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.
Akita Prefecture is known for its magnificent nature and harsh winters. Facing the Sea of Japan, in winter, rough waves crash against the rocks, creating white foam, and the brisk sea breeze can tingle your skin. However, once winter is over, you can see the quintessential Akita scenery, with rosehips blooming along the coast and seagulls frolicking in the blue sky. Akita Prefecture is also home to high mountains such as Mount Chokai, and you can see the shadow of the mountain across the sea, as well as the Oga Peninsula jutting out from Akita Prefecture
The "Resort Shirakami" train allows you to travel to the Shirakami Mountains, a World Heritage Site, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Akita Prefecture
"Resort Shirakami" is the perfect resort train for travel
Resort Shirakami "Buna" formation
Resort Shirakami is a passenger train on the Gono Line that runs from Akita City to Aomori, with all seats reserved and no smoking allowed on board
The train departs from Akita City, the capital of Akita Prefecture, passes through the nearest station to Shirakami-Sanchi, located on the border between Akita and Aomori Prefectures, and ends in the neighboring prefecture of Aomori. On board, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and greenery of the Sea of Japan, and there are also folk performances. You can also enjoy local cuisine in the lounge. The train stops at each of the famous stations, so it is recommended that you get off and enjoy a stroll
In fact, Resort Shirakami will celebrate its 20th anniversary in April 2017. The new hybrid train "Kuro" was introduced in July 2016 and has a very attractive interior
You can get from Akita City to the Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains in one go on the Resort Shirakami Line. The Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains are a primeval beech forest that was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO natural heritage site
I would like to enjoy nature from Akita to Aomori and travel via the Shirakami Mountains!
Resort Shirakami makes this possible
The Gono Line runs right next to the Sea of Japan! In winter, you can see rough waves and flowering waves
Scenery of the Gono Line running along the Sea of Japan
Resort Shirakami is not a form of public transport used by locals as a means of transportation, but a train for travel. It is designed to allow passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the natural scenery that stretches from Akita City to the Shirakami Mountains and all the way to Aomori Prefecture on a single line. There is an observation lounge on the train where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery passing by at a leisurely pace
The route passes close to the sea, and in winter the rough waves of the Sea of Japan crash against the cliffs, creating white waves in the blizzard. It's a truly spectacular sight
The most spectacular views are the Sea of Japan, which looks completely different in all four seasons, and Mount Iwaki, also known as Tsugaru Fuji. Eventually, the Shirakami Mountains will come into view, and you will be overwhelmed by the grandeur of this World Heritage Site
You can also enjoy gourmet food and alcohol on the train!
Its appeal isn't just that you can relax and enjoy the scenery in a spacious seat. The train also has an onboard sales area where you can enjoy Akita's local alcohol and cuisine. You can also enjoy the scenery with a glass of Akita's famous sake or beer in hand
The Resort Shirakami journey takes about half a day, from Akita City to the last stop. Of course, you can get off along the way and visit nearby tourist spots, but you can also enjoy the ride with friends or family, chatting and savoring food and drinks. Of course, you can also purchase a variety of Akita ekiben (boxed lunches)!
Don't forget to take photos at the scenic spots!
In the observation lounge, you can enjoy not only the view but also folk entertainment
Resort Shirakami has an observation lounge where you can enjoy the view 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 the local dialect. All of these are traditional performing arts from the Tohoku region that have been loved by local people for a long time
One instrument you should especially listen to is the Tsugaru shamisen. There is no single type of shamisen performance; each region has its own unique flavor. The Tsugaru shamisen, which originated in the Tsugaru region, is characterized by its many notes, fast tempo, and powerful, pounding sound. The performance is reminiscent of a snowstorm blowing in the harsh Tohoku winter or the raging waves of the ocean
The Gono Line is attractive in spring, summer, and autumn, and in autumn you can see the autumn leaves of the Shirakami Mountains. Listening to the Tsugaru shamisen in winter while watching the rough waves of the ocean from inside the train is also said to be exceptional. There is a joy to traveling at Resort Shirakami in any season
Each station is attractive! Check out the free pass and pamphlet
The Resort Shirakami, which runs on the Gono Line, is one of the famous resort trains that is often featured in the Japanese media. However, due to its reasonable fares, it is very popular with locals and people from outside the prefecture alike, and reservations fill up quickly on weekends. There are generally three trains per day from Akita Station, and three from the Aomori side. It can be considered an easy tourist train to ride. A free pass is available for purchase, allowing you to get off along the way and board another train, so if you want to get off at the nearest station to the Shirakami-Sanchi to enjoy a walk in the forest, or if you want to enjoy the gourmet food at the stations along the way, we recommend the free pass
Additionally, a free Resort Shirakami information pamphlet is available at Akita Station in Akita City, the prefectural capital of Akita Prefecture. It is available in both Japanese and English, and introduces the Resort Shirakami line, the Shirakami-Sanchi mountain range, and the walking and gourmet spots at stations along the way
This pamphlet is also useful for traveling in Akita Prefecture, so be sure to pick one up when you visit Akita Station. It's sure to make your trip even more enjoyable
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