Accurate seismic assessment and proper aseismic design of underground structures require a compre-hensive understanding of seismic performance and response of underground structures under earth-quake force. In order to understand the seismic behavior of tunnels during an earthquake, a wide collection of case histories has been reviewed from the available literature with respect to damage classification, to discuss the possible causes of damage, such as earthquake parameters, structural form and geological conditions. In addition, a case of Tawarayama tunnel subjected to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake is studied. Discussion on the possible influence factors aims at improving the performance-based aseismic design of tunnels. Finally, restoration design criterion and methods are presented taking Tawarayama tunnel as an example.