This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Tohoku is a treasure trove of local train lines, but Iwate Prefecture has many lines that are especially worth riding
It is a treasure trove of fascinating local lines, including coastal lines that were rebuilt after the Great East Japan Earthquake and lines that run through remote mountain areas
What is the definition of a local line?
In a broad sense, it refers to local railway lines with few passengers, but here we have selected them based on the following criteria
Single track with few passengers, high possibility of closure
There are steam locomotives and tourist trains, and many photo spots
Routes that cross two prefectures are considered local routes in the prefecture where they start
Sanriku Railway Rias Line (Mori Station to Kuji Station: 41 stations, 163.0 km)
The Sanriku Railway Rias Line, commonly known as Santetsu, which appeared as "Kitatetsu" in the 2013 NHK morning drama "Amachan," is the longest third-sector railway in Japan.
Sanriku Railway Rias Line
It used to be divided into the North Rias Line between Miyako and Kuji, and the South Rias Line between Kamaishi and Sakari, but in 2019 the Miyako-Kamaishi section of the Yamada Line was transferred from JR, and it became the current Rias Line
We are working hard to overcome disasters such as the Great Earthquake, such as planning a tourist train that takes advantage of the spectacular views of the Sanriku Coast
Recommended points of the Sanriku Railway Rias Line!
Because the coast is a ria, there are many tunnels and some sections that run inland, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of views from the train window
The Osawa Bridge between Horiuchi and Shirai Kaigan and the Yasuiegawa Bridge between Noda Tamagawa and Horiuchi are both spectacular views from high above, overlooking the Pacific Ocean horizon. During the day, the train stops on the bridges to allow you to enjoy the spectacular views
Koishihama Station
As the name suggests, Koishihama Station is a must-visit for those hoping for success in love
Station sign for Koishihama Station on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line
When the station first opened in 1985, it was called Koishihama Station, but in 2009 it was renamed Koishihama Station
Tatami-mat train "Kitasanriku"
Sanriku Railway's event trains, which feature a variety of unique themes, are proving popular
Tatami-mat train "Kitasanriku"
The Ozashiki Train, which operates on weekends and holidays, is a tatami-floored train with tables that seat four, and in the winter it transforms into "Kotatsu Train."
In addition, various tourist trains are planned, including a train where you can enjoy lunch and sweets, and an overnight train where you can enjoy the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean
Tatami-style train "Kitasanriku" ＜Information＞
Event train: Tatami-mat train "Kitasanriku"
Period: Weekends and public holidays from April to October
Phone number: 0193-62-8900 (Sanriku Railway Passenger Service Department)
JR Yamada Line (Morioka Station to Miyako Station: 16 stations, 102.1 km)
Originally, the line only went as far as Kamaishi Station, but the section between Miyako and Kamaishi, which was destroyed in the Great East Japan Earthquake, was transferred to Sanriku Railway, making the line approximately 102 km long
It is a loss-making line with few long-distance passengers and proposals to discontinue it are made almost every year. The line's name comes from Yamada Station, just beyond Miyako, but after it was transferred to Sanriku Railway, only the name remained
Recommended points of the Yamada Line!
one of the most remote routes in Tohoku , running deep into the mountains where no human activity can be found . You can often see wild animals from the train window and enjoy the untouched nature of Iwate from the window.
The train runs one round trip per day between Morioka and Miyako, passing through residential areas from Morioka Station to Kamiyonai Station, before heading deep into the mountains, a seemingly unexplored region
The recommended season is autumn foliage season, when you can ride through the vibrant red and yellow colors of the mountains reflected on the river surface
Weeping cherry blossoms in Yonai (Kamiyonai Station)
Weeping cherry blossoms at Yonai Water Purification Plant
is the Yonai Water Purification Plant, the oldest in Morioka City, which was completed in 1934
Here, the weeping cherry trees are in full bloom from late April to May, and many visitors come to see the weeping cherry trees
Yonai Water Purification Plant <Information>
Facility name: Yonai Water Purification Plant
Address: 49 Nakai, Kamimenai, Morioka City
Phone number: 019-623-1411 (Morioka City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, Management Planning Division, Planning Section)
the remains of the Iwaizumi Line , which connected Moichi Station and Iwaizumi Station and was abolished in 2014 .
Kiha 52 bound for Iwaizumi on the Iwaizumi Line at the time of operation
It was a highly unprofitable route, with three round trips a day carrying around 20 passengers, and was closed after a derailment caused by a landslide
a treasure trove of "hidden stations,"Oshikado Station in particular is beloved by hidden station enthusiasts.
JR Kamaishi Line (Hanamaki Station to Kamaishi Station: 24 stations, 90.2 km)
SL Ginga, named after Kenji Miyazawa's "Night on the Galactic Railroad"
Modeled after Miyazawa Kenji's "Night on the Galactic Railroad,"the "Galaxy Dream Line Kamaishi Line," and connects Hanamaki, a place associated with Kenji, through Tono, home to folk tales and kappa, to the steel city of Kamaishi.
Although it is a local line, it is an important local line as it directly connects to Shin-Hanamaki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen and connects to Hanamaki city
Recommended points of the Kamaishi Line!
All stations have been given nicknames in Esperanto, words used by Miyazawa Kenji, and these are written on the station signs
It's fun to look around and see the various attractions, such as Hanamaki Station's "Ĉielarko (Rainbow) , Tono Station's "Folkloro (Folktale) , Kamaishi Station's "La Oceano (Ocean)."
SL Galaxy
SL Ginga (C58 steam locomotive No. 239)
The steam locomotive "C58 239," which was preserved in a park in Morioka City, has been restored to working order and is a popular tourist steam locomotive with four cars that runs one round trip every two days.
However, due to the aging of the passenger cars, the service will end with the final special run on June 11, 2023
Miyamorigawa Bridge (Miyamori Station)
SL Ginga and Meganebashi Bridge
Also known as Megane Bridge, this beautiful five-arch bridge was completed in 1943 and is approximately 107 meters long and 17 meters high
the SL Ginga passing by the roadside station "Miyamori" and get a taste of the "Galaxy Railroad" atmosphere.
Miyamorigawa Bridge <Information>
Facility name: Miyamorigawa Bridge
Address: 30-37-1 Shimomiyamori, Miyamoricho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
JR has two local lines: the Tohoku Main Line and the third-sector IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway, which are double-tracked and therefore excluded from this criteria
JR Hanawa Line (Koma Station to Odate Station: 27 stations, 106.9 km)
The train departs from Morioka Station, but runs on the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway line to Kouma Station .
Kazuno Hanawa Station at night
Crossing the prefectural border to Odate Station in Akita Prefecture, the Towada-Hachimantai Shikisai Line lives up to its nickname: you can enjoy the mountain scenery of all four seasons.
JR Kitakami Line (Kitakami Station to Yokote Station: 15 stations, 61.1 km)
JR Kitakami Line
This route also crosses the border into Akita Prefecture and takes you to Yokote, famous for its snow-covered "kamakura" huts, offering a tranquil view from the train window
Hottoyuda Station on the JR Kitakami Line
You can soothe your eyes at the beautiful Kinshu Lake, where the autumn leaves shine, and soothe your body by soaking in the hot springs at Hottoyuda Station
summary
Most of Iwate Prefecture's local lines are unprofitable, and there is a high possibility that they will be abolished following the Iwaizumi Line, or converted into bus lines as BRT, like the Ofunato Line
I would like to preserve for the future as much as possible the railway, which is an important means of transportation for locals and offers a sense of travel that you cannot get on a bus
I'm a former Edokko man who loves Morioka and the six Tohoku prefectures, and I also love history, food, travel, sports, alcohol, and singing. I'll be introducing you to the interesting, delicious, and great things about Tohoku!
![Genbikei Gorge bus stop](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_5931-150x150.jpg.webp "The "Flying Dumplings" are a delicious activity worth seeing! [Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture]")
![Bottled Don (abalone, scallop, salmon roe)](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_5048-150x150.jpg.webp "The definitive Sanriku souvenir, "Bindon" - as delicious as it looks! [Iwate Prefecture]")
