The Historic Shikkama Tunnels: Where Three Eras of Japanese Railway History Meet

At JR Taura Station in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, visitors can witness a remarkable sight: three railway tunnels from different periods of Japanese history standing side by side. This unique location offers railway enthusiasts and history buffs an extraordinary glimpse into Japan's transportation evolution across three distinct eras.

The Three Historic Tunnels

The centerpiece of this historical trifecta is the original single-track tunnel, completed in 1889 during the Meiji era when the Yokosuka Line first opened. Adjacent to it stands an elegant brick tunnel, added in 1924 during the Taisho era to accommodate the line's expansion to double tracks. The third and largest tunnel, constructed in 1943 during the Showa era, was built to support military transport during World War II. All three tunnels can be viewed from JR Taura Station's elevated platform, offering a panoramic perspective of this engineering timeline.

The Story Behind the Name

The area's name carries its own fascinating history. Originally called "Shikkama" (失鎌) because the grass grew so thick that workers would "lose their sickles" while cutting it, the name later evolved to avoid an unfortunate association with steam locomotives. The characters were changed to "Shichikama" (七釜, meaning "Seven Boilers") while maintaining the same pronunciation, cleverly avoiding any suggestion of "losing the boiler" - a concern for railway operations.

A Unique Station Design

JR Taura Station stands out among Japanese railway stations for its distinctive platform configuration. Nestled between tunnels, the platform extends only 200 meters, creating an unusual situation for longer trains. When 11-car trains stop at the station, the front car remains inside the tunnel, and passengers cannot use the doors of the first two cars. This peculiar feature has made Taura Station famous among railway enthusiasts throughout Japan.

Visiting Information

The Shikkama Tunnels represent a significant piece of Japan's railway heritage, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe three different construction styles spanning major periods of Japanese history. The surrounding area provides beautiful natural scenery, making it ideal for walking tours and photography.

Please note that there is no parking available at the station, so visitors are encouraged to use public transportation. The site is easily accessible via the JR Yokosuka Line.

Business Name: Shikkama Tunnels (JR Taura Station)

1. Address: 1-6 Taura-cho

2. City, State, Zip Code: Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0072