Yamaguchi's First Stone Tunnel
The Kase Tunnel (鹿背隧道) is the first Western-style stone tunnel in Yamaguchi Prefecture of 1886 in Tsubaki to Akiragi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on July 8, 1999 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a stone tunnel 182 metres long and 4.2 metres wide; registration number 35-0023.
A Tunnel on the Road from Hagi to Ogori
Kase Tunnel was cut in 1886 by Yamaguchi Prefecture during the improvement of the road linking Hagi with Ogori across the mountains (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It is about 182 metres long, 4.2 metres wide and 3.9 metres high.
The Agency notes that it carried hopes for the revival of Hagi after the domain government had moved away, and that it is recorded as the first Western-style stone tunnel in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it as a structure that would not be easy to reproduce.
What to Look For
Look for the 182-metre stone tunnel and its portals (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Hagi City (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on access or visits was found.
Q&A
- When was it cut?
- In 1886 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Which road does it serve?
- The Hagi to Ogori road.
- How long is it?
- About 182 metres.
- Why does it matter?
- Yamaguchi's first stone tunnel.
- When was the Kase Tunnel registered?
- On July 8, 1999 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Kase Tunnel (鹿背隧道) |
|---|---|
| Location | Tsubaki to Akiragi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1999/07/08 (Heisei 11) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Stone, 182 m long, 4.2 m wide |
| Owner | Hagi City |
| Public Access | No official information on access |
References
- Kase Tunnel (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00001208
Last verified: 2026.10.28