Do you know the resort “Shirakami”? Resort train connecting Akita and Aomori

Akita Prefecture is a prefecture characterized by magnificent nature and harsh winters. It faces the Sea of ​​Japan, and in winter, white foam dances from the waves crashing against the rocks, and the strong sea breeze makes your skin tingle. However, once the winter is over, you can witness a scene that is truly Akita-like, with the seaside bushes blooming and seagulls frolicking in the blue sky. Akita Prefecture is also home to a high mountain called Mt. Chokai, and you can see the shadow of the mountain on the other side of the sea, as well as the Oga Peninsula that juts out from Akita Prefecture.

The ``Resort Shirakami'' train is a train that allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Akita Prefecture while traveling to the Shirakami Mountain Range, which is designated as a World Natural Heritage Site.

``Resort Shirakami'' is the perfect resort train for traveling.

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Resort Shirakami is a passenger train called the Gono Line, which runs between Akita City and Aomori, with all seats reserved and no smoking allowed on the train.

It departs from Akita City, the capital of Akita Prefecture, passes through the nearest station to Shirakami-Sanchi, which is located on the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures, and ends at the neighboring prefecture, Aomori Prefecture. Inside the train, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and greenery of the Sea of ​​Japan, and there will also be performances of folk performing arts. You can also enjoy local flavors at the lounge. The train stops at famous stations, so we recommend getting off and enjoying a walk.

In fact, Resort Shirakami will celebrate its 20th anniversary in April 2017. In addition, the new hybrid vehicle "Ko" introduced in July 2016 has a very attractive interior.

You can go from Akita City to Shirakami Mountains with just one train. Shirakami-Sanchi is a primeval beech forest that was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO natural heritage site.

I want to enjoy nature from Akita to Aomori and travel via the Shirakami Mountains!

Resort Shirakami is the place to do just that.

The Gono Line runs right next to the Sea of ​​Japan! Rough waves and wave flowers in winter

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Resort Shirakami is not a public transportation used by locals for transportation, but a train for traveling. It is designed so that you can enjoy the beautiful nature that stretches from Akita City to the Shirakami Mountains and Aomori Prefecture on one line. There is an observation lounge inside the train, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as it passes by.

Because it passes right by the sea, in winter the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan crash against the quay, causing white waves to dance in the snowstorm. It's very impressive.

The spectacular views are of course the Sea of ​​Japan, which looks completely different in spring, summer, fall and winter, and Mt. Iwaki, also known as Tsugaru Fuji. Eventually, the Shirakami Mountains will come into view, and you will be overwhelmed by the majesty of this world natural heritage site.

You can also enjoy gourmet food and drinks on the train!

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Its appeal is not only that you can enjoy the scenery from a spacious seat. There are also on-board sales on the train where you can enjoy Akita alcohol and food. You can also enjoy the scenery with Akita's famous sake or beer in hand.

Resort Shirakami is a journey that takes about half a day from Akita City to the final destination. Of course, you can enjoy it by getting off midway and visiting nearby tourist spots, but you can also enjoy it by riding with friends and family and chatting while enjoying food and drinks. Of course, you can also purchase various Akita ekiben!

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Don't forget to take photos at the scenic points!

At the observation lounge, you can enjoy not only the scenery but also folk performing arts.

Resort Shirakami has an observation lounge where you can enjoy the scenery in an open space similar to a hotel lobby. However, the view is not the only thing you can enjoy at the observation lounge. In this lounge, you can enjoy Tsugaru shamisen performances, puppet shows, and storytelling in dialect. All of them are traditional performing arts from the Tohoku region, and have been loved by local people since ancient times.

I especially want to listen to the Tsugaru shamisen. There is not just one type of shamisen performance, but each region has its own local flavor. The Tsugaru shamisen, which originated in the Tsugaru region, is characterized by its large number of notes, fast tempo, and intense, pounding performance. The performance is reminiscent of a blizzard blowing in the harsh winter of Tohoku or the waves of the ocean.

The Gono Line is attractive in spring, summer, and autumn, and you can also see the autumn leaves of the Shirakami Mountains. Tsugaru shamisen, which you can listen to in winter while watching the rough waves of the ocean, is said to be something special. No matter the season, spring, summer, fall or winter, you can find the joy of traveling at Resort Shirakami.

Each station is also attractive! Check out free passes and brochures

The ``Resort Shirakami'' that runs on the Gono Line is one of the famous resort trains that is often featured in the Japanese media. However, due to the reasonable fares, it is very popular both locally and outside the prefecture, and reservations fill up quickly on holidays. Basically, there are three trains a day from Akita Station, and three from the Aomori side. It can be said to be a travel train that is easy to ride. Free passes are available that allow you to reboard another train even if you get off the train midway, so if you want to get off at the station closest to Shirakami-Sanchi and enjoy a walk in the forest, or if you want to enjoy the gourmet food at the stations along the way, you can use the free pass. Pass is recommended.

In addition, information pamphlets about Resort Shirakami are distributed free of charge at Akita Station in Akita City, the capital of Akita Prefecture. Not only the Japanese version but also the English version is distributed free of charge, and it introduces the resort Shirakami route and the Shirakami Mountain Range, as well as walking spots and gourmet spots at stations along the way.

The pamphlet is a useful book for traveling around Akita Prefecture, so be sure to pick it up when you're at Akita Station. It will ensure that your trip will be even more fulfilling.

INFORMATION