description Seikan Tunnel Overview
The Seikan Tunnel is a 53.85-kilometre railway tunnel located in Japan, connecting the main island of Honshu with the northern island of Hokkaido. Spanning beneath the Tsugaru Strait, it was officially opened in 1988 to provide a reliable transportation link unaffected by harsh maritime weather. The dual-gauge structure allows both narrow-gauge limited express trains and standard-gauge Shinkansen bullet trains to transit the passage. It is recognized by engineers as one of the longest undersea tunnels in the world.
insights Ranking position
Seikan Tunnel ranks #1 of 190 in the Tunnel ranking, ahead of Laerdal Tunnel.
help Seikan Tunnel FAQ
Which two Japanese islands are connected by the Seikan Tunnel?
The Seikan Tunnel is a 53.85-kilometre railway tunnel that connects Japan's main island of Honshu with the northern island of Hokkaido. It spans directly beneath the rough waters of the Tsugaru Strait.
Is the Seikan Tunnel entirely located underwater?
While it is famous as an undersea tunnel, a significant portion of it runs deep underground beneath the landmasses of both islands. Approximately 23.3 kilometres of the tunnel's total length lies directly beneath the seabed of the Tsugaru Strait.
When was the Seikan Tunnel officially completed and opened for use?
The tunnel officially opened for railway service in 1988 after nearly 25 years of grueling, dangerous construction. It was built to provide a reliable, weather-independent transportation link unaffected by the harsh maritime conditions that frequently sank ferries.
Can passengers ride the high-speed Shinkansen trains through the Seikan Tunnel?
Yes, the Hokkaido Shinkansen high-speed rail line utilizes the Seikan Tunnel to travel from Honshu to Hokkaido. The tunnel's dimensions were specifically designed with the future implementation of the Shinkansen network in mind.
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