Panduan
Teremaga Tunnel (Old Amagi Tunnel) is a historic stone-built road tunnel located at the foot of the Amagi Pass in the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture. Completed in 1905 (Meiji 38), it is renowned as the longest existing stone-built road tunnel in Japan. Due to its immense architectural value, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2001—the first road tunnel to receive such an honor. Once a vital transportation route connecting Izu City and Kawazu Town, it has now been preserved as a scenic landmark where visitors can feel the weight of history and profound silence.
This tunnel is a precious relic that showcases the advanced civil engineering techniques of the Meiji era. It was built to overcome the rugged terrain of the Amagi Mountains, which once separated the north and south of the Izu Peninsula. The construction utilized high-quality 'cut stone' for the arches and walls, including stone from the former Ohito Town. Its robust structure has endured for over a century. In 1916, the introduction of bus services through the tunnel significantly contributed to regional development. Although its role as a main road ended with the opening of the New Amagi Tunnel in 1970, it remains a cherished site, even being selected as one of 'Japan's 100 Best Roads' for its cultural significance.
The greatest attraction is the heavy, majestic stone structure inside the tunnel. The precision of the cut-stone arches demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship from that era. Additionally, the interior is illuminated by sodium lamps designed to mimic vintage gas lamps, casting a warm, nostalgic glow on the stone walls. This lighting creates a mystical atmosphere that is quite different from the daytime. The tunnel is approximately 445.5 meters long and 3.5 meters wide (about 4.1 meters including the drainage), offering a sensation of traveling back in time as you walk through it.
The Teremaga Tunnel is open 24 hours a day, allowing for visits at any time. We highly recommend visiting during twilight or evening hours. When the gas-lamp-style lights turn on, the stone walls are beautifully illuminated, creating a truly magical landscape. While you can enjoy the scenery around the tunnel entrance which changes with the seasons, please be aware that the interior temperature is influenced by the outside environment—it tends to be cool in summer and quite chilly in winter. Please prepare accordingly.
The main experience here is a quiet stroll while observing historical architectural beauty. Parts of the floor are not perfectly paved, maintaining a natural, historical texture that makes you feel the passage of time. For photography enthusiasts, the contrast between the warm light and the textured stone walls provides a stunning subject. It is also a popular part of local hiking routes, offering a luxurious way to experience history amidst nature.
The tunnel is located on a major route for Izu sightseeing. The surrounding area features hiking trails and sites related to the history of crossing the Amagi mountains. Additionally, the hot spring (onsen) areas of Izu City and Kawazu Town are relatively close, making it easy to plan a trip that combines historical exploration with a relaxing soak in an onsen. We recommend checking the locations of nearby parking lots and public restrooms before your visit.
Since the lighting inside the tunnel is limited and the stone structure can result in uneven or slippery surfaces, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. While the tunnel stays cool in summer, it can get very cold in winter, so bring warm clothing. There is no entrance fee, but please check parking information in advance. For photography, please follow basic etiquette and ensure you do not obstruct the path of other visitors.