The eight tunnels by rail from JR Takefu to JR Tsuruga on Honshu's west coast

The old train line for coal powered steam locomotives passed through many tunnels cut through mountains and spurs of rock, clay and sand. At a point south of Imajo, where a repair depot once stood, and close to the hamlet of Suizu there was an ingenious switchback to help the heavier strings of cargo or passenger cars get over the higher ground. Now that original route has been converted for automobile traffic in a few spots. In others only pedestrians or bicyclists use the tunnels overlooking the Japan Sea. But still today on the tracks now in service there are many tunnels to pass through, one of which takes more than a minute and the conductor warns computer wifi and cellphone users of the interruption of service. This video clip southbound from JR Takefu shows the lead into one tunnel from a section of narrow valley that is still being farmed as the Route 365 roadway passes down the valley.