[Akita Prefecture] What is the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway? Introducing the small luxuries you can enjoy when using the route

Tomoko Miura, Japan's first female train driver, was born in July 1990 on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway, which connects Takasu Station and Kakunodate Station in Akita Prefecture.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway, which continues to run as a train that brings smiles to the faces of local residents under the banner of ``Smile Rail.''

What is the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway

The Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway is a line operated by the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway Co., Ltd., which was established in 1984 under the third sector system.

Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway
Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway

Not only is the train beautiful in spring, summer, fall and winter, it looks like it just jumped out of a painting, but it continues to operate energetically even in the snow, making it a favorite of not only local residents but also many tourists and train fans. It has been.

What kind of luxury can you enjoy on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway

When traveling, many people want to heal their body and mind by doing something small and luxurious that they wouldn't normally be able to do.

Here are three recommended small luxuries that you can enjoy on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway.

[Recommended Petit Luxury 1] Enjoy authentic hot springs inside the station

Ani Maeda Onsen Station on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway is the first hot spring station building in Akita Prefecture called Quince Moriyoshi.

After passing through the ticket gate and walking straight ahead, you will see the reception desk through the door on your left, so whether you are returning from work or sightseeing, you can immediately soak in the hot springs to relieve your fatigue.

Although the building has a cute exterior that resembles a clock tower, the building's large communal bath, snack corner, and other relaxing spaces are surprisingly spacious, so you'll naturally feel relaxed.

The accommodation facility opened in December 2017, and the standard plan allows you to stay for 6,500 yen, the same price as a business hotel.

Rinse-in shampoo and body soap are provided, and towels can be rented so you can enjoy the experience empty-handed, so if you like hot springs, why not give it a try?

[Recommended Petit Luxury 2] Enjoy a chartered train

Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway has a service that allows you to operate a chartered train.

Choose from four types of vehicles: Tatami car (with karaoke, seating capacity 40 people), observation car (with karaoke, seating capacity 42-43 people), event car (seating capacity 54 people), and regular car (seating capacity 60 people). You can choose to rent a train for as little as 40,000 yen for a one-way trip, or up to 70,000 yen for a round trip.

It seems to be used locally for meetings and alumni gatherings, but I think you can also enjoy a relaxing train journey for making memories with family and relatives in a slightly more luxurious setting, or for traveling with a group.

If you download the application form from the website and apply at least one month before your boarding date, you can use it, so if you like train travel, why not take a look at the website?

[Recommended Petit Luxury 3] Enjoy rice field art

On the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway, you can enjoy rice field art, which is best viewed from July to early September, and snow art, which is held in February.

Rice field art is unique in that rice is planted in May in a way that looks best when viewed from the train window, and is created every year with a variety of themes, from mascot characters to scenes from local festivals. .

The growth of the rice field art is posted once a week on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway website, so you won't miss the best time to see it.

Additionally, snow art will be held near Jomon Ogada Station from February 4th to February 6th, 2022.

The snow art will be created in a Jomon-style pattern after the Isedotai ruins, a national historic site south of Jomon Ogata Station, and will be illuminated from 16:00 to 21:15.

If you want to enjoy the summer and winter scenery that can only be seen on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway, be sure to check out the rice field art and snow art.

summary

The Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway is a line that connects Takasu Station and Kakunodate Station, and I found out that you can enjoy the small luxuries that are unique to traveling in a variety of ways and relax your mind and body.

If you are interested, please try riding the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway train.

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