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All Japan Nishiki Secret Base Museum
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Nishiki Secret Base Museum

Secret tunnels leading to underground facilities lurk near the remains of a World War II-era Japanese Navy airbase.

Nishiki, Japan

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rdkilla
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Entrance to the large tunnel.   rdkilla / Atlas Obscura User
Entrance to the large tunnel.   rdkilla / Atlas Obscura User
Tunnels at the Nishiki Secret Base Museum.   Courtesy Nishiki Secret Base Museum
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In 2015, secret tunnels and underground facilities were discovered near the site of the former Hitoyoshi Naval Air Base, built during World War II.

In preparation for an American invasion, the Japanese Navy constructed facilities underground in this mountainous region. They included areas for manufacturing torpedoes, as well as command-and-control bunkers to prepare the defense of the mainland. Additionally, a section of the base area was dedicated to the manufacture of aviation fuel using the roots of local pine trees.

After these underground facilities were discovered, a museum was later opened in 2018. It includes above-ground exhibitions, as well.

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Military History Naval History Tunnels World War Ii

Know Before You Go

Guided tours of the tunnels are available in Japanese, and some English audio guides are available (though not complete).

The museum is roughly a 90-minute car ride south of Kumamoto.

Be careful! The tunnels are currently inhabited by bats and centipedes.

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Added By

rdkilla

Published

January 7, 2025

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Nishiki Secret Base Museum
Nishiki, 868-0301
Japan
32.220938, 130.817379
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