A Dreamy Bamboo Tunnel and Abandoned Railway Hike in Kurayoshi, Tottori

Exploring the Former Kurayoshi Line

I stumbled upon this little-known gem—the abandoned Kurayoshi railway line—while looking for scenic spots near Kurayoshi on Google Maps. And guess what? It's surrounded by a mystical bamboo forest!
I’m a sucker for anything abandoned, and this one had a magical vibe that photos alone couldn’t capture. I had to go and see it with my own eyes. Spoiler: it’s even better in person.

There’s no parking right by the bamboo tunnel, so I left my car at the visitor parking area and walked about 15–20 minutes. It sounds short, but in the blazing late-August sun, walking along the edge of some fields with zero shade... it definitely tested my stamina 🥵
For a more relaxing experience, I'd recommend coming in spring or fall!

Midway, I took a break and learned that the Kurayoshi Line originally connected Kurayoshi Station to Yamamori Station, a 20km route that operated for 72 years before shutting down in 1985.
The tracks are still there—some overgrown with weeds, others broken—and it made me wonder how long they'll last before disappearing into nature completely.

After about 40 minutes of leisurely wandering, I reached Taikyūji Station. From there, you can descend onto the tracks and follow the path to the bamboo tunnel.

✨ And here it is! The stunning bamboo tunnel x abandoned railway combo! ✨
The temperature drops noticeably once you step into the tunnel—it's so refreshing, like entering another dimension. I could chill here all day… if it weren’t for the army of mosquitoes 😅
Tip: Bug spray is an absolute must!

Even decades after the railway was closed, many remnants still remain—rails, station platforms, and structures hidden across the area.
The stretch between Taikyūji Station and the entrance of Yamamori Tunnel is especially gorgeous, with the overgrown tracks disappearing into the bamboo thickets.

The deeper you go, the more wild and lush the bamboo becomes. Eventually, I reached the sealed-off entrance of the mysterious Yamamori Tunnel.

Unfortunately, the tunnel is off-limits to the public. I lingered for just a few minutes but still got bitten by mosquitoes over 10 times 😭
Seriously—don’t forget your insect repellent!

If you want to explore inside the Yamamori Tunnel, you’ll need to join a guided walking tour or participate in a special “Open Day” event.

🌿 What Is the Former Kurayoshi Line?

The Kurayoshi Line once connected Kurayoshi City to Sekigane Town (now part of Kurayoshi), spanning 20 kilometers. It opened in 1912 and ran until 1985.
Today, the "Abandoned Kurayoshi Line" is a preserved hiking trail that’s gaining popularity—especially the bamboo tunnel section near Taikyūji Station.

You’ll still find old tracks, station remains, and other relics of the past. The way nature and steel intertwine here feels like stepping into a forgotten dreamscape.
It’s become a bit of a photo hotspot too—trending on social media for good reason!

🌬 Pro tip: Even on hot summer days, the bamboo tunnel stays cool and serene. But beware of mosquitos!
🚷 The Yamamori Tunnel is usually closed to the public—only accessible on special tours.