Takedao Abandoned Train Tunnels

My Japanese friend lives in Takarazuka, but she had no idea that all of this was nearby, in Takedao. The conversation went something like this:

I said, “It’s like a valley with a river and lots of trees and nature.”

She said “Really?” 

and I said “Yes! With 6 train tunnels that aren’t used anymore. You can walk through them”. 

She said "I never knew that!"

I said  "Really?! It's really close to Takarazuka. With lots of trees and a big river. And a hiking trail. And 6 disused train tunnels. You can walk through them. Lots of foreigners know it."

She was surprised that she had no idea about this beautiful place, which is just a few minutes on the train from her hometown. I think that, sometimes, in Japan (although similarly in the uk, with regards to the British countryside), people get so used to the mountains in the background that they don't think much about the nature that's around. Also, I think that we are so addicted to conveniences that we don't realise that it's these conveniences that are dragging us down. I get like that too. I complain a little about the lack of nature in cities here, but I don't make enough of an effort to go walking in the mountains or ride my bike somewhere nice. Being in a city can be tiring, so it's nice to try and escape to somewhere like here. On a sunny day it looks amazing.

It’s an easy walking trail, but it’s different to most. On this one you walk through 6 disused train tunnels. Therefore, you should remember 2 things –

1) Bring a flashlight that's bright. A dim flashlight will be of no use, because some of the tunnels are pitch black. My flashlight was cheap and I couldn’t see ANYTHING hardly. So please take a bright one or it'll be hard to see your hand in front of your face.

2) Bring a friend. Foreign people always say how safe Japan is and are often really stupid about these kinds of places. They treat Japan like it's a sanctuary from crime, set up and sponsored by the Disney corporation. Tunnel 5 is long and completely black, so be sensible and go with a friend.

Warnings finished! 

The scenery is beautiful and the river is too. It’s the side of Japan that I like the most. Even if you’re scared (like my girlfriend was, ha ha [Chiharu]!) and don’t want to go through all of the tunnels, then even walking halfway (and across a lovely railway bridge) and turning back again is still a nice experience. If you walk all the way, then you’ll come to another town. Me and my friend turned round when we arrived and walked back through the tunnels, but I’m sure there must be a station there.

There’s about a million ghost stories in Japan, so you could either read up on them before you go (and terrify yourself and others), or try not to think about them as you’re walking through the darkness, as it can be a tad spooky! Either way, it’s a lot of fun and the scenery is very rewarding. I really hope you enjoy it! I'll definitely try and pay it another visit soon.