Shikibu Station Opens in Echizen
The new station offers improved access to popular landmarks.
Cover photo: Local officials and press attend the opening ceremony for Hapi-Line Fukui Shikibu Station, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan (2026). Photo by Danny With Love.
ECHIZEN CITY — Shikibu Station opened Saturday, March 14th. The new Hapi-Line Fukui stop offers improved access to popular landmarks Murasaki Shikibu Park and the Murasaki Shikibu Museum of Echizen, shortening the walk to under 15 minutes.
Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部) wrote The Tale of Genji (源氏物語), often called the world’s first novel. She lived in Echizen for about a year beginning in 996, accompanying her father, Fujiwara Tametoki (藤原為時), during his time as the appointed governor of Echizen Province. Shikibu is enjoying renewed interest thanks to the recent NHK Taiga drama series Dear Radiance (光る君へ).
Murasaki Shikibu Park opened in 1983 and was designed by renowned landscape architect Osamu Mori (森蘊). The park features a Heian-style fishing hall and a statue of the author by award-winning sculptor Katsuzo Entsuba (圓鍔勝三). Flowers bloom throughout the year, including a large wisteria terrace.
Located next to the park, the museum introduces the writer’s life and legacy. It was renovated in 2021 and offers excellent English guidance. Admission to both the park and museum is free.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the station was held in the morning, attended by newly-elected Fukui Governor Takato Ishida (石田 嵩人) — the youngest governor in Japan. A brass band performance by local students followed.
Shikibu Station is the first new stop built since Hapi-Line Fukui assumed operations in 2024. About 570 passengers are expected to use the station daily.
