TANGA BATTERY RUINS / Saiki City

The so–called Tanga Battery Ruins in Saiki City are the site of a former Japanese Army fortress that was once built to defend the Bungo Channel (the area of sea between Oita and Ehime Prefecture). It was built in the early Showa period before the Pacific War as a base for intercepting enemy vessels passing through the Bungo Channel, and so two cannons (one mounted on a cruiser) were installed on the summit of the mountain where it was built.

However, tragically, a shell exploded on the site in 1942 during gunnery drills, resulting in an accident that caused many casualties. The cannons themselves have now been removed, but scars still remain in the ‘turret’ area where it was installed, testifying to the sad memory of the accident.

The remains of the battery can be reached by stairs (169 steps), or visitors can utilise the so–called ‘slope car’ (small automated monorail), which was originally set up to transport supplies and is now open to the public for use. When you reach the summit, you will have a magnificent view of the Bungo Channel in front of you. It is a great place to quietly contemplate the difference between the now calm ruins and their tragic past.

*Tanga Battery Ruins is scheduled to be closed for renovation from September 2025 to January 2026.