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
Aomori Prefecture's local lines are characterized by the large number of local lines, such as stove trains and school commuter trains, as well as coastal lines where you can enjoy views of Mutsu Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Japan
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
Tsugaru Railway Line (Tsugaru-Goshogawara Station to Tsugaru-Nakazato Station: 12 stations, 20.7 km)
Locally"Tsutetsu"known as
Tsugaru Railway Line's Tsugaru 21 Series Diesel Car
The only semaphore signal in Japan is still in use here, and you can see the good old railway scenery, such as tablets and staff changes that are unique to single-track railways
Recommended points of the Tsugaru Railway Line!
Along the Tsugaru Railway line,"Himitsu no Kenmin SHOW"asthe area with the strongest Tsugaru dialect in Aomoriwhich was recognizedthe former Kanagi town,Park, famous for its cherry blossom tunnelAshinothere are many attractions, including
Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum "Shayokan" (Kanagi Station)
, famous not only as a region with a strong Tsugaru dialect but also as the birthplace of enka singer Yoshi Ikuzo and author Osamu Dazai,The former Kanagi TownnowGoshogawara Cityis
Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum "Shayokan"
Near Kanagi Station is the birthplace of the writer Osamu Dazai (a nationally designated Important Cultural Property),Osamu Dazai Memorial Museum, "Shayokan."which is open to the public as the
Shayokan＜Information＞
Name: Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum "Shayokan"
Address: 412-1 Asahiyama, Kanagi-cho, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture
It has been in operation since 1936, and the current train is the fourth generation
A stove installed on the train
There is one potbelly stove on each row of seats, into which the conductor adds coal, and a grill for grilling dried squid is placed on top
Dried squid on the stove train
The tourist attendant will grill the dried squid for you, and you can enjoy it with a guide in Tsugaru dialect while sipping on local sake and gazing out at the silvery world
JR Ominato Line (Noheji Station to Ominato Station: 11 stations, 58.4 km)
This line, which runs along Mutsu Bay,the "Hamanasu Bay Line Ōminato Line"is named
Ominato Line Kiha 100 series diesel railcar
This route runs through wilderness areas near the coastline and is dotted with many photo spots
Recommended points of the JR Ominato Line!
In Yokohama-cho, near Mutsu-Yokohama Station, a yellow carpet of rapeseed flowers appears in May,the "Rapeseed Flower Festival."attracting many tourists to
Ominato Base of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Ominato Station)
It is responsible for guarding the Tsugaru Strait, and when the destroyer is in port, its majestic appearance can be seen from various places in Mutsu City
Ominato Base of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
The stone-built historical museum, "Hokuyokan,"was constructed in 1916 and was selected as one of Japan's finest architectural works from the Taisho and Showa periods.
Speaking of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, they also have the traditional "Friday Curry" inherited from the former Imperial Japanese Navy, and in restaurants in Mutsu City,"Ominato JMSDF Curry."you can enjoy the unique curries of each destroyer, known as
Ominato District of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force <Information>
Name: Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato District Unit
Address: 2-50 Ominatocho, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, 035-0093
HB-E300 series (Special Rapid "Resort Asunaro Shimokita")
One round trip per day (two round trips during peak season) runs along Mutsu Bay, with tourist information monitors installed above the 2+2 rotating reclining seats, and an observation space behind the driver's seat from which to enjoy the scenery ahead
*The Resort Asunaro Shimokita service will end in 2023, and currently the special express train Hinabi Shimokita runs between Hachinohe Station and Ominato Station on the tourist train Hinabi (Sunny Travel), which was converted from the Resort Asunaro
JR Hachinohe Line (Hachinohe Station to Kuji Station: 24 stations, 64.9 km)
This route allows you to enjoy a variety of scenery, including views of the majestic Pacific Ocean and rural landscapes
Kiha E130 series diesel railcars (500 series) operating on the Hachinohe Line
The section between Hachinohe Station and Same Station"Umineko Rail Hachinohe City Line."is particularly known by the nickname
Recommended points of the JR Hachinohe Line!
The seafood from the Pacific Ocean is delicious. The area around Hachinohe, where morning markets and alley culture are deeply rooted, is best enjoyed by people going on food and drink hopping
Hachinohe Morning Market
Tatehana Wharf Morning Market
Hachinohe, a port town representing Aomori Prefecture, is rich in fresh seafood, so there are morning markets in various areas
Mutsu Minato Station Morning Market
Tatehana Wharf Morning Market
Hachinohe Sea Cat Morning Market
Hachinohe Twilight Market
There are many other morning markets, so we recommend getting up early if you come to Hachinohe
The entire island, which is connected to the mainland, is a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls anda national natural monumentis designated as
The grounds of Kabushima Shrine
Kabushima Shrine, and up to 30,000 black-tailed gulls fly around the area, so be careful of "poop bombs." Umbrellas to protect you from the droppings are available for rent, so we recommend using them.
Kabushima Shrine <Information>
Name: Kabushima Shrine
Address: 56-2 Samemachi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, 031-0841
It has been in operation mainly on weekends since 2013, and you can enjoy food prepared in a live kitchen while looking out at the Pacific Ocean
Restaurant train "TOHOKU EMOTION" (Kiha 110 series 700)
The train has seven private rooms and an open dining area with tables for two and four people. The outbound journey from Hachinohe at 11:06 offers an all-you-can-drink lunch course, while the return journey from Kuji at 14:18 offers dessert and tea, making it a popular train
There are many other local train lines in Aomori Prefecture that are loved by locals as a form of transportation
Konan Railway Konan Line (Hirosaki Station to Kuroishi Station: 13 stations, 16.8 km)
Konan Railway Konan Line "Rice Field Art Station"
With a history dating back to its opening in 1927,the "Rice Paddy Railway"and serves as a commuter line for high school students from Kashiwagi Agricultural, Onoue General, Kuroishi, and Kuroishi Commercial High Schools located along its route.
Konan Railway Owani Line (Owani Station to Chuo Hirosaki Station: 14 stations, 13.9 km)
Konan Railway Owani Line "Chuo Hirosaki Station"
the "Apple Orchard Railway," it contributes to the commutes of high school students from Hirosaki, To-O Gijuku, and Seiai High Schools, as well as students from Hirosaki Gakuin University, along its route.
The two lines of the Konan Railway are not connected and are independent lines
JR Tsugaru Line (Aomori Station to Minamaya Station: 18 stations, 55.8 km)
The view of the Shimokita Peninsula floating beyond the magnificent view of Mutsu Bay that unfolds from the train window is impressive
JR Tsugaru Line Kiha 40 series diesel railcar
Before the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen,the "Tsugaru Strait Line."sleeper trains and other services operated on this line, known as
The finalstop, Minmaya Station,has only about 20 passengers a day, butone of the 100 best stations in Tohokuit has been selected as
JR Gono Line (Higashi Noshiro Station to Kawabe Station: 43 stations, 147.2 km)
Gono Line local trains (Kiha 40 and 48 series) retired in 2021
"Go" is the first character of Goshogawara Station, but the final stopKawabe Station in Inakadate Village.
The views of the Sea of Japan are magnificent, and on the sightseeing train"Resort Shirakami,"you can enjoy live performances of Tsugaru shamisen and experiences with Tsugaru dialect storytelling.
summary
All of Aomori's local train lines have a northern travel vibe to them, and we particularly recommend the Gono Line along the Sea of Japan. However, the line actually starts at Higashi-Noshiro Station in Akita, so we've covered it in detail in our article on local train lines in Akita Prefecture
I'm a former Edoite (Tokyoite) who loves Morioka and the six prefectures of Tohoku, and I'm a big fan of history, gourmet food, travel, sports, alcohol, and choral singing.
I'll introduce you to interesting things, delicious food, and great places in Tohoku!
![Lake Usoriyama at Mount Osore](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/25110883_m-1200x900.jpg-150x150.webp "The mysterious world of Shimokita Peninsula Geopark: "The northernmost monkeys at Mount Osore and Hotokegaura" [Aomori Prefecture]")
