[Iwate Prefecture] What is IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway? Detailed explanation from the characteristics of the route to the reasons why it is loved by locals

There are railway companies all over Japan that were established under the third-sector method, jointly funded and managed by the national government, local governments, and the private sector, but the one that is popular in Iwate Prefecture is the one that runs from Morioka Station in Iwate Prefecture to Aomori Prefecture. IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Co., Ltd. operates the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line that connects to Toki Station.

In this article, we will explain in detail the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway, from what kind of route it is to why it is loved by locals.

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line?

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.

Originally, it was a line of JR East, but with the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen from Morioka to Hachinohe, the Tohoku Main Line from Morioka Station to Hachinohe Station was separated from JR East as a parallel conventional line. This refers to the line that runs south of the station on the Iwate Prefecture side.

In 2020, railway companies using the third sector system often had large deficits due to the natural decline in passengers and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and although IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway was also in the red, it was in the black from 2011 to 2016. The IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway line is a relatively popular route, given its continued management history.

Reference: Nihon Keizai Shimbun “Iwate Galaxy Railway faces record deficit for fiscal year ending March 2021”

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway loved by locals?

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

[Reason #1 why it is loved by locals] High barrier-free awareness

On the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway website, you can see maps of all stations, and you can see that they are equipped with barrier-free facilities in mind.

We compared the station maps of JR East and IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway and summarized what kind of barrier-free facilities they have in a table.

Railway company name

Campus map

Barrier-free equipment information

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway

All stations can be viewed from the website

・Wheelchair toilet・Diaper changing table・Ostomate・Slope for getting on and off・Written communication device

・Elevator

JR East

You can view the station map from the website, but there are some stations that do not have a station map.

・Speakable reserved seat ticket vending machine ・Wheelchair accessible toilet ・Baby rest room ・Slope ・Elevator

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway has maps of all stations posted on its website, so it will be easier to go out if you collect barrier-free information for the stations you will be getting on and off from on the website in advance.

In addition, by combining the "IGR Regional Medical Line" and the "Anshin Hospital Ticket," we offer a service where attendants provide ride support for patients going to the hospital and their caregivers at a discounted fare, making it possible for people who need regular hospital visits to It can be said that an environment has been created in which patients can go to the hospital 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 is loved by locals] Special tickets are fun

If you click on the ``Value Tickets'' tab on the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway homepage, you will find many discount tickets that will allow you to enjoy your outings by train.

For example, the "Oku-Nakayama Kogen Ski Ticket", which is on sale from December 18, 2021 to March 27, 2022, includes "round-trip fare from the departure station to Okunakayama Kogen Station", "unlimited rides on the Iwate Prefecture Kita Bus", "Oku A set including a 1-day Nakayama Kogen ski resort lift ticket and an ``Iwate Children's Forest Yokai Stamp Rally original mount'' costs up to 3,700 yen for one adult.

Additionally, Oku-Nakayama Kogen Ski Resort offers a rental discount service for skis, snowboards, and clothing, so as long as you purchase this ticket, you will be able to enjoy skiing and snowboarding comfortably.

These tickets come with lots of benefits such as round-trip tickets, discount tickets for services, and free meals, so be sure to take a look at them at least once if you plan to ride the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway.

Reference: IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway “Value Ticket”

[Reasons why it is loved by locals #3] The official goods have a good taste

IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway's official shop "Ginkira Shop" sells official goods of IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway.

When we think of railway company goods, we tend to imagine that most of them are displayed as souvenirs, and there are few that are practical, but IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway goods are popular as they are easy to use on a daily basis. .

For example, the "Star and Train Notebook" 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 has a beautiful constellation pattern familiar from ``Night on the Galaxy Express,'' and would make a great gift.

Reference: Iwate Galaxy Railway “Ginkira Shop”

summary

It turns out that IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway is loved by locals because it offers a wide range of services, from train outings to souvenirs.

When you visit Morioka, please enjoy sightseeing on the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway train.

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