Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters
松代象山地下壕
Secret underground tunnels Japan dug at the end of World War II to relocate its command headquarters. About 500 metres are open for free visits.
From 1944 to 1945, the Japanese military secretly dug more than 10 km of underground tunnels in mountains such as Mount Zōzan in Matsushiro, preparing for a “decisive battle on the home islands.” The plan was to move the Imperial General Headquarters, the Emperor's residence and government offices there, and large numbers of forcibly conscripted Korean laborers took part in the construction. About 500 metres of the Zōzan Underground Tunnels are open today. Visitors must wear hard hats, and can see chisel marks. Near the entrance is a memorial to the Korean victims. Admission is free. The site is closed on Tuesdays, according to the official website. From the Matsushiro Station bus stop, it is about a 20-minute walk, and it can be visited together with the Matsushiro castle town.
Opening hours
9:00 am–4:00 pm (last entry 3:30 pm; closed Tue)
Nearby sights
- Matsushiro Castle & Sanada Treasure Museum
- Kawanakajima Battlefield (Hachimanbara Park)
- Obasute Rice Terraces
- Nagano Prefectural Art Museum
- Zenkō-ji
- Ueda Castle Ruins Park
- Obuse & Hokusai-kan
- Bessho Onsen & Anraku-ji