The First Tunnel has a total length of 2,436 meters. An excavation method utilizing shafts was employed for the first time in Japan to make this tunnel. Found on the entrance to the tunnel is a plaque with engraved writing by Hirofumi Ito, “Ki Sho Ban Sen.” The phrase means that the constantly changing scene is beautiful. It is a quote from a prose poem written by Fan Zhongyan, a poet of the Northern Song Dynasty of China. Engraved above the plaque is an inscription praising the achievement of Sakuro Tanabe. Located close to the boarding area of the canal, you can see the plaques when getting on or off the canal cruise boat.