The Nishikigawa Seiryu Line is a 38.3 km railway that runs between Iwakuni Station and Nishikicho Station in Iwakuni City. Its trains are themed around natural scenery in harmony with a clear-flowing river. The four pastel-colored designs are cherry blossom pink, forest green, firefly yellow, and clear-stream blue.
Nearly the entire line follows National Route 187 and the Nishiki River, which is also crossed by Kintaikyo Bridge. There are many sights along the way, including waterfalls and submersible bridges. The trains’ large windows offer clear views of the changing seasonal scenery, from cherry blossoms and fields of canola flowers in spring to amago trout and ayu sweetfish swimming in the river in summer.
The Tokotoko Train, a sightseeing trolley, departs from Nishikicho Station, the last stop on the line. It operates mainly on weekends and national holidays, except during winter from December through February. The trolley travels along part of a former railbed originally intended for a railway line. Inside the Kirara Dream Tunnel, glowing fluorescent stones create a galaxy-like display, immersing passengers in a dreamlike world. The Tokotoko Train takes about 40 minutes to reach its final stop, Sozukyo Onsen Station. From there, visitors can relax at the hot spring on a day trip or stay overnight.
Highlights
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Take in the natural scenery along the clear-flowing river while enjoying the train ride.
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Enjoy a leisurely excursion through scenery that changes with the seasons.
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Special programs include sake-tasting trains, gourmet trains, and hands-on train driving experiences.
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Inside the waiting room at Nishikicho Station is a display of signs, commemorative tickets, timetables, and other items from the Japan National Railways era.