[Yamagata Prefecture] 2 recommended local railway routes! Yamagata, a treasure trove of gourmet food, is a local train heaven

Railways in Yamagata include the Ou Main Line in Okitama, Murayama, and Mogami, the Uetsu Main Line running north and south along the Sea of ​​Japan in Shonai, and the Yonesaka Line and Rikuu West Line connecting them east and west in the north and south of the prefecture.

It is a paradise for local trains, with two lines surrounded by these, two local lines connecting Miyagi Prefecture, and the Yamagata Shinkansen, a mini-shinkansen also known as the "local Shinkansen."

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, for routes that span two prefectures, we decided to use the local line of the prefecture where the route starts.

Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line (Akayu Station - Arato Station: 17 stations 30.5km)

Commonly known as ``Yamatetsu'' , it is located in the third sector of the Okitama region, and it appeared in the movie ``Swing Girls'' (2004) , which is famous for ``Jazz Yarube!'' and became a hot topic when it was seen running through the peaceful countryside. became.

Recommended points on the Flower Nagai Line!

``Flower Nagai Line'' suggests, there are many famous flower spots along the line, and it is also one of the most famous wine-producing regions in Japan.

The service staff Twitter account of one of the Railway Musumes Ringo Ayukai, the Yamatetsu Report by Ayumi,

Link: Yamatetsu station staff (Twitter)

Two shots of wrapped train and Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" (Akayu Station)

At Akayu Station, you can see a two-shot of trains wrapped in ``Swing Girls'' and ``Usagi Stationmaster Mocchi'' ``Tsubasa

Miyauchi Station’s rabbit stationmaster “Mocchii”

At Miyauchi Station, the rabbit stationmaster ``Mocchi'', the rabbit station staff ``Ten'' and ``Peter'', and the part-time turtle assistant ``Kamekichi'' protect the peace of the station.

From December 2021, I will be on a "long vacation," but during that time, "Usagi Stationmaster Mocchi"'s Twitter will be my source of information.

Link: Mocchi Stationmaster [Official] (Twitter)

Yamagata Railway <Information>

• Name: Yamagata Railway Co., Ltd.
• Official URL: https://flower-liner.jp/

JR Aterazawa Line (Kitayamagata Station - Azazawa Station: 11 stations 24.3km)

The Fruit Line Azazawa Line, which runs in the prefecture's interior , runs from Yamagata Station and is a line used by many students commuting to school.

It is known for its few suspensions, and the locals call it the ``strongest Sazawa Line.'' "Aterazawa" is an unusual reading, but there are various theories about its etymology, so the exact origin is not well understood.

Recommended points on the JR Sazawa Line!

You can enjoy cherry orchards and rural scenery from the train window, making it seem as if time has stopped.

Oe-machi, where Sazawa Station is located, is the birthplace of the folk song ``Mogami River Funauta'' , and if you look out at the slow flow of the Mogami River from the train window near the station, you will feel the harmony with the melody of Funauta.

Cherry Land Sagae (Uzentakamatsu Station)

This roadside station is located right next to Uzen-Takamatsu Station includes the Sakuranbo Kaikan, the Turkeykan, where you can purchase specialty products from Turkey, the homeland of cherries

There is a cafe where you can enjoy local cherry sweets, a Turkish restaurant, and a restaurant that serves delicious Yamagata specialties such as boiled sweet potatoes and tama konnyaku, and there is also a riverbed plaza on the Sagae River where you can play with your family.

Cherry Land Search <Information>

• Name: Roadside Station Sagae Cherry Land
• Address: 919-8 Kawara, Yakuwa, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-0523
• Phone number: 0237-86-3111
• Official URL: https://www.cherryland.co.jp/

Google Map

Sakuranbo Kazekko issue

The trolley train ``Kazekko'' operated by JR East in various locations runs as the ``Cherry Kazekko'' every year in late June, during the cherry harvest season

Please enjoy the scenery of the cherry fields and countryside while being blown by the refreshing breeze inside the open car.

Other local trains you should take in Yamagata

The conventional line between Shinjo Station and Fukushima Station on the Ou Main Line is especially called the ``Yamagata Line''

Another main line in Yamagata Prefecture, the Uetsu Main Line , has a section that runs along the Sea of ​​Japan, and you can enjoy sunsets over the Sea of ​​Japan from the windows of sightseeing trains such as Kirakira Uetsu

Although both are main lines, they give you the feel of a local line.

JR Rikuu West Line (Shinjo Station - Amarume Station: 10 stations 43.0km)

This line connects the Ou Main Line and the Uetsu Main Line in the northern part of the prefecture, and is nicknamed the ``Oku no Hosomichi Mogami River Line'' and

However, from May 14, 2022 to 2024, the entire line will be closed due to the construction of the Shinjo-Sakata Road, and bus transportation will be used instead.

JR Yonezaka Line (Yonezawa Station - Sakamachi Station: 20 stations 90.7km)

It used to be an important connecting route connecting the Ou Main Line and Uetsu Main Line from east to west in the southern part of the prefecture, but now it has become a local route where you can enjoy the rural atmosphere and the beauty of the Arakawa Valley, making five round trips a day.

Please note that due to heavy rains in August 2022, as of September 12th, the Yonezaka Line is being operated by bus instead between Imaizumi Station and Sakamachi Station.

Two local lines originating from Miyagi Prefecture

This article deals with Miyagi prefecture's local trains, but we will also introduce spots in Yamagata prefecture.

Rikuu Higashi Line (Ogoda Station - Shinjo Station: 27 stations 94.1km)

the ``Oku no Hosomichi Steam Line'' because it runs through the hot spring areas of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures , and the Yamagata side includes Akakura Onsen and Semi Onsen

Senzan Line (Sendai Station - Uzen Chitose: 18 stations 58.0km)

includes tourist spots such as the Momijigawa Valley at Mt. Omoshiro, famous for its autumn leaves , a mountain temple famous for Matsuo Basho's haiku

summary

Before Yamagata became a motorized society, railroads were developed as a means of transportation during the snowy winters, but many lines were discontinued in the 1970s.

Even so, there are still many local lines that are still working hard and being loved by the locals.

Why not stock up on local sake, local wine, ekiben that tastes Yamagata beef and rice, and ride Yamagata's local trains to the fullest?