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
Fukushima Prefecture has many railway lines, including the Tohoku and Yamagata Shinkansen lines in the central area, the Tohoku Main Line as a conventional line, and three local lines
The Joban Line, which runs through the Hamadori region, was closed after the Great East Japan Earthquake, but reopened in March 2020. Fukushima City and Aizuwakamatsu City also have third-sector private railways, which run carriages with a different feel to those on JR lines
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
JR Tadami Line (Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Koide Station: 36 stations, 135.2 km)
This popular local line has been introduced overseas as a scenic route through hidden areas and the "yokozuna of the east."
Kiha E120 series used for local trains on the Tadami Line
In July 2011, heavy rains in Niigata and Fukushima washed away a mountain bridge, and some of the route was replaced by bus service, but the entire line is scheduled to resume operation on October 1, 2022
Recommended points of the JR Tadami Line!
You can enjoy the scenery from the train window in all four seasons, including the fresh greenery of spring, the deep green of summer, the autumn leaves, and the blanket of silvery white in winter
Dotted with remote stations with unique charms and secluded hot springs, this is a line worth getting off to enjoy along the way
Aizu Railway Aizu Line (Nishi-Wakamatsu Station to Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station: 21 stations, 57.4 km)
The former Japan National Railways Aizu Line, which has been privatized, runs directly to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and continues to Asakusa in Tokyo via the Yagan Railway and Tobu Railway lines
AIZU Mount Express (AT-700 and AT-750 diesel railcars)
It takes longer to get to Tokyo than the Shinkansen, but the scenery is beautiful and it's a great value route
Recommended points of Aizu Railway!
In addition to being able to enjoy the scenery of Minamiaizu's rural mountains and the Agagawa River Valley from the train window, we also recommend touring the hot springs along the line. There are many tourist trains, such as the "AIZU Mount Express," which can be boarded with just a ticket
Tonohetsuri (Tonohetsuri Station)
This scenic spot was created by the Aga River valley, and the rocks that remained from erosion and weathering stand like towers. It was designated a national natural monument in 1943
Tower of the Dead
Located very close to Tonohetsuri Station, you can stroll along the promenade with its thrilling suspension bridge and take a break at the restaurant and shop
It consists of two cars and operates mainly on weekends, and as the name suggests, there are three types of seats: tatami seats, trolley seats, and observation seats
The "Oza Toro Scenic Train Aizu Roman" is a train consisting of the trolley car AT-351 and the tatami car and observation car AT-401
The tatami seating area has sunken kotatsu tables, the open trolley seats are popular for their tunnel theater, and the observation deck has reclining seats where you can relax and enjoy the view
Abukuma Express Line (Fukushima Station to Tsukigi Station: 24 stations, 54.9 km)
It runs parallel to the east side of the Tohoku Main Line and joins the Tohoku Main Line at Tsukinoki Station in Miyagi Prefecture, with some trains running directly to Sendai Station
Abukuma Express Line (AB900-3)
It is a rare fully electrified line among third-sector companies, and in 2019 it introduced the new "AB900 series" rolling stock, which is said to be a play on words with its nickname "Abukyu."
Recommended points of the Abukuma Express Line!
From the train window, you can enjoy the nostalgic scenery of the countryside and orchards, as well as the Abukuma River
There are many parks and recreational facilities along the line, and there are plenty of spots you'll want to stop off at along the way, such as the JAXA Space Center and Sennan Craft Beer, where you can sample craft beer
A great value free ticket that lets you get on and off as many times as you like in one day
Abukuma Express Line Fukushima Station
The Abukuma Express All-Line Free Ticket, which is sold 14 times a year on the first Sunday of every month, New Year's Day, and Railway Day (October 14th), allows you to ride as much as you want in one day and enjoy your trip to your heart's content, getting off at any station along the way.
There are also various other free tickets available, such as the "Abukyu Tokudane Ticket," "Junior and Senior High School Student Winter Discount One Coin Ticket," and "Senior Discount One Coin Ticket," and basically all tickets allow you to get on and off trains as many times as you like on the day of purchase
Fukushima Transportation Iizaka Line (Fukushima Station to Iizaka Onsen Station: 12 stations, 9.2 km)
1000 series train (formerly Tokyu Corporation) stopping at Iizaka Onsen Station
Fukushima Transportation's railway line runs from Fukushima Station to Iizaka Onsen Station. Nicknamed the "Iizaka Train" or "Iiden,"Iizaka Onsen , and is a popular means of transportation for local residents commuting to work or school.
From 2016 to 2018, the 1000 series trains acquired from Tokyu Corporation (now Tokyu Corporation) were in operation
Recommended points of Fukushima Transportation Iizaka Line!
You can enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the train window, passing close to private homes and orchards, and competing with cars on the national highway. At Fukushima Station, the starting point, you can see the unusual sight of the same platform being shared with the Abukuma Express Line, which is run by a different company
Fukushima Station platform
"One-Day Free Ticket" includes unlimited travel and admission to nine Iizaka Onsen public baths , and is a great deal as you can receive discounts and bonuses at stores along the line.
Iizaka Onsen (Iizaka Onsen Station)
Iizaka Onsen Station
Outside the purely Japanese-style station building is a hot spring town, one of the three famous hot springs in Oshu, where Matsuo Basho also stopped by on his "Narrow Road to the Deep North" to admire the charming sloping streets. The hot spring town has many famous restaurants serving Fukushima's B-grade gourmet dish "Disc Gyoza," which you can enjoy eating along with "Iizaka Ramen."
Other local train lines you should ride in Fukushima Prefecture
There are three charming local lines on the JR Koriyama Station conventional line, and it would be fun to try riding all three lines from Koriyama as your base
JR Ban'etsu East Line (Iwaki Station to Koriyama Station: 16 stations, 85.6 km)
110 series diesel railcar on the Ban'etsu East Line
It runs through the Abukuma Highlands, so the "Yuyu Abukuma Line," and is the only JR line that runs entirely within Fukushima Prefecture.
JR Ban'etsu West Line (Koriyama Station to Niitsu Station: 43 stations, 175.6 km)
There are trains that run directly to Niigata Station, and the line is popular with enthusiasts as it features switchbacks that cross the mountains. Nicknamed the "Railway of Forest, Water and Romance," it operates special tourist trains such as the "SL Banetsu Monogatari."
JR Suigun Line (Mito Station to Asaka-Nagamori Station: 45 stations, 137.5 km)
Kiha E130 series diesel railcar on the Suigun Line
the "Oku-Kuji Clear Stream Line ," the route crosses the clear waters of the Kuji River many times, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
During the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, special tourist trains such as trolley trains are operated
summary
Of the six Tohoku prefectures, Fukushima Prefecture has the most local train lines, and you can get a taste of the local atmosphere even on the Tohoku Main Line and Joban Line
You can easily get there from the Tokyo metropolitan area by using the Shinkansen, so it's recommended for those who like local trains
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!
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