羽山第2トンネル

Hanyama No. 2 Tunnel

Useful Information

Location:	Nariwacho Hayama, Takahashi, Okayama 716-0122. Follow road 300 from Nariwacho Hayama. (34.809315050245424, 133.49932934611334)
Open:	no restrictions. [2023]
Fee:	free. [2023]
Classification:	Caves Used as Road Tunnels Karst cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Hanyama No. 2 Tunnel, Nariwacho Hayama, Takahashi, Okayama 716-0122.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

羽山第2トンネル (Hanyama No. 2 Tunnel) is a road tunnel through a limestone rock. It is located at 県道300号 (Prefectural road 300) northwest of Nariwacho Hayama along Shimaki River in 羽山渓 (Wazan Gorge). The road uses a natural cave which was formed by the Shimaki River, before it cut deeper and the cave fell dry. This cave is actually much bigger than the road tunnel, the road uses only the entrance section. The character of the cave are wide but rather low passages. The ceiling is artificially raised to allow vehicles to pass through the caves, nevertheless the maximum height is only 2.5 m.

The road is very narrow and there are numerous signs to honk before taking a turn. The single lane rural road is not suitable for lorries. The same applies to the tunnel, which is definitely only for one car at a time. Fortunately it is straight and short. There is no light in the tunnel, and if you explore on foot be very careful with the traffic. There is a small space at the northern tunnel entrance, for one or probably two cars. Fortunately there is not much traffic on the rural road, nevertheless there might be others visiting the tunnel, especially on weekends.

The river forms a spectacular gorge, and there is a trail leading down to the river, but not through the gorge. Nevertheless, its worth the 10 minutes walk. There is also a waterfall on teh other side, which is quite spectacular when there is much water.