[Aomori Prefecture] 3 recommended local train routes! Enjoy cherry blossoms, apples, the sea, and snow from the train window

Aomori Prefecture's local lines are characterized by many local lines such as stove trains and school 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 local line?

In a broader sense, it refers to regional railway lines with few passengers, but here we selected them based on the following criteria.

  • Single track with few passengers, high possibility of closure
  • There are steam locomotive trains and sightseeing trains, and there are many spots for great photos.

In addition, routes that span two prefectures are considered local lines of the prefecture where the route starts.


Tsugaru Railway Line (Tsugaru Goshogawara Station - Tsugaru Nakazato Station: 12 stations 20.7 km)

Locals on the Tsugaru Peninsula call it ``Tsutetsu,''

Tsugaru 21 type diesel train on the Tsugaru Railway Line
Tsugaru 21 type diesel train on the Tsugaru Railway Line

Japan's only wooden arm signal is still in use, and you can see the good old railway scenery, such as tablets and staff exchanges that are unique to single-track trains.

Recommended points for the Tsugaru Railway Line!

There are many attractions along the Tsugaru Railway line, ``Old Kanagi-cho, which was recognized as the area with the most Tsugaru dialect in Aomori on ``Himitsu no Kenmin SHOW,'' ``Ashino Park,'' which is famous for its cherry blossom tunnel. there is.


Osamu Dazai Memorial Museum “Shayokan” (Kanagi Station)

Former Kanagi-cho , famous not only for its strong Tsugaru dialect but also as the birthplace of enka singer Ikuzo Yoshi and the writer Osamu Dazai, is now Goshogawara City

Osamu Dazai Memorial Museum “Shayokan”
Osamu Dazai Memorial Museum “Shayokan”

The birthplace of the writer Osamu Dazai (a nationally important cultural property) is located near Kanagi Station, and is open to the public as Osamu Dazai Memorial Museum ``Shayo-kan.''

Shayokan<Information>

Google Map


Ashino Park (Ashino Park Station)

There are over 1,500 cherry blossom trees in Ashino Prefectural Park, and it has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots

Ashino Koen Station
Ashino Koen Station

The ``Kanagi Cherry Blossom Festival'' is held during the golden week of May the ``cherry blossom tunnel'' that is a sight to behold.

Ashino Park<Information>

Google Map


stove train

It has been in operation since 1936, and the current vehicle is the fourth generation.

Stove installed inside the train
Stove installed inside the train

There is one Daruma stove for the conductor to burn coal on, one on each row of seats on the left and right, and a grill for grilling dried squid on top.

Surume on the stove train
Surume on the stove train

You can have the squid grilled by a tourist attendant, and with a guide who speaks Tsugaru dialect, you can enjoy local sake while looking out at the silver world.

Tsugaru Railway <Information>


JR Ominato Line (Noheji Station - Ominato Station: 11 stations 58.4km)

This line, which runs along Mutsu Bay, is named the ``Hamanas Bay Line Ominato Line,''

Kiha 100 series diesel train on the Ominato Line
Kiha 100 series diesel train on the Ominato Line

This route runs through fields near the coastline and is dotted with many photo spots.

Recommended points for JR Ominato Line!

In May, a yellow carpet of rape blossoms appears in Yokohama Town, which is located at Mutsu-Yokohama Station, and many tourists visit the rape blossom festival


Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato Base (Ominato Station)

It is in charge of guarding the Tsugaru Strait, and its majestic appearance can be seen from various places in Mutsu City while the destroyer is in port.

Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato Base
Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato Base

The stone-built historical museum "Hokuyo-kan" was built in 1916 and was selected as one of the famous Japanese buildings of the Taisho and Showa eras.

Speaking of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, you can also enjoy the traditional ``Friday Curry'' from the former Navy, and ``Ominato Maritime Self-Defense Force Curry'' Mutsu City.

Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato District Unit <Information>

  • Name: Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato District Unit
  • Address: 2-50 Ominato-cho, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture 035-0093
  • Phone number: 0175-24-1111 (extension) 2304 (Public Relations Promotion Office)
  • Official URL: Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato District Unit

Google Map


Resort Asunaro Shimokita

HB-E300 series (temporary rapid service “Resort Asunaro Shimokita”)
HB-E300 series (temporary rapid service “Resort Asunaro Shimokita”)

It operates one round trip per day along Mutsu Bay (two round trips during peak seasons), and a tourist information monitor is installed above the rotating reclining seats in a 2+2 arrangement, and there is an observation space behind the driver's cab where you can enjoy the scenery in front of you. there is.

*The operation of "Resort Asunaro Shimokita" will end in 2023, and the temporary rapid service "Hinabi Shimokita" is currently operated between Hachinohe Station and Ominato Station on the sightseeing train "Hinabi (Yotabi)", which is a modified version of "Resort Asunaro". I am.


JR Hachinohe Line (Hachinohe Station - Kuji Station: 24 stations 64.9km)

This is a route where you can enjoy a variety of scenery, including magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and rural scenery.

Kiha E130 series diesel cars (500 series) operating on the Hachinohe Line
Kiha E130 series diesel cars (500 series) operating on the Hachinohe Line

The line between Hachinohe Station and Same Station is especially nicknamed the ``Umineko Rail Hachinohe City Line.''

Recommended points for JR Hachinohe Line!

All the seafood from the Pacific Ocean is delicious. The area around Hachinohe, where the morning market and alley culture are well-established, is highly recommended for eating and drinking.

Hachinohe morning market

Tatehana Quay Morning Market
Tatehana Quay Morning Market

Hachinohe, a port town representing Aomori Prefecture, has a lot of fresh seafood, so there are morning markets in various areas.

  • Mutsu Minato Station Morning Market
  • Tatehana Quay Morning Market
  • Hachinohe Umineko Morning Market
  • Hachinohe sunset market

There are many other morning markets, so we recommend getting up early when you come to Hachinohe.


Kabujima (Same Station)

Kabushima&#39;s black-tailed gull
Kabushima's black-tailed gull

The entire connected island is a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls and has been designated as a national natural monument

The grounds of Kabushima Shrine
The grounds of Kabushima Shrine

Kabushima Shrine , and there are up to 30,000 black-tailed black-tailed gulls flying around the area, so be careful of ``dung bombs.'' Umbrellas are available for rent to protect you from droppings, so we recommend using them.

Kabushima Shrine<Information>

  • Name: Kabushima Shrine
  • Address: 56-2 Same-cho, Hachinohe-shi, Aomori 031-0841
  • Phone number: 0178-34-2730
  • Official URL: http://kabushimajinja.com/

Google Map


Restaurant train “TOHOKU EMOTION”

It has been operating mainly on weekends since 2013, and you can enjoy meals prepared in a live kitchen while looking out over the Pacific Ocean.

Restaurant train “TOHOKU EMOTION” (Kiha 110 series 700 series)
Restaurant train “TOHOKU EMOTION” (Kiha 110 series 700 series)

This popular train has 7 private rooms and open dining with tables for 2 and 4 people.The outbound train departs from Hachinohe at 11:06 a.m. and offers an all-you-can-drink lunch course, while the return journey from Kuji at 2:18 p.m. offers dessert and tea. .


Other local trains you should take in Aomori

There are many other local lines within Aomori Prefecture that have been loved by locals.


Konan Railway Konan Line (Hirosaki Station - Kuroishi Station: 13 stations 16.8km)

Konan Railway Konan Line &quot;Tanbo Art Station&quot;
Konan Railway Konan Line "Tanbo Art Station"

It has a history of opening in 1927 and the ``Rice Paddy Railway'' , and is a commuting route for high school students from Kashiwagi Agricultural, Onoe Sogo, Kuroishi, and Kuroishi Commercial schools along the line.


Konan Railway Owani Line (Owani Station - Chuo Hirosaki Station: 14 stations 13.9km)

Konan Railway Owani Line &quot;Chuo Hirosaki Station&quot;
Konan Railway Owani Line "Chuo Hirosaki Station"

the "Apple Orchard Railway ," it contributes to the commuting of Hirosaki, Tooku Gijuku, and Seiai high school students and Hirosaki Gakuin University students along the line.

Please note that the two lines of Konan Railway are not connected and are independent lines.

Konan Railway <Information>


JR Tsugaru Line (Aomori Station - Mimaya Station: 18 stations 55.8km)

The sight of the Shimokita Peninsula floating beyond the spectacular view of Mutsu Bay from the train window is impressive.

Kiha 40 series diesel cars on the JR Tsugaru Line
Kiha 40 series diesel cars on the JR Tsugaru Line

Before the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, sleeper trains were operated as the Tsugaru Kaikyo Line

The final stop, Minmaya Station , receives about 20 passengers a day, and has been selected as one of the top 100 stations in Tohoku


JR Gono Line (Higashi-Noshiro Station - Kawabe Station: 43 stations 147.2km)

Gono Line local trains (Kiha 40 and 48 types) retired in 2021
Gono Line local trains (Kiha 40 and 48 types) retired in 2021

"Go" stands for Goshogawara Station, but the final stop Kawabe Station in Inakadate Village .

The view of the Sea of ​​Japan is spectacular, and you can enjoy live Tsugaru shamisen music and a Tsugaru dialect storyteller experience on ``Resort Shirakami.''


summary

All of the local lines in Aomori give you the feeling of traveling north, and I especially recommend the Gono Line, which runs along the Sea of ​​Japan.However, since the starting point of the line is Higashi-Noshiro Station in Akita, it is not explained in detail in the Akita Prefecture Local Lines article. Masu.

Please note that due to the heavy rain disaster in August 2022, the Gono Line, Tsugaru Line, and Hanawa Line are currently suspended and are awaiting restoration.


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