Ushikubi Tunnel (Miyajima Tunnel)

What’s Said

Stories such as “the car’s engine stops partway through the tunnel,” “the ghost of an old woman gets into the back seat,” and “the roadside Jizo on the pass weeps tears of blood” have been introduced repeatedly on TV haunted-spot specials and on the internet. It is also sometimes talked about under its other name, “Miyajima Tunnel.”

Rumors of this kind follow a few typical patterns. Tales of an engine dying in the middle of a tunnel, of someone sitting in the back seat, or of a Jizo statue shedding tears have been told in tunnels and mountain passes all over Japan, changing shape as they travel. The Ushikubi Tunnel rumors contain many elements that fit these patterns. It is not inconceivable that the story spread first and the name of a specific place was attached to it afterward.

What the Records Show

No public record backing specific incidents such as death by self-immolation or hanging has been found so far. The details of the rumors differ among the sites introducing them, and who they happened to, and when, is not settled.

The tunnel itself remains in service as an active prefectural road, and the authorities have taken no measures to close it to traffic. Concern about its age has been pointed out, but there is no fact of its having been closed because of paranormal phenomena.

A place that is introduced again and again on TV programs and in magazines has its rumors tidied up each time, until they harden into a form that is easy for readers and viewers to grasp. As a result, the details shift slightly with each telling, while when, to whom, and what happened remains vague in every outlet. Even so, the mere fact that the name appears in multiple media lends the story credibility. This is the fate of a haunted spot that has been introduced over and over.

Our Analysis — The Responsibility That Comes With Fame Among the Best in the Prefecture

By being introduced repeatedly on TV programs, Ushikubi Tunnel has become a haunted spot with one of the highest profiles in Ishikawa Prefecture. Precisely because of that high profile, this site wants to be cautious about stirring up the rumors for amusement.

This is speculation, but the very fact that, although deterioration has been pointed out, no measures have been taken to close it to traffic may be what supports the ongoing rumor that “something is still happening there.” Since it is an active road, please drive safely when passing through.

What follows is this site’s own view. The place name “Ushikubi” (literally “cow’s neck”) stirs the imagination by its sound alone. The words “cow’s head” also carry an association with a long-told kaidan (ghost story). Such a strong impression of the name may influence how the place is perceived. However, there is no link between the origin of the place name and the haunting rumors; this is merely a matter of association.

This is speculation, but a structure like a tunnel works directly on human fear. In a dark, closed, elongated space, sound echoes, vision is limited, and the light at the exit looks far away. In an active tunnel where deterioration has been pointed out, stains on the walls and dim lighting heighten the unease further. Part of what fear is made of is probably the power of such a space itself to unsettle the senses.

Furthermore, a rumor that someone died at a well-known place weighs heavily on both those who tell it and those who hear it. If, within a rumor with no supporting evidence, the death of a nameless “someone” is being used as a prop in a story, that shows a lack of respect for a person who may have really existed. This site avoids making assertions about parts for which there is no reliable record, so as not to take part in that kind of storytelling.

It is also a tunnel that local residents and travelers use every day as an active road. Even when you pass through knowing the rumors, please remember that it is a road of daily life, someone’s commute, a way to go and see someone they love. Recording rumors must never threaten that everyday life.

Nearby Spot — Michi-no-Eki Kurikara Genpei no Sato

In Tsubata Town, at the foot of Kurikara Pass, known as the old battlefield of the Genpei War, stands the roadside station Michi-no-Eki Kurikara Genpei no Sato. Alongside local farm products and specialties, the Kurikara Juku lets you learn the history of the pass. The area is also known as a wisteria spot, drawing many visitors in early summer. After visiting the tunnel, you may like to take a break at the roadside station and touch some history.

Reporter’s Notes

It is an active road tunnel with deterioration pointed out. Passing through is possible, but care is needed with vehicle speed and when passing oncoming cars. Stopping a car on the shoulder or standing inside for a test of courage is dangerous to other vehicles and a nuisance to neighbors.

This article touches on the topic of suicide but does not describe any method or other specifics. If you are struggling right now, please do not carry it alone; consider contacting a support line such as Japan’s Yorisoi Hotline (0120-279-338, free, 24 hours).

Please note that the position on the map is an approximate coordinate based on public information and may differ from the exact spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can you still pass through Ushikubi Tunnel?

A. It is in service as an active prefectural road tunnel, and the authorities have taken no measures to close it to traffic. Because deterioration has been pointed out, take care with speed and when passing oncoming cars.

Q. Are the rumors true?

A. No public record backing incidents such as death by self-immolation or hanging has been found, and the details of the rumors differ among the sites introducing them.

Q. What is “Miyajima Tunnel”?

A. It is another name for Ushikubi Tunnel, and it is sometimes talked about under that name.

Q. Has KARASU CHANNEL filmed on location at Ushikubi Tunnel?

A. No, we have not filmed there yet; a visit is currently under consideration. Location footage for other haunted spots and kaidan stories can be viewed on KARASU CHANNEL (YouTube).