[2026 Latest] Top 3 Ranking of Paranormal Rumors Related to Tunnel Areas in the Sanyo Region

We investigated three tunnels in the Sanyo region that are known as haunted spots, for which we had access to external rumor-sharing websites, local government road records, and coordinates that allowed us to pinpoint their locations. Rather than definitively stating whether or not paranormal activity exists, we compared each specific claim in the rumors—such as the construction year, route, structure, and origin—with official documents, and present what we were able to confirm and what remains unclear.

Survey methods and evaluation criteria

The rumor pages serve as documentation indicating the existence of a rumor, and are not considered proof of the supernatural phenomenon itself. For each atomic claim, "Agreement" is used when independent sources fully support it, "Partial Agreement" when support and unconfirmation coexist, "Disagreement" when there are records that directly contradict it, and "Unmeasurable" when there is insufficient comparative material. Only when meaningful, specific information not present in the rumor is confirmed in official sources, even though a direct comparison is not possible, is it considered a "New Fact." The rankings and scores are not based on how scary or true the rumor is, but rather on the quality of the materials based on source transparency, historical and spatial context, safety information, freshness of the information, and the transparency of the rumor's source.

1st Place: Banzan Tunnel (Aho-michi Tunnel) | Partial Match (88 points)

The rumored details

The page describes the Banzan Tunnel (Aho-michi Tunnel) as a short tunnel located on Prefectural Road 260, the Yagiyama-Hinase Line, in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, and states that it was completed in 1930. Regarding the strange occurrences, it mentions rumors that a female ghost appears near a sofa that used to be near the entrance, and that strange events occur when a car horn is honked or someone takes a photograph.

Source of the rumor and date of verification

The rumor is a secondary listing found on the location page of the National Haunted Map, with the initial registration date on the page being December 25, 2019. The page does not show any primary records that could identify the origin of the rumor, the time when the story about the sofa began, or the person who experienced it.

• Nationwide Haunted Map: "Banzan Tunnel (The Foolish Road Tunnel)"(Confirmed on 2026-09-18) — This refers to a short tunnel completed in 1930 on Prefectural Road 260, the Yagiyama-Hinase Line, in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, and includes rumors about a female ghost and paranormal photographs.

Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials

Okayama Prefecture's road tunnel life extension plan lists the Bansan Tunnel as a facility on the Yagiyama-Hinase Prefectural Road, managed by the Higashi-Bizen Regional Office. The table records its construction year as 1930, length 40 meters, width 4.56 meters, location in Bizen City, and coordinates of 34.74822 degrees North latitude and 134.2683 degrees East longitude. This information is included in the plan, which covers all tunnels managed by the prefecture, allowing for identification of the facility and confirmation of its structural information.

• Okayama Prefecture Road Tunnel Life Extension Plan(Verification Date: 2026-09-18) — The Bansan Tunnel is listed as being on the Yagiyama-Hinase Prefectural Road, constructed in 1930, with a length of 40 meters and a width of 4.56 meters, located in Bizen City, at 34.74822 degrees North latitude and 134.2683 degrees East longitude.

Points of agreement/contradictions

The rumored information about the facility, such as "located on Prefectural Road 260, Yagiyama-Hinase Line" and "completed in 1930," corresponds to the road name, location, and construction year in Okayama Prefecture documents. On the other hand, the claim that "a female ghost appears" and the incident linked to the sofa are not recorded in the prefectural documents obtained, and no independent documents directly supporting them could be found.

The rumored atomic claim	Matching results	reason	Corresponding documents
Located on Prefectural Road 260, Yagiyama-Hinase Line	support	Okayama Prefecture records the route of the Bansan Tunnel as Prefectural Road Yagiyama-Hinase Line and its location as Bizen City, which supports the rumored information regarding the facility's location.	Okayama Prefecture Road Tunnel Life Extension Plan
Completed in 1930	support	The list of managed properties in Okayama Prefecture lists the construction year of the Bansan Tunnel as 1930, which matches the year claimed on the rumor page.	Okayama Prefecture Road Tunnel Life Extension Plan
A female ghost appears	Unconfirmed	The prefectural documents obtained dealt with facility management information, and no independent documents were found that directly confirmed this phenomenon or the events that led to it.	No official data available for direct comparison.

Alternative interpretation

In older, short tunnels with limited width, factors such as adaptation to darkness, echoes of vehicle noise, and tension from oncoming traffic can intensify the impression. However, these are generally considered factors, and there are no measurement records that can definitively explain individual experiences.

Scope and limitations of the investigation

The scope of our verification was limited to the rumor pages we were able to directly access and Okayama Prefecture's long-life extension plan. We were unable to confirm the origin of the rumor, the circumstances surrounding the sofa's installation, or any official records to corroborate the events described. We are not using the mere absence of information in the documents as proof that the events did not occur.

Verification results: Partial match

While specific facility information such as the Yagiyama-Hinase Prefectural Road in Bizen City, constructed in 1930, is supported by official documents, the presence of a female ghost and any unusual occurrences during filming remain unconfirmed. Because supported physical information and unsubstantiated claims of paranormal activity coexist, the scope of comparison has been specified, and it has been marked as "partially matching."

Document Quality Score

Source transparency	29/30	I was able to directly obtain the rumor page and the Okayama Prefecture management plan from separate URLs and verify the name, route, construction year, and coordinates.
Historical and spatial context	24/25	I was able to confirm the structural context of the building, which was constructed in 1930, with a length of 40 meters and a width of 4.56 meters, through prefectural documents.
Safety information	16/20	It can be treated as a management facility on a prefectural road, allowing for specific warnings to avoid nighttime parking and traffic obstruction.
Newness of information	11/15	The Okayama Prefecture plan was revised in October 2025, and the rumor page also shows an update date as of September 2026.
Transparency of the source of rumors	8/10	The page lists specific claims, but does not indicate the origin of the rumors or the primary records of the experiences.
total	88/100	This is the overall quality of the materials. It does not represent the degree of truthfulness or danger associated with the supernatural phenomena.

Safety information and maps

Please avoid stopping on prefectural roads, using the horn experimentally, and obstructing traffic for the purpose of filming. On roads with limited width, give priority to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, and do not conduct nighttime exploration or enter restricted areas.

Map location: These are the coordinates of the Bansan Tunnel as listed in the Okayama Prefecture plan.

Check the area around Banzan Tunnel (Aho-michi Tunnel) on Google Maps.

2nd Place: Nanbara Tunnel | Partial Match (86 points)

The rumored details

The page describes the Nanbara Tunnel as having the official name "Nanbara Tunnel" and being located along Hiroshima Prefectural Road 253. It lists some of the most common rumors, such as "If you honk your horn three times, a ghost will fall from the ceiling," "Something strange will approach you while driving," and "Something unusual will appear in photos taken at the stone monument at the back of the tunnel." However, it also mentions the possibility that these rumors may have evolved from those originating from another tunnel, the Myojin Tunnel.

Source of the rumor and date of verification

The rumors are a secondary compilation confirmed by an article on Occult Online. The article itself summarizes stories and posts found through searches and points out the possibility that the stories of the Nanbara Tunnel and Myojin Tunnel have been mixed up, but the original publication date of each rumor and the person who experienced it firsthand are not identified.

• Occult Online: "Nanbara Tunnel and Myojin Tunnel"(Verification date 2026-09-18) — The official name is listed as Nanbara Tunnel, and it includes rumors such as a ghost falling from the ceiling if you honk your horn three times, and also touches on the possibility that the story originating from Myojin Tunnel has changed.

Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials

The Hiroshima City Tunnel Longevity Repair Plan lists the Minamihara Tunnel in Asakita Ward as a managed facility on the Prefectural Road Minamihara Gorge Line. Constructed in 1971, it is 100.3 meters long and 5.8 meters wide. Its structural integrity was rated as II (IIa) in the 2023 inspection, and the plan includes inspections and crack repair work for 2028. This document confirms the name and structural specifications, but does not confirm the rumored phenomenon.

• Hiroshima City Tunnel Longevity Repair Plan(Verification Date: 2026-09-18) — The Minamihara Tunnel in Asakita Ward is listed as part of the Prefectural Road Minamihara Gorge Line, constructed in 1971, with a length of 100.3 meters and a width of 5.8 meters.

Points of agreement/contradictions

The rumor that its official name is "Minamihara Tunnel" is supported because the same name is listed in Hiroshima City's management plan. However, the phenomenon of "a ghost falling from the ceiling if you honk the horn three times" is not covered by the management plan, and no independent records that can be directly compared could be found. It is also important to note that the rumor page itself suggests the possibility of it being confused with a different tunnel.

The rumored atomic claim	Matching results	reason	Corresponding documents
Its official name is "Minamihara Tunnel".	support	Hiroshima City's long-term maintenance plan clearly designates the Minamihara Tunnel as one of the tunnels under its management in Asakita Ward, and we support the claim regarding the name.	Hiroshima City Tunnel Longevity Repair Plan
If you honk the horn three times, a ghost will fall from the ceiling.	Unconfirmed	The official documents obtained directly only recorded structural and inspection information, and we were unable to find any independent documents that could support or refute this phenomenon.	No official data available for direct comparison.

Alternative interpretation

The rumor page itself suggests that the stories of the Nanbara Tunnel and the Myojin Tunnel group located further inside may have become intertwined during the rumor's spread. Furthermore, while echoes in dark tunnels and the sound of something falling onto a vehicle could be caused by other factors, no on-site measurements have been conducted to explain individual experiences.

Scope and limitations of the investigation

The official documents we checked were for tunnel maintenance information and not comprehensive records of ghost stories, eyewitness accounts, or past individual incidents. We were unable to confirm the primary records and first appearances of the events mentioned on the rumors page, nor could we completely separate the stories belonging to the Nanbara Tunnel and the Myojin Tunnel.

Verification results: Partial match

The official name, Nanbara Tunnel, and its existence as a managed facility are supported by Hiroshima City documents. On the other hand, the strange occurrences following the horn sound and the anomalies during filming cannot be confirmed in independent documents, and there remains the possibility of confusion in transmission, suggesting it originated from a different tunnel. Because the facility information is supported but the claims of strange occurrences remain unconfirmed, it is classified as "partially consistent."

Document Quality Score

Source transparency	29/30	By directly obtaining rumor articles and Hiroshima City's management plans, we were able to compare the names, routes, construction years, and lengths separately.
Historical and spatial context	23/25	In addition to the construction date of 1971 and structural specifications, we were able to confirm the inspection year and repair plan from official documents.
Safety information	16/20	As it is a road tunnel under management, it allows for specific measures to be taken to avoid dangers caused by stopping or honking the horn.
Newness of information	11/15	The Hiroshima City documents include the inspection and repair plan as of the end of September 2024, and you can also check future plans.
Transparency of the source of rumors	7/10	The article organizes several rumors in detail, but it does not identify the original source or primary record for each story.
total	86/100	This is the overall quality of the materials. It does not represent the degree of truthfulness or danger associated with the supernatural phenomena.

Safety information and maps

Do not stop, turn off lights, stop engines, or use the horn while on a public road, as this may lead to collisions or traffic obstruction. When walking or taking photos, please prioritize local traffic regulations and instructions from the road administrator.

Map location: These are coordinates that were used to identify the area near the center of the Nanbara Tunnel.

Check the area around Nanbara Tunnel on Google Maps.

3rd Place: Matsuo Tunnel (Old Matsuo Tunnel) | Partial Match (83 points)

The rumored details

The page identifies the Matsuo Tunnel (Old Matsuo Tunnel) as the old tunnel in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, stating that it was "completed in 1960" and had a total length of 262.4 meters. It further explains that the old tunnel ceased to function when the current Matsuo Tunnel (657.0m in length) was completed in 1994. The page lists rumors of strange occurrences such as "engines becoming unable to restart" and "the ghost of a woman in white appearing in the rearview mirror."

Source of the rumor and date of verification

The rumor was confirmed in a paranormal investigation article dated March 4, 2025. The article compiles facility information and multiple accounts resembling personal experiences, but it does not provide primary sources such as the first mention of the strange occurrence, the names of the victims, the date and time of the incident, or vehicle records. Therefore, it is treated as a secondary publication example.

• Paranormal Investigation: "Matsuo Tunnel (Old Matsuo Tunnel)"(Verification Date: 2026-09-18) — The old tunnel was completed in 1960 with a total length of 262.4 meters, and the current tunnel was completed in 1994. It is listed as being unable to restart and contains rumors about a woman in a rearview mirror.

Things that could be confirmed from official and primary source materials

The list of tunnels in Yamaguchi Prefecture lists the current Matsuo Tunnel as having a total length of 657 meters, completed in 1994, located from Matsuo Pass in Iwakuni City to Hase in Miwa-cho, Iwakuni City, and listed as the Yamaguchi Prefectural Road Iwakuni-Miwa Line. This corresponds to the year, length, and route of the current tunnel that the rumor page lists as the successor to the old tunnel. On the other hand, the list row in the acquired prefectural documents does not directly deal with the specifications of the old tunnel, such as its completion in 1960 or its length of 262.4 meters.

• List of tunnels in Yamaguchi Prefecture(Confirmed on 2026-09-18) — The Matsuo Tunnel is listed as being 657 meters long, completed in 1994, and running from Matsuo Pass in Iwakuni City to Hase in Miwa-cho, Iwakuni City, along the Iwakuni-Miwa Prefectural Road.

Points of agreement/contradictions

The part of the rumor page that states "the current Matsuo Tunnel (657.0m in length) was completed in 1994" matches the record in Yamaguchi Prefecture documents that it was completed in 1994 and has a total length of 657 meters. On the other hand, the claims that "engines cannot be restarted" inside the old tunnel, or that a woman's reflection can be seen in the mirror, cannot be confirmed from the prefectural documents obtained. It is important not to confuse the old tunnel and the current tunnel as the same facility.

The rumored atomic claim	Matching results	reason	Corresponding documents
The current Matsuo Tunnel (657.0m in length) was completed in 1994.	support	Yamaguchi Prefecture records that the Matsuo Tunnel was completed in 1994 and had a total length of 657 meters, which supports the year and length of the successor facility.	List of tunnels in Yamaguchi Prefecture
The engine will not restart.	Unconfirmed	The prefectural documents obtained were a list of tunnel specifications, and no separate documents recording the vehicle's inability to restart could be found.	No official data available for direct comparison.
The ghost of a woman in white clothes is reflected in the rearview mirror.	Unconfirmed	Aside from the rumor page, there was no independent documentation showing the date, time, images, participants, or verification records, making it impossible to compare the occurrence of this phenomenon.	No official data available for direct comparison.

Alternative interpretation

Engine restart failures can be caused by multiple factors, including the condition of the vehicle and power supply, and mirror images in dark places can be affected by trailing light, reflections, and visibility conditions. However, vehicle inspection records and photographic data for the individual cases mentioned in the rumors have not been made public, so it is not possible to determine the specific cause.

Scope and limitations of the investigation

The only information we could confirm from the Yamaguchi Prefecture documents was the specifications of the current Matsuo Tunnel, which is the successor to the old one. We could not find any independent sources regarding the construction year, length, closure date, the legend that there was a crematorium above the old tunnel, or any primary records of strange experiences. We cannot determine whether the tunnel is passable based solely on this information.

Verification results: Partial match

Official documents support the fact that the current Matsuo Tunnel was completed in 1994, is 657 meters long, and is located on the Iwakuni-Miwa Prefectural Road. However, some of the strange occurrences and historical details regarding the old tunnel remain unconfirmed. Because the supported information about the successor facility and the core rumors that remain unconfirmed coexist, it has been marked as "partially consistent."

Document Quality Score

Source transparency	28/30	I was able to directly obtain information from the rumor page and Yamaguchi Prefecture documents, and verify the year, length, location, and route of the successor tunnel.
Historical and spatial context	22/25	We separated the old tunnel from the current tunnel and limited the scope of comparison to the successor facility completed in 1994, which can be confirmed in prefectural records.
Safety information	15/20	To avoid confusing the old road with the current road, the importance of checking for closures and traffic restrictions using on-site information was specifically highlighted.
Newness of information	10/15	The rumor article is dated March 4, 2025, but there are limitations to the information available at the time the prefectural documents were created and to the latest state of the old tunnel.
Transparency of the source of rumors	8/10	While facility specifications and paranormal phenomena are listed separately, the first appearance, date, and primary source of the personal accounts are not provided.
total	83/100	This is the overall quality of the materials. It does not represent the degree of truthfulness or danger associated with the supernatural phenomena.

Safety information and maps

Do not enter old roads or tunnels if they are fenced, closed, or have "No Entry" signs. Do not attempt to stop, turn off lights, stop the engine, or check behind you on current roads, as this may cause accidents.

Map location: These are the coordinates near the entrance to the old road tunnel, as indicated on the rumor page.

Check the area around Matsuo Tunnel (former Matsuo Tunnel) on Google Maps.

What I learned by crossing locations

While physical information such as names, routes, and construction years could be compared with local government records for all three locations, no official records supporting ghost sightings or anomalies caused by specific rituals could be found. The Bansan Tunnel's construction year, length, width, and coordinates are listed in prefectural records, and the Nanbara Tunnel's name and structural specifications can be identified in its management plan. Rumors about the Matsuo Tunnel mention both the old tunnel and the current tunnel completed in 1994, but the prefectural records obtained directly deal with the current tunnel. For this reason, instead of relying solely on the existence of the location to support the supernatural occurrences, we differentiated the scope of the comparative structures and records for each location.

summary

In terms of document quality, the top three were the Bansan Tunnel, where coordinates could be confirmed from official tables; the Nanbara Tunnel, where structural specifications were available in the management plan; and the Matsuo Tunnel, where a limited comparison with the current tunnel could be made. In all three locations, while specific facility information was supported, there was no independent evidence to support the core aspects of the strange occurrences, hence the "partial match" classification. Unconfirmed events should not be treated as facts, and closures, traffic restrictions, and on-site conditions should be confirmed with the latest administrator information before visiting.

FAQ

Does "partial match" mean that the paranormal phenomenon was partially proven?

No. The claims supported this time were physical ones such as the name, route, construction year, and length. Sightings of spirits and anomalies caused by rituals could not be confirmed in independent sources and were not treated as supported.

Is the ranking of document quality based on the level of danger or fear it poses?

That's incorrect. The ranking is based on factors such as traceability of the source, historical context, safety information, update time, and transparency of the rumor's origin. It's not a ranking that quantifies the truthfulness of the supernatural occurrences or the level of danger at the location.

Does the map coordinate guarantee access to the location?

No guarantees are made. Coordinates are location information used to identify objects on documents and maps. Road closures, construction, private property, and road conditions are subject to change, so please prioritize local regulations and the latest information from the authorities.