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What is IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway? A detailed explanation of the line's features and why it's loved by locals [Iwate Prefecture]

There are railway companies all over Japan that have been established under the third sector system, whereby the national and local governments and the private sector jointly invest and operate the company. However, a well-known company in Iwate Prefecture is IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Co., Ltd., which operates the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line, which runs from Morioka Station in Iwate Prefecture to Metoki Station in Aomori Prefecture

In this article, we will explain in detail what the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway is and why it is loved by locals

What is the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway

The IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line is a railway line operated by IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Co., Ltd., which was established on May 25, 2001

This refers to the Tohoku Main Line, which was originally operated by JR East, but with the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen from Morioka to Hachinohe, it was separated from JR East as a parallel conventional line between Morioka Station and Hachinohe Station, running south of Meji Station on the Iwate Prefecture side

In fiscal 2020, third-sector railway companies often posted large losses due to a natural decline in passenger numbers and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway also posted a loss, it continued to operate profitably from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2016, which suggests that the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line is a relatively popular line

Reference: Nihon Keizai Shimbun "Iwate Galaxy Railway to post largest-ever final deficit for fiscal year ending March 2021"

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway so loved by locals?

Here are three reasons why IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway is loved by locals

Reason #1 why the locals love it: Barrier-free awareness

On the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway website, you can see floor plans for all stations, and you can see that the facilities are designed with barrier-free access in mind

We compared the station maps of JR East and IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway and compiled a table showing the barrier-free facilities available

Railway company name

Site map

Barrier-free facility information

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway

All stations can be viewed on the website

・Wheelchair-accessible toilet ・Diaper changing table ・Ostomate ・Getting in and out ramp・Writing device

・Elevator

JR East

Station maps are available on the website, but some stations do not have maps

・Talking reserved seat ticket vending machines ・Wheelchair accessible toilets ・Baby rest room ・Slopes ・Elevators

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway posts maps of all of its stations on its website, so if you collect barrier-free information about the stations you will be getting on and off at in advance, it will make your trip easier

In addition, by combining the "IGR Regional Medical Line" and the "Safe Hospital Visit Ticket," a service is provided in which attendants provide boarding support and people going to the hospital and their caregivers can ride at a discounted fare, so it can be said that an environment has been created in which people who need to make regular medical visits can do so with peace of mind

Reference: JR East "Stations with station maps"

Reference: IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway "Station Information"

Reference: IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway "IGR Regional Medical Line"

Reason #2 why it's loved by locals: The special tickets are fun

If you click on the "Discount Tickets" tab on the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway website, you will find many discount tickets that will allow you to enjoy traveling by train

For example, the "Oku-Nakayama Kogen Ski Ticket," which is on sale from December 18, 2021 to March 27, 2022, includes a set of "round-trip fare from the departure station to Oku-Nakayama Kogen Station," "unlimited boarding and disembarking on Iwate Kenhoku Buses," "one-day lift ticket for Oku-Nakayama Kogen Ski Resort," and "original Iwate Children's Forest Yokai Stamp Rally card," and costs up to 3,700 yen per adult

Okunakayama Kogen Ski Resort also offers discounted rental services for skis, snowboards, and clothing, so if you purchase this ticket, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding without having to carry anything

All of the tickets are packed with benefits such as round-trip tickets, discount coupons for services, and free meal service, so if you're planning to ride the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway, be sure to take a look at them

Reference: IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway "Discount Ticket"

Reason #3 why it's loved by locals: The official merchandise has great taste

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway's official shop, Ginkira Shop, sells official IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway merchandise

When it comes to railway company merchandise, one might imagine that most of it is meant to be displayed as souvenirs and that there are few practical items, but IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway's merchandise includes items that are easy to use on a daily basis and is gaining popularity

For example, the "Star and Train Notebook," which is listed as a "Popular Item" as of January 2022, is a collaboration product with Rollbahn, which is popular for its easy-to-use features such as an elastic band, perforated 5mm grid, and clear pockets

The royal blue cover features a beautiful constellation pattern familiar from "Night on the Galactic Railroad," and would make a great little gift

Reference: Iwate Galaxy Railway "Ginkira Shop"

summary

We found that IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway is loved by locals because it offers comprehensive services, from train trips to souvenirs

If you ever visit Morioka, be sure to enjoy sightseeing on the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway train

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