"No-Man Stations" of Akita Nairiku Railway were featured on AKB 48's Solo Project!

On February 1, a member of the most popular J-Pop girls group, AKB48, Misaki Iwasa, has just released her solo debut called, "Mujin Eki" (“No-Man Station”),  whose music video was filmed at “no-man stations” on Nairiku Jukan Railway line!





At Okuani Station （奥阿仁駅）

 Photo shot at Aikawa Station (合川駅)

The music style is called "Enka", which is a modern adoptation of traditional Japanese music style and whose lyrics often takes ideas on Japanese nationalism. Often, enka is associated to rustic, rural feelings which must have been the perfect match with the nostalgic atmosphere of the areas along Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway.

The promotional video and posters were shot on December 12 – 13, 2011, at Aikawa Station, Okuani Station, and Hitachinai Station, as well as inside the trademark single-cabin train which some general passengers together rode in!

Nairikusen Railway on TV Commercial of Glico's New Almond Chocolate!

Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway has been featured in a brandnew TV commercial with Japan's leading actresses! First watch the following video:

This is part of commercial series that advertises a new product of Glico. This first video themes in a Trip to Tohoku. These three women, played by Japan's leading actresses, Rie Miyazawa, Tae Kimura, and Nene Otsuka, travels to the deep North to enjoy the Girls Only Time ("Joshikai"). 

The commercial was filmed in a cabin of train, Kyuko Moriyoshi-go (急行もりよし号） of Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo, which runs between Kakunodate and Takanosu in Akita Prefecture. 

In the commercial, you can see from the window the beautiful rural sceneries in between Matsuba Station　（松葉駅） and Ugo-Nagatoro Station　（羽後長戸呂駅） in Nishiki Town, Semoboku City.

 

Kyuko Moriyoshi-go (Express Moriyoshi-go)

Now the Nishiki Town is covered in the golden rice ears! Now they are about to be harvested in any day! It is the most merry time for all Akita people, with our hearts uplifted longing for the new crop ("shinmai"). We couldn't wait no more! Soon it will be served on our table. Come join us!

 

Rainbow-Colored Trains of Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway

Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway has been very popular especially among children and Train Fans from all over Japan.

The bodies are painted in different colors. The sight of small trains going through the rice patties through the mountains is so impressive! (And cute!)

Colorful trains look even brighter in the spring colors!



The official blog of Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo has become the most visited train blogs of Japan. The blog is  posted by all the staffs -- including the attendants, operators, and engineers, even the company president—all sharing stories from both personal and professional perspectives.  It’s quite interesting!

But unfortunately, it's in English. You can at least see the pictures :)

In a recent post, an engineer shares a story about the characteristic rainbow-colored trains. He shares some rare photos taken 7 years ago. They are beautiful!

The original color (right up in picture above), red and white, was repainted over 7 years ago. Now you can see the original design on one cabin, which is often used for autumn foliage campaign.

A red train was featured in a scene of Korean drama IRIS. You will find autographs of the actors on the wall of a train. The color of trains you encounter is unpredictable. (Randomly ordered) So, good luck if you want a snapshot!

Rainbow Colored Trains!

Each of them has a unque color. To read about each trains, Click HERE.

All Photos Courtesy of Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo Railway

The blog features many other photos taken around the stations, near railroads, and even from the bedroom windows! The stories are full of appreciation for the railway. You will know how valuable it is to the community.

Want to take the trains? Nairiku-sen Holiday Free Ticket is available only 2,000 yen! It allows you unlimited rides on the Nairikusen trains between Kakunodate and Takanosu. Now they are available on the 4th Wednesday of each month!

Take a Walking Tour Around a Local Train Station

Akita Nariku-sen Foot-Path Tour is a guided tour in which you take a local train of Akita Nairiku Railway and take a hike on routes designed around a station. It will be held monthly from April to October.

(Photo/Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo)

 No.1

Visiting Yatsu-Kamatari, the Legendary Town of Dogtooth Violet

 (かたくり咲き乱れる伝説の郷 八津・鎌足を訪ねる！)

Friday April 29th, 2011. Meet at Yatsu Sta. 9:10-12:10.

1,700 yen (Incl. Insurance). 25 people only.

No. 2

 Enjoy the Flower Field of Mt. Moriyoshi (森吉山の花畑を楽しむ！)

Sunday, June 26th, 2011. Meet at Ani-ai Sta. 8:40-16:30.

4,500 yen. 25 people only

No.3

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Mt. Moriyoshi (森吉山の山岳美を体験する！)

Sunday, July 17th, 2011. Meet at Ani-ai Station 8:40-16:00.

4,500yen, 25 people nly.

No.4

Visiting the Mining Town, Ani-ai (鉱山の街・阿仁合の見所を訪ねる！)

Sunday, August 7th, 2011. Meet at Ani-ai Station 8:40-14:40.

1,600 yen. 25 people only.

No.5

Visiting the Hidden Town, Nekko, and Watch Nekko-Bangaku

 (隠れ里・根子を訪ね　根子番楽も鑑賞する！)

Sunday, September 11th, 2011. Meet at Kayakusa Station 8:30-14:30.

1,300 yen. 25 people only.

No.6

 Enjoy the Scenery of a Meiji-era Power Plant and Canyons

(明治時代につくられた発電所と山峡の渓谷美を楽しむ！)

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011. Meet at Oku-ani Station 8:20-14:30.

1,300yen. 25 people only.

Notice:

1. Make sure to take Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway. (See the schedule)

2. The fee does not include the train ride. Please pay separately.

Akita Nairiku-sen Ryoko Center (秋田内陸線旅行センター)

FAX0186-60-1111　FAX0186-60-1112

Local Trains for Best Hanami Destinations in Northern Tohoku!

Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway (秋田内陸縦貫鉄道) operates a longitudinal railway line that connects from Takanosu in the northern Akita and Kakunodate to the south. The railway company had minimized its business operation due to the earthquake, but it is finally going to be back on the regular schedule later this month.

Nairiku-sen in Spring

Late April to early May is the flowery season in the northern Tohoku region. Kakunodate Town in Semboku City is, needless to say, one of the best cherry blossoms viewing areas of Japan, which is enjoyed around the same time as another famous hanami destination in Aomori Prefecture – Hirosaki Castle Park. The train will be connected between those two destinations - with extended line in corporation with Japan Railway- and make it more accessible for the hanami tourists.

 

"Nairiku-sen" goes through Nishiki Area, which is where the beautiful Katakuri flowers are seen. The schedule during this period has been adjusted, so that the train will stop at the nearby station, Yatsu, offering you a chance to enjoy a pleasurable walk.

 

Kyuko-moriyoshi-go

(急行もりよし号; Express Moriyoshi Train)　

Will resume its regular operation from April 23; except until April 30, the train will make a stop at Yatsu Station and leaves at the following time:

 

Southbound

Kyuko-moriyoshi 1-go (from Ani-ai Station to Kakunodate Station) at 10:29

Kyuko-moriyoshi 3-go (from Takanosu Station to Kakunodate Station) at 15:56

Northbound

Kyuko-boriyoshi 2-go (From Kakunodate Station to Takanosu Station) at 11:26

◎「急行もりよし号」 4 月２３日から運転再開

下記の時刻で八津駅に臨時停車いたします。（4 月23 日から4 月30 日臨時停車）

下り 急行もりよし1 号 阿仁合発角館行 八津駅 １０：２９発

急行もりよし3 号 鷹巣発角館行 八津駅 １５：５６発

上り 急行もりよし2 号 角館発鷹巣行 八津駅 １１：２６発

Hirosaki-Oshiro-to-Sakura-go

(弘前お城とさくら号；”A Train for Castle and Cherry Blossoms in Hirosaki”)

The number of trains is increased on April 22, 23, 28, and till May 4th.

Departing from Kakunodate Station at 14:20 – Saimyoji 14:28 – Yatsu 14:33 – Matsuba 14:42 – Kami-hinokinai 14:52 – Ani-matagi 15:08 – Hitachinai 15:19 – Aniai 15:45 – Ani-maeda 15:57 – Yonaizawa 16:11 – Aikawa 16:20 – Takanosu 17:11 – Arrives at Hirosaki 18:18

◎「弘前お城とさくら号」 4 月２２日、23 日、２８日から5 月４日まで増発

角館１４：２０発⇒西明寺１４：２８⇒八津１４：３３⇒松葉１４：４２⇒上桧木内

１４：５２⇒阿仁マタギ１５：０８⇒比立内１５：１９⇒阿仁合１５：４５⇒阿仁前田

１５：５７⇒米内沢１６：１１⇒合川１６：２０⇒鷹ノ巣１７：１１発⇒弘前１８：１８着

Kakunodate-Bukeyashiki-to-Sakura-go

(角館武家屋敷とさくら号；”A train for Samurai Houses and Cherry Blossoms in Kakundoate”)

The number of trains is increased on April 23, 23, 29 and till May 5th.

Departing from Hirosaki Station at 8:00 – Takanosu 9:32 – Aikawa 9:45 – Yonaizawa 9:51 – Ani-maeda 10:06 – Aniai 10:29 – Hitachinai 10:46 – Ani-matagi 10:53 – Kami-hinokinai 11:08 – Matsuba 11:16 – Yatsu 11:25 – Saimyoji 11:30 – Arrives at Kakunodate at 11:37.

(On JR lines, the train will stop at Odate, Ikarigaseki, and Owani Stations.)

◎「角館武家屋敷とさくら号」 4 月２３日、2４日、２９日から5 月５日まで増発

弘前８：００発⇒鷹巣９：３２発⇒合川９：４５⇒米内沢９：５１⇒阿仁前田１０：０６

⇒阿仁合１０：２９⇒比立内１０：４６⇒阿仁マタギ１０：５３⇒上桧木内１１：０８⇒

松葉１１：１６⇒八津１１：２５⇒西明寺１１：３０⇒角館１１：３７着

※ どちらもJR 線内は大館・碇ヶ関・大鰐温泉に停車

For More Information:

Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo Railway Company

TEL 0186-82-3231

<お問合せ先>

秋田内陸縦貫鉄道株式会社

（0186）82-3231

Akita Nairiku Railway (Special Schedule)

Due to the current emergency situation in Japan, many public transportation schedule has been changed. Akita Nariku Jukan Tetsudo Railway will be operated in the special schedule below for the meanwhile:

TRAINS SPECIAL SCHEDULE:

South-bound:
Hitachinai　（比立内）　５：５４発　⇒　Takanosu (鷹　巣)　７：１０ 着

Aniai (阿仁合)　７：０７発　⇒　Takanosu (鷹　巣)　８：０３ 着

Kakunodate (角　館)　７：０８発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合)　８：３６着

Hitachinai (比立内)　７：２７発　⇒　Takanosu （鷹　巣）　８：５２着

Kakunodate (角　館) １２：１０発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合) １３：３２着

Aniai (阿仁合) １３：３４発　⇒　Takanosu (鷹　巣）１４：２９着

Aniai (阿仁合)１７：２０発　⇒　鷹　巣１８：１５着

Kakunodate (角　館) １７：２３発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合)１８：４６着

Kakunodate (角　館)１９：３８発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合) ２１：０４着



North-bound:
　Aniai (阿仁合)　５：２８発　⇒　Kakunodate (角　館)　６：４８着

　Aniai (阿仁合)　６：１８発　⇒　Kakunodate (角　館)　７：３８着

　Takanosu (鷹　巣)　７：３０発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合)　８：２７着

　Takanosu (鷹　巣)　８：１５発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合)　９：１５着

　Takanosu (鷹　巣)１０：４２発　⇒　Kakunodate (角　館)１３：２１着

　Takanosu (鷹　巣)１６：０４発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合)１６：５８着

　Aniai (阿仁合)１７：１３発　⇒　Kakunodate (角　館)１８：３６着

　Takanosu (鷹　巣)１８：３０発　⇒　Aniai (阿仁合)１９：２７着

All-Day Holiday Pass of Akita Nairiku Railway

Nairiku-sen is Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (秋田内陸縦貫鉄道；Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway) which connects Kakunodate　（角館） and Takanosu　（鷹巣）. The 100km railway goes through one of the most untouched Japanese rural villages. The timeless scenery of rice paddies, rivers, mountains, bridges and tunnels will leave you an unforgettable impression of your trip to Japan.

Courtesy of Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo

Nairiku-sen is a slow train, while the world trend seems to prefer fast train like shinkansen (super-express “bullet” trains). The railway has been serving as an important transportation for the villagers in the remote location.

A local guide has told us: “it is the most patient railway of Japan. The operators would often wait for passengers-- especially old people. They would say ‘grandma, you don’t have to hurry. We wait. We don’t want you to fall and get hurt.’ They value the passengers and know the importance in the community.”

 

Photos Courtesy of Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo

Holiday Free Kippu (Ticket) is a one-day ticket that allows you unlimited number of rides on Nairiku-sen trains, which is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese holidays. For only 2,000 yen, you can ride the trains as many times you want. A single fare from Kakunodate to Takanosu is 1,620 yen, so this is a great deal.

With area maps (ask at main stations), you can walk around the stations and learn the culture and history of the local area! Some stations are no-man stations (“mujin-eki”). Just show your ticket to the operator. If you want to pay a regular fare, just see the electric fare board or ask the operator :)

Winter is a special season for Nairiku-sen trains. The area is completely covered in white! Seeing the scenery while the train smashes through the snow will give you a feeling that is hard to capture in the photos. We strongly recommend you to experience it in person.

Christmas Trains Through the Snowy Mountains

Santa Clause’s train (Santa Ressha) is coming into our town. This time he is in disguise of train driver and conductors in Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo Trains (Akita Inland Longigudinal Railway)!

The trains are decorated with Christmas ornaments. This train has been popular with families and school excursions. You will receive a special ticket for these trains.

Courtesy of Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo

The Christmas trains are available on following schedule:

December 11th -25th, 2010.

3 trains a day

Kyuko (Express) Moriyoshi 1 :

Aniai （阿仁合）9:32 a.m. – Kakunodate （角館）10:40

Kyuko (Express) Moriyoshi 2 :

Kakunodate （角館） 11:10 -- Ani-Matagi （阿仁マタギ）11:56 – Aniai （阿仁合）12:22 – Takanosu （鷹巣）13:09

Kyuko (Express) Moriyoshi 3 :

Takanosu （鷹巣）14:01 –Aniai （阿仁合）15:02 – Ani-Matagi （阿仁マタギ）15:27 –Kakunodate （角館）16:07

ALSO:

The decorated train can be reserved for groups.

In such cases, the conductors may not be in the costumes.

 One way is 45,000 yen / Round trip is 65,000 yen.



Nairiku-sen Local Train's TV Commercial

Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway) has just released their TV commercial. It was filmed with extras of local people and the railway staffs like drivers and attendants. It will be on local TV channel, AAB, only once a day until February 2011.

You are lucky if you catch it on TV, since it is played only once a day. For those who can't wait to catch a glimpse, here is the video on Youtube.com.

That reminds us, Nairiku-sen has a very entertaining blog.   The blog posts are updated by a team of 19 staffs, who are in charge of various choirs-- drivers, attendants, mechanics, station staffs, and even the company president! No wonder it has been voted as Japan's #1 blog on railway!!

Click below to see Nairiku-sen's blog!

Unlimited Rides on Nairiku-sen Trains for 1,000 Yen

Taking a train on Nairikusen （内陸線） , Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway Company　（秋田内陸縦貫鉄道）, would be a perfect railroad trip for those who love picturesque sceneries of rural villages and nature.

A lot of photographers find it very “picturesque” for its scenery is truly marvelous, untouched and uncaptured. Nairikusen railroad line runs between Kakunodate　（角館） and Takanosu （鷹巣）through the small villages in mountains along the Ou mountain range.

If you are visiting Kakunodate Area on a weekend or Japanese holidays, here is a special deal you couldn’t miss! Holiday Free Kippu （ホリデーフリー切符）is an all-day ticket with unlimited rides available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. It is named “free”, because it gives you a freedom to get off at any stations you want.

Holiday Free Kippu (Ticket):

* Both type A and B requires additional fee for express trains. All Station type does include express trains.

All Stations: 2,000 yen /adult (1,000 yen/ child)

Type A (Takanosu – Matsuba): 1,000 yen/adult (500 yen /child)*

Type B (Kakunodate –Aniai): 1,000 yen /adult (500 yen/child)*

Tickets are available at following locations:

• Nairiku-sen Stations (Takanosu, Aikawa, Yonaizawa, Animaeda, Aniai,and Kakundoate)
• Michi-no-eki Ani (Nearest ttation is Hitachinai)
• Honjo Shoten (Market) near Kamihinokinai Elementary School. (Nearest station is Kamihinokinai)
• Chuo Shokai ,Gas Station JOMO Hinokinai SS (Nearest station is Matsuba)
• Nishiki Onsen Fureai Plaza Kurion (Nearest station is Saimyoji)
• Kakundoate Plaza Hotel in Semboku City (Type A tickets are not available.)

Train Ride with a Heartful Lunch Box

Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway (Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo;　秋田内陸縦貫鉄道) is a railway company that operates a single line between Kakunodate Station （角館駅） and Takanosu Station　（鷹巣駅）, which runs through the most untouched, scenic countryside of Akita Prefecture.

Nairiku-sen, as the locals call, promotes unique campaigns that entertain passengers with unforgettable experience. One of the most talked-about is Gottsuo Tamatebako Ressha (ごっつぉ玉手箱列車).

Gottsuo (pronounced as “Gozzo”), which is a dialect for a word ‘gochisou’, a fancy meal or a treat. Tamatebako means a treasure box. Ressha is a train.

Basically, the tour is a train ride plus a heartful lunch (boxes), whose items are brought in as the train stops at stations. All the items are home-made by the hands of ladies who live in the communities along the railroad.

The box meal can contain a various types of local delicacies such as saimyoji chestnuts, pickled vegetables, miso soup, and oyaki (baked mochi cakes). Items vary seasonally.

Because the nairiku-sen trains are mostly consisted of a single cabin, the tour welcomes only 36 passengers. Price per adult is 6,900 yen including a lunch box and a train ride, round-trip from either Kakunodate or Takanosu Station.

In previous years, this tour has been welcoming many people who seek for a unique trip that satisfies both in your eyes and belly. This can be experienced anywhere but here!

TOUR DATES:

November 20th, 2010.

January 22nd, 2011.
February 26th, 2011.
March 19th, 2011.

FOR MORE INFORMATION (RESERVATION):

Akita Nairiku-sen Ryoko Center (秋田内陸線旅行センター)　

TEL 0186－60－1111 FAX 0186-60-1112

*If you need an assistance in English, write to us.

Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway in Autumn

We took a little trip down through Nishiki, the northern area of the Semboku-shi, last week by a local train called Nairiku Jukan Testudo (秋田内陸縦貫鉄道), Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway.

The railway connects between JR Kakunodate Station in Semboku City and Takanosu Station in Kita-akita City, running through Nishiki, Ani, Yonaizawa, and Aikawa area. It has been serving as a significant transportation for the local people for almost 80 years. We were startled every minute to see the beautiful scenery of rural Japan. Now it the mountains are in  the most colorful time of the year--- The Koyo (autumn foliage) season! The mountain is covered with red, orange, and yellow and it's truly breath-taking!

This day we rode with a group of tourists from Tokyo, asking us about the dishes in the  Bento box, assuming we are railway staffs. They showed an incredible level of interests in what we eat in the local area.

The train takes you though the most secluded countryside of Japan. The train runs though the golden rice fields across the mountains, chasing down the creek and then the rivers. As you even forget how slow the time passes there, you will found yourself on top of a suspension bridge looking down the beautiful valley. The trains slows down for you for the Kodak moment.

How amazing that a beautiful moment like that can shorten the distance with a complete strangers! "Nairikusen," as we call in the local area, is magical! There was a big group of tourists from Tokyo and the commuting school-boys all smiling at one another. It was quite a moment.