Tokyo / Takanawa, Obake Tunnel: Photos from the Time (Landmark, The Taxi Lantern Killer)

Once in Tokyo, in Shinagawa / Takanawa, there was an overwhelmingly low tunnel known colloquially as the “Obake Tunnel” (Ghost Tunnel). Its official name is “Takanawa Bridge Underpass” (Takanawa-bashi Kadokyo), a tunnel famous for passing under train tracks with an extremely low ceiling.

Due to its low height, the Obake Tunnel broke the roof lights (lanterns) of taxis, leading it to also be called the “Taxi Lantern Killer Tunnel.” There is even an anecdote remaining that taxis operating in Tokyo modified the height of their cars (the height of their lanterns) so they could pass through this tunnel.

In 2020 (Reiwa 2), the roadway was closed. This article introduces photos and videos of the tunnel from back then (the era when cars could still pass through).

An Overwhelmingly Low-Ceiling Tunnel That Feels Like You’ll Bump Your Head

A Tunnel Where Pedestrians and Bicycles Pass Through Bending Their Heads

Because of the low ceiling of the Obake Tunnel, pedestrians had to lean forward and duck their heads, while cyclists had to lean their bodies forward significantly to move ahead. It was also a tunnel visited by tourists (?) who wanted to get a look at this low height, and many people took photos there.

The ceiling of the tunnel has stepped sections, so if you walk carelessly, you will bump your head on these protruding ceiling parts and need to be careful. The danger level increases rapidly from around 170 cm in height.

(Video from actually walking through the tunnel – Contains sound)

This is a video shot while actually walking inside the tunnel. The photographer’s height is 177 cm, and it was filmed while their head was almost bumping against the ceiling.

Taxis Pass Through Barely

It was a shortcut from the Takanawa side to the Shibaura side (sea side) in Shinagawa. If not using this tunnel, one had to go toward Shinagawa Station or Tamachi Station to make a large detour. Because it was a famous passage (road) in Tokyo and an important vehicle tunnel, it was a tunnel used by many cars and taxis.

However, naturally only cars with low overall height could pass, and taxi lanterns in particular were bare-minimum close (there is even a story that taxis in Tokyo adjusted the height of their lanterns because they often bumped and broke them). Looking at passing taxis, it was an amazing tunnel where you could feel they were passing through on a truly razor-thin margin.

(Video of a taxi running inside the tunnel – Contains sound)

This is a video of an actual taxi running inside the tunnel. You can see that the lantern really passes right against the ceiling.

The Low Height Can Be Clearly Seen From the Tunnel’s Entrances and Exits

At the entrance of the tunnel, a height limit (the height limit for Takanawa Bridge Underpass was 1.5 meters) is written, but even if you know your car’s height is 1.5 meters or under, you would hesitate to enter this tunnel. If the car bounces while driving, it’s over (a bump on the ceiling awaits).

Even at the tunnel exit, its low height (danger) can be seen. Cars are one-way (this is the exit), but people can go back and forth; entering here requires considerable courage.

Location and Access of Takanawa Bridge Underpass

Location

It is about a 5-minute walk from Sengakuji Station on the Toei Asakusa Line and Keikyu Main Line, and is also within walking distance from JR Takanawa Gateway Station. Located right near the Takanawa Okido Gate Site along Daiichi Keihin (National Route 15), it is in a location easy to access from nearby stations.

History of Takanawa Bridge Underpass

Era	Main History / Events
Showa Era – Early Reiwa Era	Became known as an extremely low underpass with a 1.5m height limit, earning nicknames like “Lantern Killer” and “Paper Lantern Killer” due to taxi roof lights frequently bumping into it.
2020 (Reiwa 2)	Closed to vehicle traffic following the redevelopment project around Takanawa Gateway Station.
2023 (Reiwa 5)	With progress in redevelopment construction, most of the former low passage was closed, and pedestrian traffic was switched to an adjacent passage.

Until around 2019, it was actively used with cars and bicycles passing through, serving as a useful tunnel appreciated by taxis heading toward Shinagawa Station from the Takanawa side.

Summary: [Tokyo / Takanawa] Obake Tunnel Photos From the Past (Landmark, The Taxi Lantern Killer)

The “Takanawa Bridge Underpass,” once a famous spot in the Shinagawa/Takanawa area, was an unusual tunnel that surprised many people with its overwhelming low ceiling. Although its appearance from back then can no longer be seen due to redevelopment, it holds a unique history that supported Tokyo’s traffic.

Currently, the pedestrian passage has also shifted, and the thrilling scenery of those days when cars passed each other on razor-thin margins has become a thing of the past. The cityscape around the newly transformed Takanawa Gateway has become very beautiful.

Meiji Jingu is Also Recommended if Enjoying Tokyo

An oasis in the metropolis of Tokyo, the power spot Meiji Jingu has many attractions beyond worship alone. For those who like the atmosphere of Shinjuku Gyoen, a walk through Meiji Jingu is also recommended.