Old Amagi Tunnel

Old Amagi Tunnel

SCENIC WALK

Old Amagi Tunnel is the oldest and also longest completely stone-built tunnel in Japan. It was completed in 1905 to connect Izu with Kawazu and runs 800m long. It was designated as a cultural asset in 2001 and features in Yasunari Kawabata’s novel, “Izu no Odoriko” and Seicho Matsumoto’s novel, “Amagi Goe”. It is also thought to be haunted!

There is a small area where you can park to take some pictures, as well as plenty of hiking trails for anyone adventurous.

Review

If you have a bit of free time and are in the area then I recommend you visit the Old Amagi Tunnel. There isn’t too much to see, however it’s an important historical asset in Japan. The tunnel itself has become obsolete as the new tunnel was completed in 1970, so it’s easy to get between Izu and Kawazu without bypassing the old tunnel.

I haven’t tried the hiking trails but if you’re a hiker then I definitely recommend following the well-signposted paths. Otherwise I wouldn’t recommend coming out purely for this.

ADDRESS

Old Amagi Tunnel,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0501

Phone number unavailable
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp/form1.html?pid=2481 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Old Amagi Tunnel is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Kawazu (河津駅) and get off at Suiseichishita. You’ll then have to walk uphill to the tunnel.