This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
Yamagata's railways include the Ou Main Line, which runs through Okitama, Murayama, and Mogami, and the Uetsu Main Line, which runs north-south along the Sea of Japan in Shonai, and the Yonesaka Line and Rikuu West Line, which connect these lines east-west in the north and south of the prefecture
The area is a paradise for local trains, including the two train lines surrounded by these lines, two local train 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.
Routes that cross two prefectures are considered local routes in the prefecture where they originate
Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line (Akayu Station to Arato Station: 17 stations, 30.5 km)
Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line
Commonly known as "Yamatetsu," it is a third-sector company in the Okitama region, and 2004 film "Swing Girls ," famous for the catchphrase "Let's do jazz!", running through the idyllic countryside.
Recommended points of the Flower Nagai Line!
"Flower Nagai Line" suggests, there are many famous flower spots along the line, and it is also one of the leading wine-producing regions in Japan.
The Twitter account of Ayugai Ringo , a station attendant and one of the Railway Girls the Yamatetu Report by Ayumi,
A photo of a decorated train and the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" (Akayu Station)
YR-888 Swing Girls Painted Vehicle
At Akayu Station, you can see a photo of the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" and trains decorated with "Swing Girls" and "Rabbit Stationmaster Mochii" designs
Miyauchi Station's rabbit stationmaster "Mochii"
At Miyauchi Station, the rabbit stationmaster Mochii, the rabbit station staff Ten and Peter, and the part-time turtle assistant stationmaster Kamekichi keep the peace at the station
He will be on a "long vacation" from December 2021, but during that time his source of information will be "Rabbit Stationmaster Mochii" Twitter
JR Aterazawa Line (Kitayamagata Station to Aterazawa Station: 11 stations, 24.3 km)
The Fruit Line Atase Line, which runs through the inland area of the prefecture , departs from Yamagata Station and is a route that is frequently used by students commuting to school.
Kiha 101 series on the Aterazawa Line
It is known for having few cancellations, and is known locally as "the strongest Aterazawa Line" "Aterazawa" is an unusual reading, but there are various theories about its origin and the truth is not well understood.
Recommended points of the JR Aterazawa Line!
The train windows offer a panoramic view of cherry orchards and rural landscapes, making it seem as if time has stopped
Oe Town, where Aterazawa Station is located, is the birthplace of the folk song "Mogami River Boat Song." As you gaze upon the slow-flowing Mogami River from the train window near the station, you will feel a harmony with the melody of the boat song.
Cherry Land Sagae (Uzen Takamatsu Station)
This roadside station, located close to Uzen Takamatsu Station is home to the Sakuranbo Kaikanthe Turkey Hall, where you can purchase local specialties from Turkey, the home of cherries
There are cafes where you can enjoy local cherry sweets, Turkish cuisine cafes, and restaurants serving delicious Yamagata specialties such as boiled sweet potatoes and ball-shaped konnyaku, and the riverside plaza of the Sagae River where families can play is also nearby
Cherry Land Sagae <Information>
Name: Roadside Station Sagae Cherry Land
Address: 919-8 Yakuwa Kawahara, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-0523
The "Kazakko" trolley train operated by JR East in various locations changes to the "Cherry Floating Floating" train in late June each year to coincide with the cherry harvest season
Enjoy the scenery of cherry orchards and countryside while feeling the fresh breeze from the open interior of the car
Other local lines worth riding in Yamagata
is specifically called the "Yamagata Line" because it runs on the standard gauge of the Yamagata Shinkansen with dedicated rolling stock
The other 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 tourist trains such as the Kirakirauetsu
Although both are main lines, they have the feel of a local line
JR Rikuu West Line (Shinjo Station to Amarume Station: 10 stations, 43.0 km)
This line connects the Ou Main Line and the Uetsu Main Line in the north of the prefecture, and is a popular route nicknamed the "Oku no Hosomichi Mogami River Line," where
Kiha 110 series diesel railcar on the Rikuu West Line
However, from May 14, 2022 to 2024, the entire line will be closed due to construction of the Shinjo Sakata Road, and bus transportation will be provided instead
JR Yonesaka Line (Yonezawa Station to Sakamachi Station: 20 stations, 90.7 km)
It was once an important connecting line in the southern part of the prefecture, linking the Ou Main Line and the Uetsu Main Line from east to west, but now it has become a local line with five round trips per day, allowing passengers to enjoy the rural atmosphere and the beauty of the Arakawa River valley
Kiha 110 series diesel railcars, the same type as those on the JR Yonesaka Line
Due to the heavy rains in August 2022, as of September 12th, bus service is being provided on the Yonesaka Line between Imaizumi Station and Sakamachi Station
Two local lines originating in Miyagi Prefecture
Although this article focuses on Miyagi Prefecture's local train lines, we will also introduce some spots within Yamagata Prefecture
Rikuu East Line (Kogota Station to Shinjo Station: 27 stations, 94.1 km)
the "Oku no Hosomichi Yukemuri Line" because it runs through the hot spring areas of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures , and on the Yamagata side you will find Akakura Onsen and Semi Onsen
JR Shinjo Station Locomotive Shed
Senzan Line (Sendai Station to Uzen-Chitose: 18 stations, 58.0 km)
includes tourist spots such as the Omoshiroyama Momijigawa Valley famous for its autumn leaves Risshakuji Temple in Yamadera , famous for Matsuo Basho's haiku
Senzan Line (E721 series 1000 series)
summary
Before the prefecture became a car-oriented society, railways developed as a means of transportation during the snowy winters, but many of the lines were discontinued in the 1970s
Even so, there are still many local lines that are loved by locals and are still going strong
Why not stock up on local sake, wine, and bento boxes featuring Yamagata beef and rice, and ride all the local train lines in Yamagata?
I am a former Edo guy who loves Morioka, loves the six prefectures of Tohoku, and loves history, gourmet food, travel, sports, alcohol, and singing. We'll introduce you to some interesting, delicious, and good things about Tohoku!
![Mogami safflower](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAJYAAACWAQAAAAAUekxPAAAAAnRSTlMAAHaTzTgAAAAaSURBVEjH7cExAQAAAMKg9U9tDQ+gAACAdwMLuAABXZHjmQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== ""Mogami safflower" certified as a Japanese heritage and Japanese agricultural heritage [Yamagata Prefecture]")
![Mogami safflower](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/30121446_m-1-150x150.jpg.webp ""Mogami safflower" certified as a Japanese heritage and Japanese agricultural heritage [Yamagata Prefecture]")
