the body changes, the mind changes. When the mind changes, the life changes. “Kitahara Body Make Gym” is a Fitness Gym with personal support training! We cater to everyone from those who feel uncomfortable with exercise, beginners who have never been to the gym to advanced people, so please feel free to visit us!
    Address37-9 Kumagawa, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
    Phone090-3297-6654
  • Nishiguchi Parking Lot
    Parking Lot
    The parking lot is located at the western entrance to Kumagawa-juku. Above the parking lot, the rectangular post with a hipped tile roof and kanji characters for “Kumagawa-juku” on each side is one of the symbols of the historic post town, marking the entrance.
    Parking capacity: 16 cars, 2 buses
    Parking fee: Free
    Address54-6-1 Shindo, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture
  • Shimoncho Parking Lot
    Parking Lot
    Located opposite Nishiguchi Parking Lot
    Parking capacity: 36 cars, 3 buses, 2 accessible spaces
    Parking fee: Free
    Address54-1 Shindo, Wakasa-cho, Mikata Kaminaka-gun, Fukui Prefecture