1988day.year
The Seikan Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the world with an undersea segment, opens between Aomori and Hakodate, Japan.
Japan inaugurates the Seikan Tunnel, the world’s longest undersea railway tunnel connecting Honshu and Hokkaido.
On March 13, 1988, Japan opened the Seikan Tunnel, spanning 53.85 kilometers and linking the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido beneath the Tsugaru Strait. At the time, it was the longest tunnel in the world and an engineering marvel of its era. Construction required advanced geological surveying, freezing techniques, and robust tunnel boring machines to withstand undersea pressures. The double-tracked railway tunnel significantly reduced travel times, bolstered regional economies, and demonstrated Japan’s technological prowess. Today, it remains a key link in Japan’s high-speed rail network and a symbol of human ingenuity. Annual inspections and maintenance ensure its continued safety and operation.
1988
Seikan Tunnel
Aomori
Hakodate