📖 Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway (Akita Nairiku Line)

The Akita Nairiku Line is a railway line that connects Takano Station and Kakunodate Station, stretching approximately 94.2 kilometers through the inland of Akita Prefecture. Along the route, one can continuously enjoy the beautiful rural scenery that can be considered as Japan's original landscapes. Riding the train while admiring the views along the way inevitably brings smiles, which is why it is nicknamed the "Smile Rail," attracting both domestic and international tourists as well as railway enthusiasts to experience it. The origin of the Akita Nairiku Line dates back to the pre-war era when it was established as a railway for transporting ore from the Akinai Copper Mine. To the north of this mine railway is the Akinai Line, and to the south is the Kakunodate Line, which were originally separate. In 1989, these two lines were connected (between Tachiuchi Station and Matsuba Station), completing the full line of the Akita Nairiku Line. Among the 29 stations, there are some unique ones, such as Akinai Matagi Station, which is near the Matagi Museum, Akinai Gō Station, which has the Akita Nairiku Line Museum, and Akinai Maeda Onsen Station, which features a hot spring. The scenery visible through the train windows is stunning, and the Ōyokawa Bridge, which spans the Akinai River, is also magnificent. In the summer, the rice fields along the route welcome passengers with rice paddy art created with rice ears. There are also special themed trains, such as the "GOTTSUO Tamatebako Train," offering unique and enjoyable experiences.

You can fully experience the vast rice fields, and in the Akinai region, the birthplace of the Yōkai, surrounded by the pristine natural scenery of Akita, this is a classic local route. The KOGUMA-tei, a local restaurant and café located at Akinai Station, is very popular for its "Yōkai no Warai EMI Gozen," made with seasonal ingredients from the area. Free bicycle rental services are available at Akinai Station, Minezawa Station, and Aikawa Station. From July to early September, you can enjoy rice paddy art through the train windows. Due to the limited train schedule, please pay extra attention.