[Fukushima/Yamagata] Run through Fukushima and Yamagata prefectures! New sightseeing train “SATONO”
table of contents
There is a sightseeing train called
``SATONO'' that just debuted in the Tohoku region in April 2024 In this article, we will introduce the operating sections and days of this new sightseeing train, how to ride it, and sightseeing spots along the line.
What is "SATONO"?
"SATONO" is the nickname of the JR East sightseeing train that just debuted in April 2024.
The origin of the nickname comes from the desire to enjoy the scenery, scents, and culture of the ``hometown''
As of June 2024, SATONO is scheduled to be used on two types of trains.
the Aizu SATONO , which
runs between Koriyama Station and Kitakata Station on the Banetsu West Line in Fukushima Prefecture , and the other runs between Yamagata Station and Sazawa Station This is `` Cherry SATONO ''.
As I will explain later, the Aizu SATONO is driven more days than the other, and this is where SATONO's main activities will be.
When you ride the SATONO, you can see the rich nature and seasons of Tohoku through the large windows.
We also offer a service where you can pre-order traditional cuisine, local cuisine, and local sake from areas along the line and receive them on board.
This is a train that will make your train journey in Fukushima and Yamagata prefectures even more enjoyable.
How to ride SATONO?
Aizu SATONO operating times and days
Introducing Aizu SATONO's operating times and days (information as of June 2024).
・Koriyama departure - Kitakata departure
Koriyama 10:05 → Bandai Atami 10:39 arrival 10:42 departure → Inawashiro 11:07 arrival 11:08 departure → Aizuwakamatsu 11:40 arrival 11:45 departure → Kitakata 12:01 arrival
・From Kitakata - To Koriyama
Kitakata 15:32 departure → Aizuwakamatsu 15:53 arrival 15:58 departure → Inawashiro 16:30 arrival 16:31 departure → Bandai Atami 17:02 arrival 17:03 departure → Koriyama 17:16 arrival
As a general rule, it operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays .
It does not operate on weekdays, even during long holidays and Obon.
Additionally, Aizu SATONO will be suspended from June 15, 2024 to June 30, 2024, as Sakuranbo SATONO (described below) is in service.
When considering riding, be sure to check the operating information on the official website.
Sakuranbo SATONO operating times and days
We would like to introduce the operating hours and days of Sakuranbo SATONO (information as of June 2024).
・Departing from Yamagata - Departing from Yamagata for Sazawa
at 11:15 → Arriving at Kita Yamagata 11:20 Departing at 11:20 → Arriving at Uzen Yamabe 11:27 Departing at 11:28 → Arriving at Uzen Nagasaki 11:33 Departing at 11:33 → Arriving at Sagae 11:39 Departs at 11:50 → Arrives at Sazawa 12:02
・Departing from Sazawa - bound for Yamagata Departing
from Sazawa at 14:06 → Arriving at Sagae 14:17 Departing at 14:21 → Arriving at Uzen Nagasaki 14:26 Departing at 14:27 → Arriving at Uzen Yamabe 14:32 Departing at 14:34 → Arriving at Kita Yamagata 14:42 Departs at 14:42 → Arrives at Yamagata 14:47
According to information available as of June 2024, the service will only operate on Saturdays and Sundays between June 15th and 30th .
It is thought to have been set to coincide with the cherry picking season in Yamagata Prefecture.
How to purchase tickets
Aizu SATONO and Sakuranbo SATONO have reserved green seats in car 1 and reserved seats in car 2, so you cannot ride with just a ticket .
A separate reserved seat ticket is required.
Reserved seat tickets can be purchased at JR station "Midori no Madoguchi" or "Reserved seat ticket vending machines", JR East's online reservation service "Ekinet", major "travel agencies", etc. As a general rule, one month before the boarding date. You can purchase from.
Reserved seat tickets cost 2,000 yen for green seats in car 1 (mainly box seats) and 840 yen for reserved seats (reclining seats) in car 2.
*JR East's official website states, ``If the riding distance is 151 km or more, the green seat fee will be 3,000 yen.'' However, at present, by riding on the SATONO, if the riding distance is 151 km or more, This will never happen.
Tickets cost 1,520 yen (paper ticket) when riding between Koriyama Station and Kitakata Station, and 510 yen when riding between Yamagata Station and Sazawa Station.
"Aizu SATONO" and "Sakuranbo SATONO" are rapid trains, so even if you have a special ticket that does not allow you to ride on a limited express train, you can still ride them by purchasing a reserved seat ticket separately.
Additionally, travel agencies may sell travel products that include rides on these trains.
About seats
SATONO is a two-car train, and car No. 1, the lead car on the Koriyama side, is a green car with box seats.
The box seats are equipped with a table for enjoying meals in the car.
Why not enjoy your lunch box?
Behind the driver's seat, there is a space where you can enjoy the scenery in front of you, and a space where you can sit facing south and take a close look at Lake Inawashiro.
Car No. 2, the lead car on the Kitakata side, is a regular car with reclining seats.
Car 2, like car 1, allows you to enjoy the view of the Tohoku region through its large windows.
*Train travel direction will be reversed between Aizuwakamatsu Station and Kitakata Station.
SATONO vehicle
Author: Shirume – Copyrighted by the poster himself, CC0,
by https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147225649
SATONO's vehicles are the HB-E300 series, which are hybrid vehicles that run on the diesel generator and battery installed on the vehicle.
The body color of Car 1 is a gradation of young leaves and deep green, inspired by the greens of the countryside, mountains, and forests, as well as Tokiwa colors such as Mebuki and Wakaba.
The body color of Car 2 is a gradation of light blue and dark blue, which is reminiscent of the blue sky, the murmuring of a river, the ocean, and snow.
The yellow band common to both vehicles represents sunlight filtering through the trees and light reflecting on the water surface.
Before this vehicle was converted to SATONO, it ``Resort Asunaro'' and ran in northern Tohoku.
Operation of "Resort Asunaro" will end in August 2023, and the two trains used for Resort Asunaro have been converted to "Hinabi" and "SATONO".
Furthermore, Hinabi (Yotabi) has been operating as a special train in Iwate and Aomori prefectures since December 2023, a little earlier than SATONO.
You can also enjoy eating and drinking on board.
It's not just the scenery that you can enjoy at SATONO.
You can
traditional dishes, local dishes, and local sake for each section of service in advance Please use the advance reservation service to place your order
Recommended spots along the Banetsu West Line
We will introduce some of the sightseeing spots along the Ban'etsu West Line, where Aizu SATONO operates.
Inawashiro Local Beer Hall
Inawashiro Microbrewery Hall is located about 10 minutes by bus from Inawashiro Station (get off at Hideyo Noguchi Kinen-mae) or 6 minutes by taxi.
We offer authentic local beer made with Mt. Bandai's famous water and carefully selected German barley and hops.
At the beer restaurant on the second floor, you can enjoy original sausages that go well with local beer while looking out at Mt. Bandai.
Information
- Name: Inawashiro Local Beer Hall
- Address: 85 Murahigashi, Mitsuwa, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:20-17:00 (varies depending on the season, please inquire), meals start from 11:00
- Regular holidays (Please inquire)
- Contact number 0242-63-2177
- URL inawashirojibeer.com
Google MAP
Tsuruga Castle
Tsuruga Castle is located 20 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu Station on
"Haikala-san" In 1953, when Ujisato Gamo built the first full-scale castle tower in eastern Japan, it was named Tsuruga Castle.
During the Boshin War, the castle withstood a month-long onslaught by the new government's forces and became known as an impregnable castle.
The current castle tower was restored in the mid-Showa period, but in 2011 the roof tiles were replaced with the same red tiles that were used at the end of the Edo period, preserving the majesty of this famous castle.
Information
- Name: Tsuruga Castle
- Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
- Business hours: 8:30-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
- Closed every day
- Contact number 0242-27-4005 (Tsuruga Castle) 0242-23-8000 (Tourist information)
- URL Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle) top page
Google MAP
Shingu Kumano Shrine
Shingu Kumano Shrine is located about 10 minutes by car from Kitakata Station.
This is an old shrine that is said to have been founded by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in 1055.
The long floor built as a worship hall has 44 thick pillars lined up in 5 rows at equal intervals, and has an atrium structure with no walls or doors around it.
In front of Nagatoko, there is a large ginkgo tree that is said to be 800 years old, and it is lit up from mid-November to late November, making it a famous spot for autumn leaves.
The attached Kumano Shrine Treasure Hall houses many cultural properties designated by the country and prefecture, and is open for viewing.
However, the ``Wooden Manjusri Bodhisattva Horse and Lion Statue'' will not be available for viewing until April 2025 due to restoration work.
Information
- Name Shingu Kumano Shrine
- Address: 2258 Kumano, Shingu, Keitoku-cho, Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture
- Contact number 0241-23-0775
- URL Shingu Kumano Shrine President Floor
Google MAP
Aizu SATONO's predecessor? "Fruitia Fukushima"
The ``Aizu SATONO'' operated on the Banetsu West Line had a predecessor train.
The train is called " Fruitia Fukushima
It was a train based on the concept of
running cafe using a 719 series train Sweets and juices made with fruits from Fukushima were served on the train.
It was a sightseeing train suitable for traveling through Fukushima Prefecture, also known as the Kingdom of Fruits.
Fruitia Fukushima began operating in conjunction with the Fukushima Destination Campaign held in 2015.
However, the 719 series trains, which were manufactured in the early Heisei era, have become obsolete and will be in service for the last time in December 2023.
Aizu SATONO was chosen to succeed him.
summary
`` fun to ride ,'' is not only useful as a means of transportation when traveling, but also allows you to enjoy magnificent views from the train windows and enjoy local gourmet food on board.
When you go to Tohoku, please consider traveling with SATONO as one of your options.
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