Japanese Tunnel, Davao City

Along the Diversion Road in Davao City, there is a Japanese tunnel that dates back during the World War II. The tunnel was carved out of the hilly section of Matina Balusong, west of the city by Davao Prisoners of War in 1942. The tunnel was used by the Japanese as a hide-out, and as a means of transporting their equipment and mobilizing their forces against the American liberating army. It was accidentally discovered by the owners of the land while constructing a hotel. They were excavating the area when they uncovered damp passageways and rooms underneath the land, and soon discovered that those were tunnels used by the Japanese soldiers during the war.

The owners decided then to name the place D' Japanese Tunnel Family Resort, which is now a hotel, a restaurant, and has since become one of the major tourist attractions in Davao City.

The tunnel is about 300 meters deep, which ends at a blocked passageway, the other side of which is owned by a different owner. Inside the tunnel, visitors are met with several life-sized statues of Japanese soldiers, and Japanese women in traditional Kimono. One of the main attractions of the tunnel are what remained of the various vintage weaponry found during the discovery which are beautifully displayed inside the tunnel such as, machine guns, bombs, explosives, and several ammunition and bullets. Deeper into the tunnel are compartments of water bankers, and makeshift offices used by the Japanese soldiers, and a dungeon for the prisoners of war. There are several chapels as well, where replicas of a Golden Buddha and gold bars can be seen.  


The Resort is a three-storey hotel with a number of air-conditioned rooms suitable for families. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves delectable Chinese, Filipino and Japanese dishes, including Western steaks. The menu offers a variety of these dishes that are reasonably priced. 

How to get to D' Japanese Tunnel Family Resort

Located near the end of the Diversion Road in Matina Balusong towards the junction of MacArthur Highway in Matina area, the Resort is easily accessible by public or private transportation,  and is only 20 minutes drive from downtown city proper.