Old Amagi Tunnel
旧天城トンネル（天城山隧道）
A stone-built tunnel completed in 1905, Japan's first road tunnel designated an Important Cultural Property and the setting of “The Izu Dancer.”
The Old Amagi Tunnel, officially the Amagi Mountain Tunnel, was completed in 1905. Its length is about 446 meters, and it is built entirely of dressed stone. It is the longest surviving stone road tunnel in Japan, and in 2001 it became the first road tunnel to be designated an Important Cultural Property of the nation. Yasunari Kawabata's “The Izu Dancer” and Seicho Matsumoto's “Amagi Pass” are both set here. The tunnel sits on the Amagi ridge at an elevation of about 700 meters. It is part of the forest trail known as the Odoriko Trail and can be crossed on foot or by car. The interior is dim, so watch for oncoming vehicles. Admission is free. It is about a 25-minute walk from the Mizunashi-chika bus stop.
Opening hours
Open all day (watch for icy roads in winter)
Nearby sights
- Kawazu Seven Waterfalls
- Joren Falls
- Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue
- Shuzenji Onsen
- Shirahama Ohama Beach
- Mount Nesugata & Shimoda Ropeway
- Perry Road & Ryosenji Temple, Shimoda
- Dogashima & Tensodo Cave