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
extremeAshkourat Pass: Driving the rugged 3,000m ridge of the Alborz Mountains
🇮🇷 Iran
Nestled deep in the Alborz Mountains, you'll find Ashkourat Pass, a seriously high mountain road topping out at 3,076m (10,091ft). This gem is tucked away in the Mazandaran Province, and it's one of the highest drives you can experience in Iran, showcasing the wild and dramatic landscapes of the north. Think of Ashkourat Pass as a legendary off-road pilgrimage, linking the lush Caspian valleys to the rugged Alborz heights. The weather here? Unpredictable, to say the least. Clouds love to crash in from the coast, turning the pass into a foggy abyss where you can barely see beyond your hood. Suddenly, you're balancing on a knife's edge, not knowing where the road ends and the cliff begins. This epic journey stretches for 53 km (33 miles), winding from Kit to Sormoshk. But here's the catch: it's entirely unpaved. Expect a mix of gravel, stones, and muddy patches. A proper 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must. The road is notoriously narrow, with sections so tight that passing another vehicle requires skillful reversing along cliff edges. Those "dangerous drops" you hear about? They're the real deal. The road clings to the mountainside with zero guardrails. The climb is steep and relentless, demanding a low-range gearbox to keep you moving. This drive calls for expert skills, especially on the descent, where losing control on the loose gravel is a constant threat. Thanks to its high altitude and Caspian proximity, Ashkourat Pass sees heavy snowfall. It's usually closed from late autumn until late spring. Even in summer, sudden downpours can turn the dust into a treacherous mud slick. Fog is a major concern, so top-notch fog lights are essential, and night driving is a hard no. Forget about finding gas stations or repair shops between Kit and Sormoshk. This is remote territory where self-sufficiency is key. Pack recovery gear, extra fuel, and plenty of water. Ashkourat Pass rewards you with mind-blowing views of the Alborz peaks and traditional shepherd huts, but it's a drive that demands respect. If you're craving the rawest Iranian mountain experience, this is it.
hardDare to drive the dangerous Chhatang La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up (figuratively, since you can't actually *drive* this one)! Let's talk about Chhatang La, a crazy-high international pass straddling the Nepal-China border. We're talking 5,674 meters (18,615 feet!) above sea level. Translation: one of the highest roads *anywhere*. This remote route connects Nepal's Mustang District with Saga County in Tibet, smack-dab in the Himalayas. Picture a landscape so barren and unforgiving that the air itself is half as thick as what you're used to. Here's the catch: this road was carved out by the Chinese military, and it's a dead end for us regular folk. You can get to the top from the Chinese side, but there's nothing on the Nepali side, creating a frustrating barrier for anyone trying to cross from Mustang. And, to crush your road-tripping dreams completely: no civilians or tourists allowed! The Chinese government keeps this area locked down. Plus, it's basically a snowy fortress from October to May. Chhatang La remains a tantalizing "phantom road," only really visible on satellite images and in military documents. A true enigma!
extremeThe rough and bumpy road to Tashtuni Lernants’k’
🌍 Armenia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found another stunner for your bucket list: Tashtuni Lernants’k’ in Southern Armenia's Syunik province. This peak soars to 2,489m (8,166ft), and getting there is an experience in itself. Picture this: you're in Arevik National Park, tackling a seriously steep, unpaved road. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. But be warned: Mother Nature throws everything she's got at this place. Think blizzards, crazy winds, thick fog, and the ever-lovely black ice. Oh, and avalanches are a real possibility, especially in winter when the road is generally impassable. The views though? Totally worth it. The road is only 1.43 km (4,679.02 ft) from the nearest paved road, but it feels like another world. Plus, there are some cool communication facilities at the top if you're into that kind of thing.
easyTaking on the Twists and Turns of Shakaleb La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're headed to Shakaleb La, a mind-blowing mountain pass chilling at a whopping 5,143 meters (16,873 feet) in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. You'll find it nestled in Comai County of Shannan, and let me tell you, the views are worth the trek. The good news? The road's mostly paved, so you don't need a crazy off-roader to conquer it. Any car should be fine. But heads up: we're talking serious altitude here. Oxygen's thin, so take it easy and listen to your body to avoid altitude sickness. Seriously, though, the scenery is stunning. Plan to pull over a bunch to soak it all in. The pass stretches for about 46.6 km (28.95 miles), cruising from Comai town (Tamzhol) in the south up to Zhegucun on the edge of the mesmerizing Zhegu Lake (also called Crescent Moon Lake). One last thing: winter brings the snow, making things slippery. Check conditions before you go during the colder months!