Where is the Inunaki Tunnel?
Japan, asia
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hard
Year-round
Dare to visit the Old Inunaki Tunnel in Japan? This place is notorious for its unsettling vibes and spine-chilling legends. Nestled near the Inunaki reservoir in Miyawaka, Fukuoka Prefecture, about 100 miles north of Nagasaki, this short, winding tunnel cuts through a mountain into seriously remote territory.
Built back in 1949 and abandoned after a new tunnel opened in the mid-70s, it's now sealed off with concrete, thanks to its dangerous state and, well, its reputation. Locals whisper about ghostly figures, unexplained sounds, and the feeling of constant observation.
Legend has it that the tunnel saw some dark days. Besides rumored construction accidents and buried workers, it's infamous for a particularly brutal murder in 1988. Add in whispers of abandoned buildings, a nearby dam where a body was found in 2000, and the myth of a lost Inunaki village beyond the tunnel, and you've got a recipe for the creepiest spot in Japan.
While you can't actually enter the tunnel anymore, its eerie atmosphere and chilling backstory make it a must-see (if you dare!) for any thrill-seeking traveler. Just be prepared for a serious case of the heebie-jeebies!
Related Roads in asia
moderateLoam’s Viewpoint: A Thrilling Drive through India's Western Ghats on a Road with 40 Hairpin Bends
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 78, the legendary Valparai-Pollachi Road in India's Anamalai Hills. This isn't just any drive; it's a 63.8 km (39.64 miles) rollercoaster with a whopping 40 hairpin bends that will have your knuckles white! Give yourself 2-3 hours to soak it all in because you'll want to stop at Loam's Viewpoint. Named for a British officer who built this road way back in 1886, it sits pretty at the 9th hairpin turn, about 780m (2,559ft) above sea level. Trust me, the views are worth the careful driving required on this accident-prone road. From the platform at the viewpoint, you'll be treated to a panorama of the winding mountain road below, the sparkling Aliyar reservoir, the majestic Anamalai range, and the distant town of Pollachi. And don't forget to snap some photos at the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th bends – seriously stunning! It's a must-do for any Valparai adventure!
moderateHow long is the road from Gilgit to Skardu?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Cruising from Gilgit to Skardu in northern Kashmir, Pakistan is a proper adventure. This 167 km (104 mi) stretch, also known as Strategic Highway 1 or simply Skardu Road, climbs from Gilgit (elevation 1,500m or 4,900ft) to Skardu (elevation 2,226m or 7,303ft) along the Indus River. Think hairpin turns and dramatic drop-offs - not for the faint of heart! While it used to be a mix of gravel, it's now fully paved, which means the journey, when the road is open, clocks in at around 3–4 hours. Be warned: weather can shut this route down for days (sometimes even weeks) at a time, and landslides are a real risk. Built by Pakistani and Chinese engineers between 1970 and 1982, this road is a feast for the eyes. Expect stunning valleys, charming villages, and impressive suspension bridges along the way. It's a strategically important road, so you'll be sharing the road with everyone from locals to the military.
hardDriving the new Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road in India
🇮🇳 India
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready to explore the brand-new Zanskar Highway, connecting Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh through the stunning Zanskar region. This 298-kilometer (185-mile) route links Nimmu in the Indus Valley to Padum, the heart of Zanskar, and then continues to Darcha. This fully paved road is a game-changer, offering a shorter and safer way to reach Leh. You'll only have to conquer one major pass, Shingo La, which sits at a cool 5,048m (16,561ft). And get this – they're building a tunnel under Shingo La, set to open in 2025, which will make this route accessible year-round! While the landscape is challenging and the weather can be extreme, the views are totally worth it. Plus, this road is a strategic asset, strengthening defense capabilities in the region. The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road cuts down travel time significantly, clocking in at just 10-12 hours compared to the Leh-Manali highway's 14-16 hours (weather permitting, of course). Get ready for an epic road trip!
extremeHow challenging is the drive from Xiaoyuxiong to Nachama?
🇨🇳 China
Deep in eastern Tibet, you'll find Mob La, a seriously high mountain pass that hits an elevation that’ll leave you breathless (literally!). It's smack-dab on the infamous S303 Provincial Road, known for hanging out above 4,200 meters and giving even seasoned high-altitude drivers a run for their money. Driving over Mob La is all about focus and your vehicle's ability to handle some serious strain. The air's thin, the scenery's epic, and your body will probably start feeling the altitude sickness long before you reach the top. The S303 isn’t just a road; it's a high-altitude trek through snow-covered peaks where the weather has the final say. The 19km stretch from Xiaoyuxiong to Nachama is a real test. While some of the S303 is paved, this part is riddled with gravel, deep ruts, and some major road damage. Expect stretches where the road is underwater from rain or melting glaciers, and landslides can wipe out sections in a heartbeat. Oh, and did I mention the hundreds-of-meters drops right next to the road, with zero guardrails? And then there are the tunnels. Imagine unlit, muddy tubes with water dripping everywhere. Navigating these dark spots while dodging speeding trucks will definitely get your heart pumping. Throw in countless hairpin turns and super-steep climbs, and this short distance feels like a proper expedition. Seriously, do NOT attempt Mob La in bad weather. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are common. Even in summer, you might find icy patches in the shadows. After a storm, the road turns into a muddy mess that'll trap even the toughest off-road vehicles. Self-sufficiency is key. There are no repair shops, medical facilities, or reliable gas stations for ages. Bring extra fuel, recovery gear, and oxygen to deal with potential altitude sickness. Driving Mob La is a raw, intense experience with incredible views of the Tibetan mountains. Just remember, it's a route that demands respect and leaves absolutely zero room for error.