道の駅 一乗谷あさくら水の駅
Roadside Station Ichijōdani Asakura Mizu-no-Eki
I stopped at Ichijodani Restaurant for lunch before heading out of the valley to the road station. I wanted to try another famous Fukui dish, Echizen oroshi soba. I had heard that these buckwheat noodles were topped with a generous dollop of spicy grated daikon radish.
To my surprise, when my order arrived, I couldn’t see any radish at all. There were only bonito flakes and green onions on top. The noodles tasted good, but once again I left feeling disappointed, as if I hadn’t tried the real thing. I’m used to dipping the noodles into the soup (tsuyu), but here the soup is poured directly over the noodles.
To my surprise, when my order arrived, I couldn’t see any radish at all. There were only bonito flakes and green onions on top. The noodles tasted good, but once again I left feeling disappointed, as if I hadn’t tried the real thing. I’m used to dipping the noodles into the soup (tsuyu), but here the soup is poured directly over the noodles.
谷を後にして道の駅へ向かう前に、一乗谷レストランで昼食をとりました。福井の名物のひとつ、「越前おろしそば」を食べてみたかったからです。ピリッと辛い大根おろしがたっぷりのったそばだと聞いていました。
ところが、運ばれてきたそばを見て驚きました。大根おろしが見当たらず、上にのっていたのは鰹節とねぎだけでした。そば自体は美味しかったのですが、どこか本場のものを食べられなかったような、少し残念な気持ちで店を後にしました。
私はそばをつゆにつけて食べるスタイルに慣れていますが、ここではつゆをそばに直接かける食べ方でした。
ところが、運ばれてきたそばを見て驚きました。大根おろしが見当たらず、上にのっていたのは鰹節とねぎだけでした。そば自体は美味しかったのですが、どこか本場のものを食べられなかったような、少し残念な気持ちで店を後にしました。
私はそばをつゆにつけて食べるスタイルに慣れていますが、ここではつゆをそばに直接かける食べ方でした。
This uniquely designed weir is the modern Asuwa River Headworks (Ashiwagawa Tōshukō). It regulates water flow for the surrounding farmland. The upstream pool was a beautiful color, reflecting the mountains and the weir itself, which made it especially photogenic. The sign below explains its history.
この特徴的なデザインの堰は、現在の足羽川頭首工です。周辺の農地へ水を供給・調整する役割を担っています。上流側の水面は山々や堰を映し出し、美しい色合いでとても写真映えしていました。下の案内板では、その歴史が紹介されています。
(English Translation of the sign above)
Pillars of the Former Asuwa River Headworks Weir
The history of the Asuwa River headworks dates back to the Genroku era, when Toda Yajibei Hidefusa, the irrigation magistrate of the Fukui Domain, constructed a wooden sunken-bed weir (commonly known as the Gohon-jō) at the intake of the Tokumitsu Irrigation Canal between 1692 and 1698. This structure became the origin of the present weir.
Over the years, the weir suffered repeated damage from major floods and underwent numerous large-scale repairs. However, in June 1948, the Great Fukui Earthquake caused catastrophic destruction to the weir and related irrigation facilities. Despite the enormous effort and expense invested in restoration, disputes over water use continued.
To address these problems, the Asuwa River Headworks was newly constructed in 1963 as part of the Fukui Prefectural Asuwa River Irrigation and Drainage Project.
For the 46 years that followed, the facility supplied water to 3,078 hectares of rice paddies (as of 1963), supporting agricultural development while also providing a stable supply of agricultural and domestic water for the local community. It has long been a familiar and valued presence for area residents.
Here, a portion of the weir pillars from the former Asuwa River Headworks, which once stood as a symbol of local history and agriculture, has been preserved.
Pillars of the Former Asuwa River Headworks Weir
The history of the Asuwa River headworks dates back to the Genroku era, when Toda Yajibei Hidefusa, the irrigation magistrate of the Fukui Domain, constructed a wooden sunken-bed weir (commonly known as the Gohon-jō) at the intake of the Tokumitsu Irrigation Canal between 1692 and 1698. This structure became the origin of the present weir.
Over the years, the weir suffered repeated damage from major floods and underwent numerous large-scale repairs. However, in June 1948, the Great Fukui Earthquake caused catastrophic destruction to the weir and related irrigation facilities. Despite the enormous effort and expense invested in restoration, disputes over water use continued.
To address these problems, the Asuwa River Headworks was newly constructed in 1963 as part of the Fukui Prefectural Asuwa River Irrigation and Drainage Project.
For the 46 years that followed, the facility supplied water to 3,078 hectares of rice paddies (as of 1963), supporting agricultural development while also providing a stable supply of agricultural and domestic water for the local community. It has long been a familiar and valued presence for area residents.
Here, a portion of the weir pillars from the former Asuwa River Headworks, which once stood as a symbol of local history and agriculture, has been preserved.
Ashiwa River Irrigation System (World Heritage of Irrigation)
The map shown here illustrates the Ashiwa River Irrigation System, a network of canals that takes water from the Ashiwa River weir in southeastern Fukui City and delivers it across a wide farming area. This system irrigates around 2,000 hectares of farmland through seven main canals, with a total length of about 74 kilometers.
The Ashiwa River Irrigation System is not only important for agriculture, but also highly valued as a community water resource. In recognition of its historical and technical significance, it was selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Irrigation Canals” and later registered as a World Heritage of Irrigation by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).
Its origins date back to the Edo period. In 1688, a wooden-sunk weir and major improvements to the main canal made it possible to expand rice cultivation and greatly increase the irrigated area. Remarkably, many of the system’s basic design standards have remained unchanged for more than 300 years, showing the high level of engineering skill at the time.
Even today, the canals are maintained by local residents and used not only for farming, but also for environmental education, landscape preservation, and community activities. These ongoing efforts highlight how this historic irrigation system continues to support both daily life and local culture in the region.
The map shown here illustrates the Ashiwa River Irrigation System, a network of canals that takes water from the Ashiwa River weir in southeastern Fukui City and delivers it across a wide farming area. This system irrigates around 2,000 hectares of farmland through seven main canals, with a total length of about 74 kilometers.
The Ashiwa River Irrigation System is not only important for agriculture, but also highly valued as a community water resource. In recognition of its historical and technical significance, it was selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Irrigation Canals” and later registered as a World Heritage of Irrigation by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).
Its origins date back to the Edo period. In 1688, a wooden-sunk weir and major improvements to the main canal made it possible to expand rice cultivation and greatly increase the irrigated area. Remarkably, many of the system’s basic design standards have remained unchanged for more than 300 years, showing the high level of engineering skill at the time.
Even today, the canals are maintained by local residents and used not only for farming, but also for environmental education, landscape preservation, and community activities. These ongoing efforts highlight how this historic irrigation system continues to support both daily life and local culture in the region.
足羽川用水（世界かんがい施設遺産）
この地図は、福井市南東部にある足羽川頭首工から取水し、広大な農地へ水を供給する「足羽川用水」の位置と流れを示したものです。足羽川用水は、約2,000ヘクタールの農地をかんがいする用水路の総称で、7つの用水、総延長約73.7kmから構成されています。
足羽川用水は農業用水としてだけでなく、地域用水としても高く評価されており、平成18年には「疏水百選」に選定され、第8回日本水大賞も受賞しています。さらに、その歴史的・技術的価値が認められ、国際かんがい排水委員会（ICID）により「世界かんがい施設遺産」に登録されました。
その起源は江戸時代にさかのぼります。1688年には、木工沈床による堰堤の建設と幹線水路の大改修が行われ、水稲栽培の拡大と、かんがい面積の大幅な増加が実現しました。また、「合口」のための堰堤構造や分水地点の「定石」など、当時としては先進的な技術が用いられ、用水の基本的な基準が300年以上にわたり受け継がれている点も特筆されます。
現在も、地域住民による補修・改修・維持管理が続けられ、景観保全やビオトープ整備、環境学習など、地域用水として幅広く活用されています。こうした取り組みは、地域の活性化や住民同士の交流にも大きく貢献しています。
この地図は、福井市南東部にある足羽川頭首工から取水し、広大な農地へ水を供給する「足羽川用水」の位置と流れを示したものです。足羽川用水は、約2,000ヘクタールの農地をかんがいする用水路の総称で、7つの用水、総延長約73.7kmから構成されています。
足羽川用水は農業用水としてだけでなく、地域用水としても高く評価されており、平成18年には「疏水百選」に選定され、第8回日本水大賞も受賞しています。さらに、その歴史的・技術的価値が認められ、国際かんがい排水委員会（ICID）により「世界かんがい施設遺産」に登録されました。
その起源は江戸時代にさかのぼります。1688年には、木工沈床による堰堤の建設と幹線水路の大改修が行われ、水稲栽培の拡大と、かんがい面積の大幅な増加が実現しました。また、「合口」のための堰堤構造や分水地点の「定石」など、当時としては先進的な技術が用いられ、用水の基本的な基準が300年以上にわたり受け継がれている点も特筆されます。
現在も、地域住民による補修・改修・維持管理が続けられ、景観保全やビオトープ整備、環境学習など、地域用水として幅広く活用されています。こうした取り組みは、地域の活性化や住民同士の交流にも大きく貢献しています。
A triple water wheel setup. If you go into the milling hut, you can push a button that starts the mill. You can then see how the grinding stones and pounding mortar work. This can be seen in the video below, following the explanation of the water wheels.
三連水車の設備です。粉ひき小屋に入ると、ボタンを押して製粉装置を動かすことができます。すると、ひき臼やつき臼がどのように動くのかを見ることができます。その様子は、水車の説明の下にある動画で確認できます。
Triple Water Wheels
The triple water wheels lift water from a lower level to a higher one using both water power and electricity, drawing water from the Asuwa River Headworks, a facility on the Asuwa River that diverts water to nearby rice paddies.
The lifted water is used to support the biotope ecosystem and hands-on farming areas.
Three connected water wheels, each measuring 3.6 to 4.4 meters in diameter, rotate in sequence, scooping up water as they turn to supply water to the park’s waterways throughout the year.
In addition, the milling hut is equipped with grinding stones and a pounding mortar, allowing rice, buckwheat, and other grains to be processed using the power of the water wheels.
The triple water wheels lift water from a lower level to a higher one using both water power and electricity, drawing water from the Asuwa River Headworks, a facility on the Asuwa River that diverts water to nearby rice paddies.
The lifted water is used to support the biotope ecosystem and hands-on farming areas.
Three connected water wheels, each measuring 3.6 to 4.4 meters in diameter, rotate in sequence, scooping up water as they turn to supply water to the park’s waterways throughout the year.
In addition, the milling hut is equipped with grinding stones and a pounding mortar, allowing rice, buckwheat, and other grains to be processed using the power of the water wheels.
How Hydroelectric Power Generates Electricity
Hydroelectric power generates electricity by using the force of water flowing from a higher level to a lower level to turn a water wheel. The rotating water wheel drives a connected generator, which produces electricity.
At Ichijodani Asakura Mizu-no-Eki, electricity is generated by Water Wheel C, which can be seen through the window on the left. First, Water Wheels A and B scoop up water from the Asuwa River irrigation channel (Figure 1). The lifted water then flows downward, and its force turns Water Wheel C (Figure 2). The rotation of the water wheel drives a generator (Figure 3), producing electricity.
In addition, the rotational power of the water wheel can be used to operate millstones and grind grain.
Hydropower, along with wind, solar, and geothermal energy, is known as a renewable energy source. Because it does not emit carbon dioxide, a major cause of global warming, it is expected to play an important role as an environmentally friendly, clean energy source.
Hydroelectric power generates electricity by using the force of water flowing from a higher level to a lower level to turn a water wheel. The rotating water wheel drives a connected generator, which produces electricity.
At Ichijodani Asakura Mizu-no-Eki, electricity is generated by Water Wheel C, which can be seen through the window on the left. First, Water Wheels A and B scoop up water from the Asuwa River irrigation channel (Figure 1). The lifted water then flows downward, and its force turns Water Wheel C (Figure 2). The rotation of the water wheel drives a generator (Figure 3), producing electricity.
In addition, the rotational power of the water wheel can be used to operate millstones and grind grain.
Hydropower, along with wind, solar, and geothermal energy, is known as a renewable energy source. Because it does not emit carbon dioxide, a major cause of global warming, it is expected to play an important role as an environmentally friendly, clean energy source.
This is the biotope area at Roadside Station Ichijōdani Asakura Mizu-no-Eki.
道の駅 一乗谷あさくら水の駅のビオトープエリアです。
道の駅 一乗谷あさくら水の駅のビオトープエリアです。
Biotope
A biotope is a place where living things (bio) live naturally (tope). It refers to an environment where a wide variety of plants and animals live without being fed by people.
Familiar examples of biotopes include grassy areas, forests, ponds, rivers, and rice paddies.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the living things around us.
A biotope is a place where living things (bio) live naturally (tope). It refers to an environment where a wide variety of plants and animals live without being fed by people.
Familiar examples of biotopes include grassy areas, forests, ponds, rivers, and rice paddies.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the living things around us.
The Lifecycle of Genji Fireflies.
Four Biotope Conditions Fireflies Need to Survive
1. Moss must be present where eggs are laid.
2. There must be soil where pupae can build their earthen cocoons.
3. There must be places to rest (trees and grasses) and varied waterways.
4. There must be aquatic plants that support kawanina snails, the firefly larvae’s food source.
- When they become adults, male Genji fireflies fly around near rivers, find a female, and mate. After that, the female lays her eggs.
- The eggs are laid on moss and similar plants along the riverbank.
- The larvae live in the river, in areas where the water flows gently and the riverbed is covered with small stones and gravel.
- When it is time to become a pupa, the larva leaves the river and moves onto land. It digs into the soil and makes a small chamber. This chamber is called an earthen cocoon.
Four Biotope Conditions Fireflies Need to Survive
1. Moss must be present where eggs are laid.
2. There must be soil where pupae can build their earthen cocoons.
3. There must be places to rest (trees and grasses) and varied waterways.
4. There must be aquatic plants that support kawanina snails, the firefly larvae’s food source.
In the satellite photo above, you can clearly see how the Ichijodani valley is surrounded by mountains, creating a natural fortress.
上空からの衛星写真を見ると、一乗谷が周囲を山々に囲まれ、天然の要害となっている様子がよく分かります。
上空からの衛星写真を見ると、一乗谷が周囲を山々に囲まれ、天然の要害となっている様子がよく分かります。
And that brought a very enjoyable weekend in Fukui Prefecture to an end. From Ichijōdani Asakura Mizu-no-Eki, I headed for the highway and the drive back home. My impression of Fukui changed — there is far more to see and do than I had expected.
If you’re interested, check out the “What if” short story I wrote about Ichijodani in Chapter 11. Chapter 12 also explores some interesting points about kamado and irori.
If you’re interested, check out the “What if” short story I wrote about Ichijodani in Chapter 11. Chapter 12 also explores some interesting points about kamado and irori.
こうして、福井県でのとても充実した週末が終わりました。一乗谷朝倉 水の駅を後にし、高速道路に乗って家路につきました。福井に対する印象も大きく変わり、思っていた以上に見どころや楽しみが多い場所だと感じました。
第11章では、一乗谷を題材にした「もしも」の物語を掲載しています。また、第12章では、かまどや囲炉裏についての興味深い内容も紹介しています。
第11章では、一乗谷を題材にした「もしも」の物語を掲載しています。また、第12章では、かまどや囲炉裏についての興味深い内容も紹介しています。
福井県の旅：2025年11月15日・16日
10. 嶺北・奥越の冒険「一乗谷あさくら水の駅編」 Exploring Reihoku & Okuetsu 「 Ichijōdani Asakura Mizu-no-Eki」
12. 「竈と囲炉裏」歴史・作法・神々 「Kamado vs Irori」 History, Etiquette, Gods
ワンポイント英語
One Point English ー“along with” の使い方
意味
along with は
「〜と一緒に」「〜と並んで」「〜に加えて」
という意味で使われます。
特に、主語に何かを追加するときによく使われます。
※ 文の中心（主語）は along with の前 にあります。
基本の形
A, along with B, + 動詞
→ 動詞は A に合わせる のがポイントです。
例文
Hydropower, along with wind, solar, and geothermal energy, is known as a renewable energy source.
水力発電は、風力・太陽光・地熱と並んで、再生可能エネルギーとして知られています。
Fukui, along with neighboring prefectures, is known for its natural scenery.
福井は、周辺の県と並んで、自然の美しさで知られています。
This facility, along with its biotope, attracts many visitors.
この施設は、ビオトープとともに、多くの来訪者を集めています。
The new system, along with older facilities, supports local agriculture.
新しい設備は、既存の施設とともに、地域の農業を支えています。
よくある注意点
× Hydropower, along with wind and solar, are known …
○ Hydropower, along with wind and solar, is known …
→ along with の後ろは主語にならない ので、動詞は前の名詞に合わせます。
意味
along with は
「〜と一緒に」「〜と並んで」「〜に加えて」
という意味で使われます。
特に、主語に何かを追加するときによく使われます。
※ 文の中心（主語）は along with の前 にあります。
基本の形
A, along with B, + 動詞
→ 動詞は A に合わせる のがポイントです。
例文
Hydropower, along with wind, solar, and geothermal energy, is known as a renewable energy source.
水力発電は、風力・太陽光・地熱と並んで、再生可能エネルギーとして知られています。
Fukui, along with neighboring prefectures, is known for its natural scenery.
福井は、周辺の県と並んで、自然の美しさで知られています。
This facility, along with its biotope, attracts many visitors.
この施設は、ビオトープとともに、多くの来訪者を集めています。
The new system, along with older facilities, supports local agriculture.
新しい設備は、既存の施設とともに、地域の農業を支えています。
よくある注意点
× Hydropower, along with wind and solar, are known …
○ Hydropower, along with wind and solar, is known …
→ along with の後ろは主語にならない ので、動詞は前の名詞に合わせます。
Discussion Questions
- How often do you stop at roadside stations when you travel in Japan?
- What makes a roadside station worth stopping at?
- Do you think roadside stations are more for locals or tourists? Why?
- How are Japanese roadside stations different from rest areas in other countries?
- Would you plan a trip around roadside stations? Why or why not?
- Have you noticed changes in rivers or wildlife since you were a child?
- What small actions can people take to protect local ecosystems?
- Do you think children today have enough chances to experience nature?
- Have you ever seen fireflies in real life? Where was it?
- Why do you think fireflies are special to many Japanese people?
- What conditions do you think are necessary for fireflies to survive?
- Do you think fireflies could disappear in the future? Why or why not?
- What do you like about old technology such as water wheels?
- Would you support small renewable energy projects in rural areas?
- Do you trust traditional methods or modern technology more? Why?
- Do you usually try local food when you visit roadside stations?
- Have you ever felt disappointed after trying a famous local dish?
- How important is food when choosing a travel destination?
- What kinds of places do you like to take photos of when you travel?
- What makes a place “photogenic” in your opinion?
- Do you think social media influences where people travel? How?
- Are there places that are beautiful but difficult to photograph?
- How does being near water affect your mood?
- If you designed your own roadside station, what would it include?
- What makes a trip memorable even if nothing special happens?
- Where would you like to stop next if you were traveling through Fukui?
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