Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I would like to introduce my bike touring trip from central Tokyo to the former Amagi Tunnel in Shizuoka Prefecture. The Old Amagi Tunnel is an abandoned tunnel located at the foot of Mt. Amagi in the center of the Izu Peninsula, and is a historic building constructed in the early Showa period. This tunnel was once part of National Route 414, but is now closed to traffic, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic scenery surrounded by nature. I drove for about 4 hours to this tunnel on my beloved Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide. I will tell you about the situation along with photos.
The former Amagi Tunnel is a tunnel with a total length of 450 meters that opened in 1934 (Showa 9). At that time, it was the only road that crossed the Izu Peninsula and was an important transportation route.
However, with the opening of the new Amagi Tunnel in 1974, the old Amagi Tunnel was abolished. After that, the former Amagi Tunnel was left to nature, becoming a mysterious space overgrown with plants, moss, and filled with the sound of falling water and the sound of the wind.
Additionally, lighting fixtures and rails from the early Showa era remain inside the tunnel, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the time. The Old Amagi Tunnel has become a popular spot for abandoned road enthusiasts and photographers, and in recent years it has also become a popular spot for Instagram photos.
Route to the old Amagi tunnel
I rode my bike from central Tokyo to the old Amagi Tunnel. The route used at that time was from the Shuto Expressway’s Inner Circular Route, via the Tomei Expressway and Shin-Tomei Expressway, to the Izu Jukan Expressway, through general roads such as the Izu Chuo Expressway and National Route 136, and then to National Route 414. I arrived at my destination.
On this route, I covered a distance of about 200 kilometers in about 4 hours, but the feeling of driving on an expressway and a local road is very different.
Naturally, I was able to drive fast and comfortably on the expressway, but on the other hand, on the local road, which had many curves and hills, I was able to feel the comfort of the wind.
In particular, National Route 414 is a road where you can feel the natural scenery as it runs at the foot of Mt. Amagi. The old national highway has dirt roads, so please drive with care. Riding a motorcycle in the rain is dangerous and is not recommended. Also, please be careful as you may pass oncoming vehicles on the road.
The Old Amagi Tunnel has historical value as Japan’s oldest tunnel. Inside the tunnel, there are exhibits about people’s lives in the past and construction work. A trip to the Old Amagi Tunnel offers both the fun of riding a bike and the opportunity to learn about history.
Highlights of the former Amagi Tunnel
The highlight of the former Amagi Tunnel is the inside of the tunnel. The inside of the tunnel is dark and humid, and you can hear the sound of water dripping and the sound of the wind.
Inside the tunnel, lighting fixtures and rails from the early Showa era remain, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the time. In addition, the inside of the tunnel is lush with plants, trees, moss, and you can enjoy a mysterious scenery that mixes nature and man-made structures.
The inside of the tunnel is also a popular place for Instagram photos, but please do not use flash or tripods when taking photos. Also, traffic is prohibited inside the tunnel, so please be careful when entering. The inside of the tunnel is a dangerous place, so please act at your own risk.
There is no dedicated motorcycle parking lot in the former Amagi Tunnel.
However, there is a space near the tunnel entrance where you can park your bike on the roadside. This space is used by people visiting the former Amagi Tunnel, so you can use it if there is space. However, this space is not an official parking lot, so please be careful not to disturb other cars or motorcycles when using it. Also, be sure to lock your bike after you park it. Although the former Amagi Tunnel is a popular spot, there have been many reports of theft and mischief. To ensure the safety of your motorcycle, please be careful when choosing and managing your parking lot.
Summary
This time, I introduced my motorcycle touring trip from central Tokyo to the former Amagi Tunnel in Shizuoka Prefecture. The Old Amagi Tunnel is a historic building built in the early Showa period, and now that it is abandoned, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the mix of nature and man-made structures. The inside of the tunnel is also a popular place for Instagram photos, but please be careful when taking photos or walking through it. In addition, although there is no dedicated motorcycle parking lot at the Old Amagi Tunnel, there is a space where you can park your motorcycle on the shoulder of the road. However, this space is not an official parking lot, so please be careful not to disturb other cars or motorcycles when using it. And be sure to lock your bike after you park it.
I was able to feel the nature and history of the Izu Peninsula on this tour. I think the Old Amagi Tunnel is an attractive spot for bikers. If you are interested, please come and visit us.
