A Report on the Highlights of the 'Aigi Tunnel Group' - A Hidden Gem Where You Can Be Soothed by the Stunning Scenery of Abandoned Railway Tracks

Hello! This is Shibata from Mac Design.

In this post, I'll be writing about the highlights of the 'Aigi Tunnel Group,' a hidden gem where you can be soothed by the stunning scenery of abandoned railway tracks!

What is the Aigi Tunnel Group?

The 'Aigi Tunnel Group' is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan and is a hidden spot in Aichi that is open to the public for a limited time every spring and autumn.

This was the old JNR Chuo Line, which opened in the Meiji era and was decommissioned in 1966. Four of the 13 tunnels that connected Kasugai City in Aichi Prefecture to Tajimi City in Gifu Prefecture are open to the public.

The walk starts from JR Chuo Line 'Jokoji' Station.
It is a 1.7km one-way course that takes about 2 hours round trip.
By the way, it took me 3 hours.

Tunnel No. 3 (76m)

The entrance to the tunnel is covered by a curtain printed with a life-sized steam locomotive. The way it makes you wonder what's ahead is a great touch.

No. 3 Starting Station

A red brick horseshoe-shaped tunnel.
It's super cool!
The brickwork is so precise.

Just being able to take this photo might have made the trip worth it, haha.

The inside of the tunnel is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

As you see the exit of Tunnel No. 3, on your left—the mountain side—is the "rockfall protection fence".

It seems they reused rails imported during the Meiji era (!) as proof of resource recycling from the past.

From here to the next tunnel, you can look at exhibits of "remnants of the abandoned line" or

enjoy a stroll while taking in the autumn leaves visible through the gaps in the bamboo forest.

Bamboo Forest Station

Tunnel No. 4 (75m)

What you hear from inside the tunnel are sound effects of a locomotive passing by while blowing its whistle♪ Isn't that super immersive? lol

Tunnel No. 4 is the shortest tunnel, and you'll reach the exit in no time.
The Big Maple Plaza will come into view.

The view from inside this tunnel is super beautiful!~♪
You'll definitely want to take a picture.

Big Maple Front Station

After passing through the tunnel, you are greeted by the symbol of the Aigi Tunnels, the Big Maple.

I don't think I've ever seen a maple tree this big before.
I heard it's one of the largest in Aichi Prefecture.
I wonder if it's still waiting to change color...

Waterwheel Front Station

Highlights include the handmade "waterwheel," "Gorilla Rock," and the "Bell of Happiness" lol

Marche Station

Arrived at the shop area.
This is the only place where you can buy merchandise, bento boxes, beer, and more.

Taking a break while gazing at the Tamano Valley.

Tunnel No. 5 (99m)

Believe it or not, you can actually ride a special bicycle through this tunnel!

Brick Plaza Front Station

At the exit of the tunnel, "SL train wheels" are on display.
It was an interactive corner where you could pedal a bike to make them move.

It seems like there are live performances on weekends at this "Brick Plaza", which sounds fun.

Tunnel No. 6 (333m)

The longest tunnel, Tunnel No. 6.
It looks pitch black inside... but actually, it's cute because monsters have come to play. It's also known as the Monster Tunnel lol.

Once you pass through the tunnel, you reach the border with Gifu Prefecture.
This is the turnaround point.

Prefectural Border Station

I heard that these symmetrical, trapezoidal wing walls are the only tunnel portals of their kind in the country.

Tamano Ancient Trail

On the way back, I stopped by Momiji-yama (Maple Mountain) and returned via the Tamano Ancient Trail Route.

Momiji-yama is a 300-meter loop that takes about 10 minutes to walk. It's a world of 360-degree maple trees, but the autumn colors were still just getting started.

If you walk the Tamano Ancient Trail route, you can see the culvert.

This culvert is a brick drainage channel built under the abandoned railway line, and you can enter it. It's quite deep.

It was a little scary, but it was a fantastic and wonderful space.

The contrast between the cut stone and brick bridge abutments and nature

Swings and balance beams for children to play on

There was even bouldering.

It was a 3-hour round-trip course, including taking photos and taking breaks.
It was also good exercise.

It was full of things I wouldn't have known and scenery I wouldn't have seen if I hadn't come here. I was very satisfied to be able to walk around without getting bored from start to finish!

The fact that there are efforts everywhere to entertain visitors is thanks to the hard work of the preservation society members. Thank you very much!

This was a special opening of the Aigi Tunnel Group that makes me want to come back for the special opening next spring!

Thank you
for reading until the end.

See you in the next note!