About
Discontinued in 1986, the Fukuchiyama Railway Trail still shows remnants of its vibrant past. Once a bustling railway line, it has transformed into a long, scenic trail featuring beautiful views and walkable train tunnels that can span almost up to 1 km! It's truly a hidden gem for nature lovers, but hike at your own risk!
Key Info
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Cost
Free! Enjoy stunning scenic views and explore a piece of Japan's past without spending a single dollar.
Accessibility
As it’s abandoned, the start of the railway trail is quite far and only accessible by foot (unless you have a car). Start at Namaze Station on the Takarazuka Line and follow Google Maps to the trailhead I have pinned in the Google Maps above. From the trailhead is around a one and a half hour hike to the end point. The end of the trail is quite close to a train station called Takedao. Overall, getting to the start of the hike may be difficult but once you find it it's quite an easy hike from there!
Start: Namaze Station → End: Takedao Station
Uniqueness
What I love about Fukuchiyama is how hidden it is, many locals are also unaware of its existence! It's captivating to think about the railroad that once ran through this area, and as you hike the trail, you can still see remnants of the old tracks in the tunnels and throughout the trail. The rich history adds a unique charm to this place, making it unlike any other hike in Kansai.
My Experience
After discovering the abandoned trail through a local Instagram post, I was captivated by its beautiful tunnels and rich history. However, the local post didn’t explain the route that I could take, so I reached out to a friend living in Kobe, and he kindly agreed to take me there and join me on the hike!
Finding the trailhead can be tricky. From Osaka, I took a train to Takarazuka Station, a charming town worth exploring. From Takarazuka, we transferred to the Takarazuka Line and took the train to Namaze Station.
From the Station, after a short walk of about 20 minutes towards the trailhead, we finally located the starting point. As mentioned, you can use the Google Map attached as a reference! The route to the trailhead can feel daunting, as it seems to lead nowhere, but trust the maps, and you'll find your way! There are only a few signs along the trail, but you’ll see a couple confirming you’ve been going in the right direction.
Hiking the trail is a stunning experience! It follows the beautiful Muko River, providing lots of opportunities for amazing photos. The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly the tunnels. Most of them are quite long and unlit, so be sure to bring flashlights or headlamps if you think you’ll need them. Hike at your own risk! The tunnels seem endless, and in the tunnel at times it’s a relief to finally see light shining through at the end. If you're not fond of darkness, this hike might not be for you. (Also, be aware that bats might be present!)
After traversing beautiful foliage and the long train tunnels, we eventually reached the end near Takedao Station. There’s a small restaurant (called 畑熊商店) at the hike's conclusion, which was a delightful discovery. They have some exotic meats which you can try, such as deer and wild boar. I opted for the boar and it tastes quite interesting! They have some other classic Japanese dishes as well if you aren't the adventurous type.
Overall, it's a hike with a stunning history and great views. If your looking for some adventurous things to do in Kansai, maybe this is the place for you!
