Matsushiro Imperial Underground Headquarters

The Matsushiro Imperial Underground Headquarters are the ruins of World War II-era military facilities that were scattered around the Zenkoji-daira, mainly constructed under three mountains in what is now Matsushiro, Nagano City, beginning in late 1944. According to the testimonies of former military officials and historical record, the military wished to deal a ‘final blow’ to the Allied Powers during the battle to take the main Japanese island to obtain a more advantageous agreement. These tunnels were intended to be used as a safe base of operations for this planned offensive.

Currently, 500m of the facility under Mt. Zo is open to the public.