Sasago Tunnel, Eisenbahntunnel in Japan
The Sasago Tunnel is a railway tunnel in Otsuki, in the city of Koshu, measuring about 4,656 meters in length. It cuts through the mountain and connects areas on both sides with a spacious, cool passage.
The tunnel was completed in 1903 and allowed trains to cross the mountain region in about ten minutes, compared to hours of walking over the pass. A nearby hydroelectric power plant provided electricity for lighting and ventilation inside.
The tunnel is part of the Chuo Line, which follows the historic Nakasendo road that once connected Tokyo with central Japan. Inscriptions at the entrances by Meiji leaders express hopes for prosperity through railway development.
The tunnel is located in a mountainous area with forested slopes and rocky cliffs that change with the seasons. Visitors should note the contrast between the old stone and metal work and the natural landscape around it.
Before the main tunnel was completed, a separate tunnel measuring about 240 meters existed and was later replaced by the modern Sasago Tunnel. The funeral of politician Ito Hirobumi, a key figure in Japan's modernization, took place nearby in 1909.
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