Ōhikage Tunnel: A Journey Through Time
Step back in time at Ōhikage Tunnel: A historic railway tunnel turned scenic promenade in Koshu, Yamanashi.
Ōhikage Tunnel, located in Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a preserved railway tunnel that has been repurposed as a scenic promenade. Constructed in 1903 as part of the Chūō Main Line, the tunnel stretches 1.3 kilometers. It provided a vital transportation link until 1997 when it was replaced by the Shin-Ōhikage Tunnel. After its closure, the tunnel was renovated between 2005 and 2007 and opened to the public as a tourist attraction. Today, visitors can walk through the tunnel, admiring the original brickwork and experiencing the cool atmosphere. The tunnel maintains a consistent temperature of 10-17 degrees Celsius year-round, providing a refreshing escape, especially during the hot summer months. The Ōhikage Tunnel is recognized as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization, highlighting its significance in Japan's industrial history. The tunnel offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering of the Meiji era while enjoying a leisurely walk.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on paved surfaces, as the tunnel is a 1.3 km long.
- Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and have a more serene experience.
- Bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the tunnel remains cool year-round.
A brief summary to Ōhikage Tunnel
- 3677 Katsunumacho Hishiyama, Koshu, Katsunumacho Hishiyama, Yamanashi, 409-1302, JP
- +81553-20-4610
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From Katsunuma-budōkyō Station, the Ōhikage Tunnel is approximately a 5-minute walk. Follow the signs towards the tunnel, passing through a park. The north entrance is near the station, while the south entrance is close to the Katsunuma Tunnel Wine Cave.
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Public Transport
Take the JR Chuo Line to Katsunuma-budōkyō Station. From the station, it is a short walk to the tunnel entrance. Consider using the Katsunuma round trip bus during the high season to explore other wineries in the area.
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Taxi
Taxis are available at Katsunuma-budōkyō Station. A short taxi ride to the Ōhikage Tunnel will cost approximately 730 JPY for the first 1.8km, with additional fees for longer distances. Alternatively, a daytrip taxi from Tokyo to Katsunuma wineries costs around 67,200 JPY for 4 hours.
