Japan is truly the world leader in the number and diversity of tunnels. Dai-Shimizu railway tunnel deserves particular attention among them. The tunnel runs between the cities of Tokyo and Niigata, its length is 22200 metres. The first train passed through the tunnel in 1982. It’s hard to imagine but thanks to the Jōetsu high-speed express the locals have got an opportunity to get from one city to another three hours faster than before.
During the construction there was a great disaster - a serious fire which resulted in the loss of 16 workers. After this accident the superstitious Japanese wanted to end the project as they were concerned about new troubles that the unfavourable place with a bad reputation could bring.
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